What is orange mold
Orange Mold
What is orange mold
Molds are very common in homes and offices. They are an important part of the ecosystem as they help keep the environment clean, although they can also lead to problems. There are a variety of molds including green mold and black mold. However, in this article, we’ll concentrate on orange mold.
What is Orange Mold?
Orange mold refers to a filamentous, small fungi-like organism that usually grows in moist and dark places. However, you will also find it on conifer cones, foods, forest soil, and deadwood. Generally, orange mold feeds on decaying organic matter as molds are saprophytic in nature.
It is bright orange in color and has an unappealing smell. You will typically find mold colonies in damp places, but they are not always easy to identify as they may often grow behind walls and not be identifiable till they turn into large colonies.
The presence of this type of mold is usually a sign of water damage. You will typically find it in places where water constantly flows or stays still. This type of mold is moist and bouncy and dries when picked, which makes it harder to deal with.
Introduction to Types
There are many types including:
- Acremonium: This type of mold isn’t just orange but also gray, white, and pink. It has a powdery texture and a strong smell. This type of mold is found in insulation and drywall and can be dangerous.
- Fuligo Septica: One of the most common strains, it appears slimy and is usually found outdoors on wood or mulch. This type of mold looks like vomit and can cause allergic reactions.
- Trichia Varia: This type is found on decaying and wet trees and is slimy.
Where Does It Grow?
As mentioned earlier, it grows in wet and moist areas including several parts of your home and office. Here are a few areas where you will find mold:
Bathroom and Shower
The bathroom is a natural breeding ground for mold due to the presence of moisture, which attracts mold. Molds love poorly ventilated and dirty bathrooms and can grow from sink basins and soap residue. In addition, orange mold is also found in showers or bathrooms with hard water. In such places, it typically grows within the drains.
Furthermore, orange molds also grow in the toilet bowl. This occurs due to the presence of bacteria that accumulates due to poor or no flushing.
Wood
It can grow very quickly on wood with exposure to moisture or water. This is why orange mold is common in areas that receive a good amount of rain. You will find it on trees and wooden structures kept outdoors. Also, it may appear on doors and indoor furniture, especially after flooding or water damage.
Food
Orange mold rapidly grows on juicy foods including fruits and vegetables. Moreover, it also grows on dairy products including cheese and yogurt. Mold infested foods should be avoided and not eaten.
Is It Dangerous?
Orange mold is not always dangerous but it is still important to be vigilant because some types of orange mold can lead to serious health issues. The problem, however, is that it can be difficult for the average person to differentiate between the many types of orange mold, hence it is best that you stay away from them and take steps to get rid of mold.
First thing first, mold is bad for children and the elderly, especially individuals with weak immune systems or breathing problems. Other issues include red eyes, skin rashes, and sore throat. Some people may also report breathing issues. The best way to avoid the problem is to ensure mold spores do not enter your body.
In addition, mold can be bad for trees. It can suffocate plants and weaken structures. Furthermore, it can destroy your property and weaken the structure. Mold infested houses usually sit longer on the market and don’t always fetch a good price as the presence of mold in your home indicates water damage and deters buyers.
Cleanup and Prevention
The best way to prevent mold is to improve ventilation and ensure there’s no water damage. Keep the window open and wipe the water as quickly as possible. Moreover, dry all items including furniture and repair broken pipes. Furthermore, clean the bathroom regularly and do not let dirt or bacteria accumulate.
You should do all you can to prevent orange mold but we understand that it may not always be possible. Minor issues can be solved through DIY approaches. Buy a mold cleaner or create your own solution by mixing equal amounts of water and vinegar. Use this mixture to clean the surface but make sure to wear proper gear as touching mold or breathing too close to it can be dangerous.
For your safety, it is best to call professionals that offer mold removal services. They’ll first inspect the mold to identify its type and then find the right tools and techniques to remove it and ensure it doesn’t come back. The process may involve using hydrogen peroxide, water softeners, and other chemicals. Also, they’ll find the cause of mold so that it doesn’t come back.
Remember to only hire professionals to solve your mold problem as dealing with things on your own can cause more issues. This is especially necessary after fire and water damage.
