Green Mold: What is it and How to Remove It

Thousands of species of green mold blanket our planet. In comparison, hundreds of thousands of mold types of all kinds invisibly meander through the environment. Mold spores spread rapidly, contaminating the air and surfaces within buildings. Green, blue, pink, yellow or black—no matter what color mold assumes, the fungi are toxic to humans, especially when spores flourish inside a dwelling or place of business.

About Green Mold

Green mold is far from being a specific type of mold. Rather, multiple species of fungi with greenish-hued spores are referred to as green mold.

Three common types of mold with greenish spores include Cladosporium, Aspergillus and Penicillium. Be aware that these three mold types do not always take on a greenish tint; spores may be blue, while others vary in color, such as black.

Although mold is often characterized as having negative impacts, green mold can have beneficial impacts. Some species of green mold is used in the production of antibiotics like penicillin and in cheese-making, where others can cause spoilage in food products, damage to crops, and health issues in humans.

Is Green Mold Dangerous

Like all mold, green mold is toxic and poses as a health risk to humans. While people breathe mold spores every day, certain conditions provoke mold-related illnesses. People with weakened immune systems are more vulnerable when mold growth occurs indoors. Green molds, like Aspergillus, can spur the onset of pneumonia and lung inflammation.

Mold triggers reactions like coughing, runny nose, watery eyes and itchy skin, in those susceptible to allergies and asthma. Even those with no history of respiratory conditions experience allergy symptoms when inhabiting a space infested with green mold colonies.

Green Mold vs. Black Mold

Black mold and green mold are two common types of fungi that can infest homes and buildings, posing distinct risks and challenges.

Black Mold

• Species: Stachybotrys chartarum
• Appearance: Slimy when wet, often seen with a dark green to black hue.
• Health Risks: Produces harmful mycotoxins that can cause health issues.
• Environment: Prefers high-cellulose materials like paper and wood, and thrives in areas with high moisture.

Green Mold

• Species: Aspergillus, Penicillium, or Cladosporium
• Appearance: Appears powdery, varying from light to dark green.
• Health Risks: Can lead to respiratory issues or allergic reactions, although not as severe as black mold.
• Environment: Grows on a variety of surfaces such as food, plants, walls, and damp areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and basements.

Understanding the difference between black mold is crucial for identification and management of mold infestations to protect building structure and health.

Test for Mold When Seeing Green Indoors

Green molds may be identified by their greenish hue. However, green mold may be difficult to recognize, especially since the green mold may appear as different colors on various surfaces. Splotches of varying hues of green and green-grey in darkened, damp recesses are a certain indication of green mold. Green mold also commonly grows alongside molds of varying types, like black or pink mold.

Wood is a primary target for mold. Wooden floors, ceiling beams, and walls can host green mold colonies. The dark, confined spaces of kitchen cabinetry supply ample nutrients for green mold to flourish on even food, like bread.

While green mold may be easy to spot if the growth appears tinted green, only a laboratory test can prove if the mold belongs to certain species that produce green mold.

Mold test kits are available in abundant supply, giving property owners the ability to determine if unsightly, musty eyesores parading as fungi are indeed mold. Mold removal and remediation services also provide professional mold inspections.

How to Remove Green Mold

Mold of any type must be stopped at the source, which is typically moisture. Fix any plumbing leaks, caulk any cracks in the foundation, and seal flaws at the base of windows to stop indoor dampness. Since green mold, similar to all mold, feeds on water and a food source (wood, drywall and clothing, among other nutrient-rich sources), eliminating the moisture problem will bring mold growth to a standstill.

Once indoor moisture is controlled, any existing mold colonies can be subsequently handled. Large infestations of existing green mold can be tackled with fungicide. Experts also recommend using a vacuum with a HEPA filter to suction in the mold spores. The HEPA filter prevents mold spores from bursting into the open air and contaminating other areas of the property.

Small mold colonies may be dislodged via do-it-yourself home remedies, using baking soda, hydrogen peroxide or vinegar:

• Baking soda – Form a solution of one part baking soda and one part water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution alongside the surface of the area affected by green mold. Let the application sit for ten minutes. A wet sponge can be used to wipe away the mold. Repeat until the mold is no longer visible. Once the spot is thoroughly dry, the mold will be effectively dislodged.
• Hydrogen peroxide – A solution of three percent hydrogen peroxide and water will work to eliminate minor mold growth. Apply the solution to the mold infestation and wait ten minutes. Wipe away the mold with a clean cloth.
  • Use the hydrogen peroxide only on surfaces that will not discolor. Moldy upholstery and carpeting are not ideal areas to use hydrogen peroxide, since the solution will bleach certain fabric.
• Vinegar – Mix vinegar and water into a spray bottle. Spray the solution on the surface ridden with mold. Let the vinegar and water sit for an hour. Wipe away the mold with a wet sponge.

The sponges and cloths used to clean the green mold serve as moisture-rich, nourishing hosts. Avoid worsening and spreading the mold spores after implementing any of the above processes by immediately discarding the sponges and cloths involved in the mold removal.

Applying an antifungal paint to the surfaces after cleaning can also prevent a resurgence of mold.

When to Call a Professional

The three processes above will eradicate light mold. Property owners are encouraged to make efforts to dislodge green mold growth from small areas, such as spaces less than ten square feet. When green mold has overcome a large expanse of ten square feet or more, a professional mold removal and remediation service is necessary to address the problem.

Professional mold remediation teams are equipped to handle any level of mold growth, whether the spores have taken hold in a small area under the sink or have expanded into monstrous splotches along the basement walls. Technicians are highly trained to detect where the mold originated and stop the moisture that caused the cultivation of mold spores.

Mold remediation technicians first develop a remediation plan that adheres to established procedures. Then advanced technology is used to remove all mold spores and prevent future outbreaks. Swift action is the best remedy for removing green mold growth inside an inhabited property. Dedicated mold remediation professionals are available to tackle each spore of mold growth, no matter how minor or severe. Don’t hesitate to give them a call at the first sight of mold on your property.

About Vince Sandri

Vince Sandri is a content writer and blogger with more than 12 years of experience. His expertise is in creating content related to disaster restoration, including information about preventing and reacting to natural disasters like flooding, water damage, fire and smoke damage, mold growth, storm damage and more.
Vince has been the main contributor to RestorationMasterFinder.com since 2014. Over that time, he has written numerous service pages and blogs for disaster restoration providers featured on RestorationMasterFinder.com. Vince has done extensive research and covered a wide range of topics relating to disaster restoration to help homeowners, business owners, and property managers better protect their property. He understands the problems that disasters like flooding, fire, smoke, and mold can cause as well as the best ways to respond to these issues to limit the damage.
Vince completed his Bachelor of Arts degree at Aurora University and his master’s degree at DePaul University. He has been writing SEO website pages, blogs, and press releases since 2012. Vince is also a musician and can be seen playing in the Chicago, IL area.