Mold is more than an ugly spot on the wall. It can affect your health, damage your property, and spread quickly if left untreated. Many homeowners do not realize that mold thrives in damp spaces like basements, bathrooms, kitchens, or areas affected by water leaks.
Breathing in mold spores over time can cause coughing, sneezing, headaches, and skin irritation. For people with asthma, allergies, or weaker immune systems, mold exposure can make daily life very uncomfortable. That’s why understanding the types of mold that grow in households is important. When you know what you’re dealing with, you can take the right steps to stay safe.
What are the most common types of mold found in households?
Mold comes in many forms, but a few grow more often inside homes. These types of mold can show up in different colors, shapes, and textures.
Here are the most common ones homeowners face:
- Cladosporium – This mold often looks green, brown, or black. It grows on wood, carpets, fabrics, and inside HVAC systems. It can cause allergy-like symptoms.
- Aspergillus – A very common mold indoors. It spreads quickly in warm and damp areas. It can irritate the lungs and cause infections in people with weaker immune systems.
- Penicillium – Known for its blue or green color, this mold grows on wallpaper, furniture, and water damaged items. It spreads fast and may cause respiratory issues.
- Stachybotrys (Black mold) – This is the most well-known toxic mold. It grows in areas with heavy water damage. It can release toxins that may cause breathing problems, headaches, and fatigue.
Each of these molds needs quick attention. Even if they do not look harmful, they can spread fast and affect your health.
How can you tell if mold is growing in your home?
Mold is not always easy to see. Sometimes it hides behind walls, under carpets, or inside ceilings. However, there are a few signs you can watch for.
- Musty smell – A strong, earthy odor is often the first sign of hidden mold.
- Dark spots or stains – Black, green, or brown patches on walls, ceilings, or floors may signal mold.
- Water damage – If you’ve had leaks or floods, mold likely followed soon after.
- Health symptoms – Coughing, sneezing, itchy skin, or watery eyes that get worse at home can be mold-related.
If you notice these symptoms or signs, you should take action quickly
What health risks do different types of mold cause?
Living with mold is not just unpleasant. The health risks depend on the types of mold present, but all can create discomfort.
- Allergic reactions – Mold spores can trigger sneezing, coughing, runny nose, and itchy skin.
- Asthma flare-ups – For people with asthma, mold can make breathing harder and cause frequent attacks.
- Infections – Some molds, like Aspergillus, can cause serious lung infections in people with weak immune systems.
- Toxic effects – Black mold (Stachybotrys) is known for releasing toxins that may affect the nervous system, causing headaches, fatigue, and memory problems.
These effects may vary from person to person. Children, seniors, and people with health issues are usually more at risk.
What should you do if you find mold in your home?
Finding mold can be stressful, but knowing the right steps helps. Mold should not be ignored or covered with paint—it will only return stronger.
Here are simple steps to take:
- Identify the source of moisture – Mold always needs moisture to grow. Fix leaks, drips, or dampness.
- Limit exposure – Avoid touching or disturbing mold without proper protection.
- Do not rely on bleach alone – While bleach may clean the surface, it does not kill mold deep inside materials.
- Call a professional – Experts have the right tools to safely remove mold and prevent it from spreading.
This is where companies like NRG Restoration can step in. With professional inspections and removal services, your home can be safe and healthy again.
Why is professional mold removal better than DIY methods?
Many people try to handle mold with store-bought cleaners. While this may seem easy, it usually does not solve the problem fully. Mold often hides in places you cannot see, and cleaning the surface only removes part of it.
Professional mold removal services offer:
- Thorough inspection – Experts can find hidden mold with advanced tools.
- Safe removal – Professionals use methods that remove mold without spreading spores into the air.
- Prevention solutions – They fix the source of moisture to stop mold from coming back.
- Peace of mind – Knowing your home is safe for your family.
NRG Restoration provides these solutions with care and expertise, so you don’t have to worry about mold returning.
How can you prevent mold from growing in the first place?
Prevention is always better than removal. By keeping your home dry and clean, you can reduce the chances of mold growth.
Some simple prevention tips include:
- Control humidity – Keep indoor humidity below 50% using dehumidifiers.
- Fix leaks quickly – Water damage should be repaired immediately.
- Ventilate properly – Use exhaust fans in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms.
- Clean regularly – Dust and clean damp areas often to prevent mold spores from settling.
Taking these steps can help you avoid dealing with harmful types of mold in the future.
When should you call a mold specialist?
Not every small spot of mold requires professional help. But if you notice large areas of mold, recurring mold problems, or health symptoms, it is time to call a specialist.
Situations that need expert help include:
- Mold covering more than 10 square feet
- Repeated mold growth after cleaning
- Mold linked to past flooding or water damage
- Family members getting sick at home
If any of these apply, professional help is the safest option.
Protecting your home and health from mold
Mold is more common than most people think, and the risks go beyond bad smells or stains. Different types of mold can affect your health, damage your property, and return quickly if not treated properly. The key is to act fast, remove mold safely, and prevent it from coming back.
At NRG Restoration, we specialize in helping families restore their homes after mold and water damage. Our expert team finds the source, removes the mold, and makes sure your home is safe again.
If you’ve noticed signs of mold or want to protect your family’s health, don’t wait until it spreads further. Reach out to NRG Restoration today and take the first step toward a healthier, mold-free home.