There are many ways to check on the health of your home. One is to see what builds up on surfaces. Dust and mold can appear similar to the untrained eye. But both are completely different entities. Here are a few telltale signs to determine if it is dust or mold you see.
Where It Settles
Dust tends to land on surfaces under the influence of gravity. It will also settle in any area it touches, whether well-lit, dark, dry, or wet. However, mold thrives in damp environments with little or no sunlight. It can climb up walls and other vertical surfaces. The force of gravity will not stop it.
Damp, Musty Odor
Dust usually doesn’t have a particularly strong odor. It may have a slightly earthy smell and is often dry and powdery. Mold is evident by its damp and musty smell, one of the earliest signs of a mold problem. Its unpleasant odor strengthens over time as this living organism grows where it can find water and food sources.
Does It Wipe Off?
Dust particles don’t adhere to surfaces very well. Therefore, you can easily wipe them off. Mold is not as easy to remove because it can penetrate deep into cracks and pores. A great deal of it can remain even after you remove what sticks to the surface.
Color
A grayish, fluffy texture is characteristic of dust. Depending on the particles it consists of, it can also appear brown and orange. On the other hand, mold is often greenish-gray, white, or black (and often furry or velvety). Stachybotrys chartarum (black mold) has a bright, greenish-black appearance and becomes powdery when it dries out. Appearing blue, green, or white, penicillium may be found on foods, walls, or insulation.
Damage to Materials
Mold can grow and expand deep into materials. Whether it’s growing on a wooden door, wall panel, or piece of furniture, it will eventually cause the wood to rot and become brittle. Dust doesn’t look pretty but won’t do any damage.
What Does Applying Bleach Do?
If you have some bleach at home, dab some with a cotton swab onto the affected spot. Dust will not react with bleach. But if the material starts to change in appearance and brighten after a few minutes, it is mold. Nonetheless, the cleaning agent will not remove prevent mold from returning.
How Are You Feeling?
Sneezing and coughing are often attributed to dust. The effects of mold can range from skin and eye irritation to prolonged coughs to lung damage. Cladosporium is known to cause allergic reactions. Aspergillus can trigger infections in individuals with weak immune systems. Black mold releases toxins that can cause serious health complications with long-term exposure.
How the Presence of One May Influence the Other
Some molds have a similar appearance to dust in their early stages. Mold is a fungus, a living organism of microscopic spores that grow in dark, damp environments. It’s not impossible for mold spores to attach to dust particles. They can also spread via hair, clothing, and pets. Therefore, regularly dusting your home is important.
Dust and Mold Prevention Tips
Regular cleaning will prevent indoor pollution in your home. To prevent the reasons to ask, “Is it dust or mold?”:
- Install humidifiers to control moisture and humidity levels
- Open windows and turn on fans to improve air circulation
- Use air purifiers to clear spores and particles from the air
- Remove dust by wiping surfaces with a clean rag and a non-toxic cleaning agent
- Replace HVAC filters as recommended or install HEPA filters
- Store dust-prone items in drawers, cabinets, and containers
Contact Restorerz for Mold Testing and Remediation
Restorerz is a trusted emergency restoration company in Los Angeles. We specialize in mold remediation and are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our multi-step process begins with an inspection. We then contain the affected area and use air filtration to prevent cross-contamination. Affected materials are removed, and we treat salvageable items before testing your home to ensure it’s mold-free. Our team also handles clean-up, repair, and reconstruction.
Call (323) 402-6156 or request service online to get started.