White mold in basement areas may be less common than other types of mold, but it should be taken just as seriously. While white mold, or sclerotinia sclerotiorum, is a frequent concern for plants in humid regions, it can also appear in parts of your home where moisture tends to build up and linger. As basements rarely have the same airflow as the rest of the house, they can become ideal environments for white mold to grow and spread.
If you’ve discovered white mold in your basement, there is no need to panic. Our team at First Call has experience with the problems humid environments experience and can help you restore your home to a safe and clean state. Contact us today to set up your free inspection, or keep reading to learn more about what white mold is and what to do about it.
What Is White Mold? How is it Different from Black Mold?
White mold is a type of fungus that thrives in damp and humid conditions. Unlike black mold, which has an infamous, spotty appearance and can be slimy to the touch, white mold tends to look powdery or flaky. It can be overlooked by homeowners in its early stages, as it can resemble the residue water leaves behind after a flood or leak.
Identifying it quickly is important, as white mold can be a sign that there is moisture trapped in your walls. While the mold itself may not hurt your home, moisture trapped in the wood or drywall can slowly lead to rotting. This compromises the structural integrity of your home over time.
Apart from appearances, white mold and black mold have different potential health effects. Black mold causes severe respiratory issues and other serious health concerns. When found inside the home, white mold is generally less toxic. But, it is mold, and it can still produce allergens and irritants. So, addressing it quickly is the best way to keep your family safe. This is especially true if any of your home’s residents have pre-existing health conditions.
What Causes White Mold Growths in the Basement?
White mold growth in basements normally happens when high humidity is combined with poor ventilation. Materials like untreated wood can make conditions even more favorable for it to grow. Basements are particularly susceptible to moisture issues because they are below ground level. They can take in water from outside the home and be the last stop of any leaks inside the home.
As basements are cooler in the cold months, condensation can also form along pipes or windows as the heat inside battles with the cold weather. This means a basement can experience year-round humidity, making it easy for mold to thrive.
All this humidity can become trapped in basements because they rarely have good ventilation. Fewer windows prevent fresh air and sunshine from cleansing and drying the space. Improperly installed air vents or insufficient fans can make it a very stagnant environment. Adding fans, having a professional inspect your ventilation setup, and researching air purifiers can all help mitigate the potential for white mold in the basement.
Is White Mold Dangerous? What You Need to Know
While white mold is generally less hazardous than other molds, there is no such thing as a “safe” mold. If you find white mold in your basement, it is important to address it right away. It is also important to find out what caused the mold, as more harmful forms of mold could also be present.
Exposure to white mold specifically may lead to allergic reactions, including symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, skin irritation, and watery eyes. People with asthma or other respiratory issues may experience worsened symptoms.
It is also important to know that white mold is most common on plants. The very houseplants you may have added to your space to improve the air quality can actually begin to hurt it if white mold starts growing. Keeping an eye on your plants and making sure not to overwater them can stop them from becoming a mold breeding ground in your home or basement.
If you do notice a plant suffering from white sections or white splotches that turn hard and black, be sure to separate it from any other plants. Place it outside if possible, prune any affected areas, and wait until the infected areas fall off before bringing it back into your home.
Can I Remove White Mold from my Basement Myself?
When it comes to removing white mold in your basement, safety should always be a top priority. While there are ways to remove small areas of white mold using vinegar or other mold-specific cleaning solutions, it is not advisable to try this yourself.
Mold can be a complicated issue, and the areas where mold is visible are not always the only areas where it is present. Trying to remove mold can disrupt it and scatter the spores. This can impact you if you inhale it. It can impact your household if the spores travel through your HVAC system. And, you can compromise other surrounding areas of your home. For these reasons, it is best to call a professional mold remediation company who understands your area’s climate.
Mold Prevention is Easier Than Mold Remediation
One thing you can do as a homeowner is focus on prevention by addressing the root causes of mold development. Maintain proper humidity levels and ensure adequate ventilation in your basement. Regularly inspect it for early signs of moisture or mold.
If a water leak does happen, take extra care to thoroughly dry out the area. If you don’t have the proper equipment, hire a professional water damage restoration company to ensure the environment remains dry and mold-free. These things can help you stop mold before it even starts, keeping your home safe and healthy in the long run.
Trust First Call with Your White Mold Removal: We Pair Local Expertise with Decades of Restoration Experience!
Our First Call team is proud to be a trusted remediation and restoration resource for central North Carolina. For the past 35 years, we have been helping homes and businesses throughout the Triangle, Triad and surrounding communities. This hands-on experience in central North Carolina makes us the best choice to help keep your home dry and safe in our humid and often-varied climate.
Whether you’re in Raleigh or Winston-Salem, we offer 24/7 emergency services to help you maintain the health of your home or business. Contact our team today for a free estimate and take a big step toward restoring your home to the condition you and your family deserve.
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Sources:
ActivePure, “Sclerotiniaceae Molds: Their Effects on Plants, People, & Air Quality,” https://blog.activepure.com/how-gray-and-white-mold-affect-you-and-iaq/#:~:text=Reducing%20Sclerotiniaceae%20Molds%20Indoors,the%20control
Bob Villa, “5 Ways to Identify Water Damage vs. Mold (and What to Do Next),” https://www.bobvila.com/articles/water-damage-vs-mold/
University of California, “Sclerotinia Stem and Crown Rot (White Mold),”https://ipm.ucanr.edu/agriculture/alfalfa/sclerotinia-stem-and-crown-rot-white-mold/#gsc.tab=0
