What Is Green Mold and Is It Dangerous?

Green mold is the common name for any fungi that grows green. Like all types of mold, it will grow inside your home with a consistent water source. You may think it needs a major water source, like a leak or a flood. But it can even grow in humid environments or areas with heavy condensation if you have poor ventilation. Once it appears, it will continue to grow as long as the water remains. We explain whether green mold is dangerous and how to get rid of it in your home.

What Is Green Mold?

Green mold is the blanket name for any species of fungi that appear in shades of green. The most common types of green mold species are Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Penicillium, and Trichoderma. However, the colors of mold vary widely, and color alone is not enough to determine what type of mold you have.

The color can range from lime green to olive or even deep forest greens. While most common on foods, it will grow on damp walls, wet carpeting, or other areas with moisture buildup in your home.

Since all molds thrive in damp conditions, the key to preventing green mold growth is controlling moisture levels. This includes repairing water leaks, improving ventilation, and using dehumidifiers in damp areas.

It can cause structural issues or even mild health risks, so it is important to repair the moisture issue and remove the mold quickly. Waiting only increases the cost of cleanup and mold removal.

Where Does Green Mold Grow?

Green mold in your house will grow anywhere with a high moisture level. This includes areas with water leaks but also spaces with high humidity or condensation.

You usually find it in basements, bathrooms, crawl spaces, and kitchens, but it will appear anywhere with enough moisture.

It is most common on porous materials like carpeting, ceilings, walls, and wood. This is because they offer the nutrients necessary for mold to thrive. Green mold on wood studs is especially common after basement floods or if you have a persistent water leak.

On the outside of your house, it is most common on siding and wood surfaces. Unlike algae, it prefers shade.

How Do You Tell the Difference Between Green Mold and Algae?

There are several key differences between green mold and algae, but the main one is their texture.

Green mold growth looks fuzzy or powdery with a cotton-line texture and a distinct blue-greenish color. In contrast, algae are almost always slimy or slippery, and the color is a mix of greens, browns, and even reds.

Algae normally grow on rocks, pavers, and roofs with poor drainage. However, it can grow down exterior walls or siding if it is already growing on the roof above. Green mold prefers high-moisture environments and usually grows on nutrient-rich surfaces like carpets, ceilings, and walls. But it can grow anywhere enough water is present.

Algae need sunlight to grow, while molds prefer lower amounts of light. Mold will smell musty, while algae might have no smell at all or can smell like plants or even like decomposing leaves.

Molds are usually dry to the touch and may release greenish spores into the air when disturbed. Algae are typically slimy and wet when touched and may have a slick or oily feel. Due to the risk of skin rashes or irritation, you should wear nitrile gloves when doing a touch test.

If you are still unsure about where you have mold or algae, contact a mold removal specialist. They will inspect your home and offer the right steps to resolve the problem.

Is Green Mold Dangerous?

All molds pose certain risks. While so-called toxic black mold is often considered the most dangerous, any colored mold is a bad sign.

Green mold is dangerous if you have allergies, certain respiratory diseases, or chronic health issues. However, it is low-risk for most healthy people.

The most significant health risk is allergy-like symptoms, but it can lead to sinus infections. Living in a home with mold can lead to a runny nose, watery eyes, and coughing. In rare cases, it can cause lung inflammation or pneumonia.

However, it usually poses a bigger risk to your home. Since molds decompose organic materials, it is basically eating your house. Water and mold will eventually destroy walls, cabinets, and carpeting. With enough time, it can actually eat through your home.

Do I Need to Test for Green Mold?

Although lab tests are available, a visual mold assessment is often conclusive enough to decide how to get rid of your green mold problem. Mold tests are usually only needed for insurance purposes or in rare medical situations. Test results rarely impact the mold removal process.

A simple bleach test can quickly check if you have a mold problem. Spray the area with undiluted bleach and wait 30 minutes. If the color fades or the stain shrinks, it’s probably mold. While bleach kills mold, it will not prevent it from coming back.

How To Get Rid of Green Mold

You can get rid of green mold by repairing the water source and removing the damaged materials. While you can clean or kill the mold, it will come back if you do not fix the water problem.

• Find and Fix the Water Source– Mold will always return unless you fix the water leak. Determine the source and make repairs as necessary.
• Remove Standing Water– Next, remove water from the area. Use a towel or mop to soak up standing water.
• Throw Away Damaged Materials– Throw away anything saturated with mold or damaged by the water.
• Dry the Area– Then use high velocity fand and structural drying dehumidifiers to dry the area where green mold is growing.
• Disinfect and Deodorize– Disinfect your home with bleach to kill any remaining mold spores. Sprinkle on baking soda to remove smells.
• Restore Your Home– Finally, make repairs to restore your home. The exact process will vary depending on the extent of the mold damage.

How To Kill Green Mold Inside Your House

The best way to kill green mold in your house is with a mild bleach solution. Add an ounce of bleach to a 16 oz spray bottle and fill with warm water. Spray the area to kill the mold, then rinse with warm water.

Alternatively, add a cup of bleach to a gallon of warm water, then wipe down larger infestations with a rag. Always wear elbow-length gloves because bleach and mold can irritate your skin.

Since bleach can stain, use distilled white vinegar to kill mold on carpeting and fabrics. Spray the vinegar on and wait 30 minutes before scrubbing with a clean cloth. Again, wear gloves to prevent rashes or skin irritation.

While bleach or vinegar will kill surface mold, it will not penetrate deep into the material. So unless you fix the moisture issue, the mold will eventually return.

How To Clean Green Mold Stains

Even after killing green mold, it can leave green, grey, or brown stains on walls, flooring, and other surfaces. The best way to clean mold stains depends on the material involved.

• Walls and Ceilings– Clean with soap and water. Then repaint the damaged area with stain-blocking primer followed by a top coat.
• Carpeting– Scrub gently with liquid dish soap and warm water. Then rinse the area with water and dry thoroughly.
• Hardwood– Clean with oil soap. For persistent stains, gently sand and refinish the wood.
• Bathroom Tile– Make a baking soda paste and then spray on vinegar to gently foam the tile. Wipe clean with a damp cloth.
• Cabinets and Countertops– Clean with baking soda and vinegar, then wipe with a dry cloth.
• Exterior Siding– Pressure wash with soap, then clean stubborn stains with baking soda and vinegar. Avoid using bleach, as it can discolor your siding.
• Window Frames– Clean with rubbing alcohol and gently scrub with a damp cloth.
• Fabric– Soak the cloth in vinegar overnight, then wash with a degreasing laundry soap. Repeat until the stain is gone before drying.

Do you have green mold in your home? Our restoration experts will assess your mold problem and determine the best way to repair your home and protect your family. Call 1-888-681-1071 now for a free quote and fast mold removal.