How To Get Rid Of Penicillium Mold: 5 Easy DIY Home Steps

Have you ever noticed a blue or blue-green colored mold settling in the surfaces of your home?  Here’s how to get rid of penicillium mold in five easy steps.

You’ve probably heard of an antibiotic called penicillin, but we bet you are not aware that it is actually made from a type of mold known as penicillium. Although the antibiotic has many health benefits, exposure to the mold it came from will give you the exact opposite. 

how to get rid of penicillium mold

In the following sections, we will get to know more about how penicillium mold looks like, its health effects and give you tips on how to get rid of it.

 

A Brief Overview On Penicillium Mold

Penicillium mold is a very common type of mold, but it can grow even in areas with low humidity, unlike the other types. Therefore, it has more chances of growing on parts of your home, so you have to be extra attentive when it comes to it.

It appears as blue or blue-green and has a heavier musty smell compared to the other mold types. Penicillium mold grows outside on the surfaces of leaves, wood, and rotten fruits and inside on carpets, old mattresses, cushions, and fabrics.

You can also find this mold growing on foods like cheese and bread. Old books are also prone to penicillium mold. 

For further information, try reading this guide on mold identification to know where does penicillium mold grow and more!

 

How does penicillium mold affect your health?

Exposure to mold, regardless of its type and use, is not good for your health. Inhaling mold spores will not do any good to your lungs and would instead cause respiratory issues.

When exposed to penicillium mold, you may experience symptoms like sneezing, coughing, runny nose, shortness of breath, and even chronic sinusitis. In worse cases, the mycotoxins produced by this mold may damage your internal organs. 

Immunocompromised individuals are more prone to health issues caused by exposure to mold. However, this does not take away the possibility of healthy individuals experiencing the same effects.

If you happen to spot mold growth in your home and experience any symptoms, make sure to consult a doctor immediately. 

 

Getting Rid Of Penicillium Mold

Removing penicillium mold is not a safe and simple task. However, if the infestation is not severe, you can deal with it using homemade methods.

 

Step #1. Wear protective gear

Before doing anything, it is very essential to wear protective gear to keep yourself safe as much as possible from mold. Wear a pair of disposable gloves and protective eyewear like goggles.

 

Step #2. Create a mixture for killing mold

Get a container and mix one part of vinegar, mild detergent or hydrogen peroxide, and three parts of water. You can also add an amount of bleach if deemed necessary.

 

Step #3. Apply the mixture

With a spraying bottle, apply the mixture all over the top of the moldy surface. Let it sit for a few minutes.

 

Step #4. Scrub off the mold

Grab a sponge or a gentle brush and scrub the mold from the surface. Do it repeatedly until you no longer see any mold, and be careful to avoid damaging the area.

 

Step #5. Rinse and dry

Once done scrubbing, rinse the area or wipe it with a clean cloth. Afterward, let it dry completely on its own.

When dealing with penicillium mold on upholstery or carpet, unfortunately, in most cases, it will require you to dispose of and replace them. It also goes for moldy food.

If your food is contaminated by mold, there is no way to save it. Please get rid of it and afterward thoroughly clean your fridge to remove remaining mold spores or particles.

Since old books are not safe from mold and chances are you encounter it, you can try reading this article on how to remove mold from paper documents to guide you.

It is better not to risk your health for severe mold infestation cases by calling for professional help. It is what’s advisable not just to keep you safe but also to ensure more effective cleaning and make sure it won’t reoccur.

 

Tips to prevent penicillium mold from growing back

The work does not stop after getting rid of penicillium mold in your house. The next thing you have to do is to make sure it won’t grow back.

Since mold spores linger in the air, it will help if you ensure proper ventilation and good airflow in your home. It will also reduce humidity and dampness, which are the critical factors to mold growth. 

You can also consider using a dehumidifier or air purifier, which is also helpful in reducing humidity inside your home. If the mold contamination persists, try calling experts on mold removal.

 

Conclusion

Out of all the fungi that infest our home, mold has got to be the most common enemy. It grows in areas you don’t expect.

Penicillium mold may be useful, but still, it is not good to keep it in the comfort of your house. Learn how to get rid of penicillium mold and save your and your family’s health from its adverse effects.

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