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Tag Archives: Winter Mold

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Types of Winter Molds

Mold is surprisingly very common during the winter because of the stuffy, humid conditions in homes. Sometimes condensation could also form around windows creating standing water that encourages mold growth. If you’re interested in learning more about common winter molds and how you can prevent them, keep reading.

Signs Your Home Has Mold

There are a few signs to watch out for that indicate you might have a mold problem.

  • Buckling ceilings or walls
  • A musty odor
  • Excessive condensation
  • You find yourself coughing or sneezing a lot

4 Common Winter Molds

Aspergillus: Aspergillus frequently grows in homes and creates black spots around affected surfaces. While non-toxic, too much could cause side effects such as headaches and coughing.

Alternaria: Alternaria grows on carpets, houseplants, and showers. This mold is sometimes visible, but usually grows behind surfaces making it difficult to catch.

Cladosporium: This type tends to form green and brown spots on areas like carpets, wallpaper, and cabinets. Cladosporium loves damp conditions and is commonly found in bathrooms.

Penicillium: Penicillium usually grows on old or damp objects. Because of this, it’s mainly located in attics and basements. This mold can be a little concerning as it could result in you suffering from chronic sinusitis.

How to Prevent Mold During the Winter

Use Low Humidity: Humidity is a prime condition for mold growth. It’s common for molds to grow indoors because many homes use high humidity to stay warm. If you want to avert mold growth during the winter, make sure the indoor humidity isn’t higher than 60%.

Ensure There’s Good Ventilation: Besides humidity, stuffiness can encourage mold spores to spread throughout your home. To stop this, check that there is good ventilation throughout your residence. You can do this by adding a dehumidifier, opening your windows, or switching your ceiling fan to twirl in reverse.

Clean Wet Areas Immediately: If you notice wet or damp areas, quickly clean them. This will prevent mold from growing on and around them. If mold has started to develop, use a vinegar or bleach solution to wash off the area. This will kill bacteria and dissolve the mold so that the space is completely free of it.

Winter might bring cold weather, but that doesn’t stop mold growth. By keeping these tips in mind, you can easily safeguard your home from this nasty fungus. If you’re concerned you might already have mold growth in your home, RCS can help. We offer a mold removal and remediation service that will eliminate it from your living space.