Are we aware of what does black mold on wood look like and what causes them to appear? When there is water damage on our furniture, expect that black molds will be present after. Stachybotrys chartarum or black mold can most likely live in damp or humid areas.
If there are questions stuck in your head right now about black molds, this article is the best to answer that! We will discuss the appearance, texture, and odor of black molds, what causes them, and how to get rid of them.
What Do Black Molds Look Like On Wood?
You can identify black molds by looking at their colors, shapes, textures, and odors. However, you must be aware of precisely what they look like because they can be dangerous at times. To further explain that, listed here are some characteristics of black molds.
Color
During the early stages of black mold growth, you will notice fuzzy white fibers that look like cotton balls. As it starts to produce spores, it turns green or gray with white color around its edges. Lastly, when the spores become filled in and the mold matures, it turns black or greenish-black.
Shape
When looking for black molds, thoroughly inspect because it can sometimes be tricky due to wood patches and patterns. Black molds can often grow into circular patterns or dark, irregular patterns.
Texture
The texture of black molds may depend if they are still wet or not. When the black mold is still in moist areas, it may look shiny or slimy. On the other hand, black molds will be powdery and dry when water leaks and damages become fixed.
Odor
One more way to find black molds is by identifying if there are foul odors nearby. Since they grow in moist areas, some black molds may smell musty or earthy, and some may resemble the odor of rotten wood or wet socks.
What Are The Possible Causes Of Black Mold?
Water damages are the primary reason for black mold growth on wood. It can be due to flooding, poor ventilation, humidifiers, irregular maintenance, damp cloths, or other factors that may lead to water leaks. Anything moist and wet can be a breeding place for black molds.
Aside from the possible roots of black molds, knowing how long before wood gets damaged from water is also crucial. When wood becomes ruined by water leaks, the appearance of black molds will begin. It can usually take 2 hours to 7 days for mildew growth.
What Should You Do If You See Black Mold?
Upon seeing black molds on wood, it is better to get rid of them immediately. To help you do that, you can follow these steps:
Step #1. Prepare a cleaning solution
If you want to use non-toxic cleaning agents, it is best to use grapefruit seed extract or tea tree oil. If not, you can use bleach, vinegar, or rubbing alcohol. Ensure to mix any of these with water before using them.
Step #2. Wear protective gear
Black molds can lead to allergic reactions and respiratory infections, so we recommend wearing protective gear to prevent these health issues. Protective gear may include safety goggles, rubber gloves, facemasks, and overalls.
Step #3. Spray the area
Spray the surface of the black molds with the cleaning solution until it gets saturated. After that, let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes.
Step #4. Scrub the surface
Using a nylon bristle brush, carefully scrub the area to unsettle or lift the mold. Then, use paper towels or rags to wipe the area until the surface becomes clean. Ensure to dispose of everything you use after the cleaning process.
If you have more questions about how to remove mold from water damage, you can also check our article for that!
What Are The Health Effects Of Black Molds?
When exposed to black molds, a person will most likely suffer from upper respiratory tract symptoms. These symptoms may include:
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Fever
- Itchy eyes or skin
- Shortness of breath
- Runny nose
- Rashes
- Wheezing; or
- Other allergic reactions
People with asthma and weaker immune systems are at high risk of being affected by black mold. It can cause various health effects that can be dangerous to a person’s health. If not treated immediately, it can also lead to mycotoxicosis or mold poisoning.
Conclusion
Being aware of what does black mold on wood look like can ensure the safety of your family. However, identifying its appearance is not the end of the journey of black mold growth. You must remove and treat them immediately because they can be harmful otherwise.
Black molds can be challenging to deal with, so you must be careful with this matter. If you think you cannot handle this on your own, you can call a professional mold remediation company instead to do the work for you. By correctly taking care of this mold issue, you can breathe peacefully without worrying about any danger black molds can bring to your family.