It’s important to know how to effectively clean mold off various surfaces, especially outside of the house. The primary goal is to get rid of mold early on to prevent its spread and potential hazard from becoming a more serious problem. If left unaddressed, mold has the potential to damage wood surfaces and create indoor pollutants, contributing to health concerns.
In this blog post, we will explore common types of molds that are usually found outside your house. You will learn effective techniques for mold removal using common cleaning tools and methods. Lastly, you’ll get more helpful insights and additional tips to address the mold problem in your home.
There are different types of molds. We’ll discuss the two commonly seen molds on the exterior of your home below, which are typically the “green” molds and the “black” molds. If you want to know further about other common types of molds and how to get rid of them, check out our previous article here.
Black mold is a form of fungus with a dark green or black appearance. When people mention black mold, they usually mean Stachybotrys chartarum (S. chartarum). This mold thrives on materials rich in cellulose, such as paper, wood, and drywall. Cellulose, found in fruits, vegetables, and plant cell walls, serves as its preferred growth substrate.
To thrive and expand, black mold requires warm temperatures and moisture. It typically shows up in areas of your home that are damp or have experienced water damage, like basements, showers, and windows.
Black modl on the outside of your home could be dangerous depending on the person. According to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), black mold exposure can cause the following types of health problems:
Green mold is a general term referring to diverse fungi species that flourish in shades of green. Its texture can be soft and fuzzy or powdery, displaying a range of green colors. Although commonly found in fruits, bread, and various food items, green mold can also grow in damp areas around the house.
While several types of mold can have a green appearance, the most prevalent ones include Cladosporium, Aspergillus, and Penicillium.
The presence of green mold outdoors is a result of different fungi flourishing in damp and humid settings. Key contributors to its growth include excessive moisture, high humidity levels, water leaks or floods, insufficient ventilation, and condensation.
Let’s learn how to get rid of molds outside of your house with a few effective techniques.
First, limit your exposure to mold by wearing protective gear.
The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) recommends homeowners avoid the use of bleach for mold removal without protective gear. If you choose to use bleach on nonporous surfaces to get rid of mild mold growth, here’s a step-by-step guide article to effectively eliminate molds using disinfecting bleach.
Use a cloth on surfaces prone to damage from scrubbing. Be sure to brush off as much mold as you can before lightly wetting the surface for cleaning. Reusing the tools is not recommended.
If you prefer natural methods for mold removal, give hydrogen peroxide or vinegar a try. Keep in mind that these options may take more time to be effective compared to bleach, and they might not remove stains or work as well on all types of mold or surfaces.
If you spot molds, it’s best to call in the pros right away. Professionals can easily handle mold removal from the outside of your home using methods like pressure washing or power washing. They not only ensure a thorough cleanup but can also inspect windows, seals, and tricky spots that might be hard to reach with regular cleaning.
In conclusion, learning how to effectively clean mold outside your house is crucial for maintaining a healthy living environment. It’s important to carry out safety precautions when eliminating molds, such as wearing protective gear. When mold issues become persistent or hard to manage, seeking professional services like pressure washing ensures a thorough and effective cleanup.