What Is Red Mold? How To Remove Red Mold?

Helen Skeates
Helen Skeates
22 min read

Every form of mold that has a reddish tint to it at some point in its life cycle is considered to be red mold. People who want to identify a certain mold species will need to gather some information about the mold’s properties in order to do so. Inspection in a laboratory may be necessary in some circumstances because it might be difficult to distinguish between mold species without experience and specialized equipment.

What is red mold?

There are several types of mold, and they can grow both indoors and out. When there is a lot of moisture in the air, this fungus grows. Food, drywall, and textiles have all been discovered to contain it.

One common misperception is that red mold is a distinct mold species because of its distinct appearance. Red mold, on the other hand, isn’t a distinct mold species. Simply put, the name refers to the way it looks.

Oddly, mold can change color at any time and can turn red at any time. This happens rather often. As a result, red mold might turn black, green, or even white over time.

Red Mold: Dangers, Causes, Removal & Prevention

Despite the fact that red mold is not a distinct species of mold, some molds are more likely to turn red than others. Aspergillus, for example, is commonly found in bathrooms and thrives on materials that have been harmed by water. There’s also the food-borne Neurospora and the plant- and soil-borne Fusarium pathogens to consider.

Pink mold and red mold are often used interchangeably by certain people. Pink mold, on the other hand, is not the same as red mold, despite their similar look.

In contrast to red mold, which is a fungus, pink mold is a water-borne bacterium that is widespread in restrooms.

What Causes Red Mold?

The color of a mold might change for a variety of reasons. Mold growth can be affected by changes in the room’s humidity level or the amount of sunlight the mold is exposed to.

Changes in diet can be influenced by a variety of factors. How bad the mold will be, and what its appearance will be, depends much on where it grows.

In bathrooms, kitchens, and other spaces where water is always present, red mold grows. They can also spread to other places through airborne particles, so you should find out how to remove mold spores in the air.

Is Red Mold Dangerous?

In bathrooms, kitchens, and other wet locations, red mold grows. It is important to learn how to get rid of mold spores in the air so that they don’t spread to other areas.

  • Babies
  • Toddlers
  • Elders
  • Those who:
  • Immune systems that have been compromised
  • Asthma
  • Pneumonia
  • Bronchitis
  • AIDS
  • Lupus
  • Cancer

Signs Of Mold Sensitivity

Here are some of the symptoms you may be experiencing if you feel you have mold sensitivity.

  • Sneezing all the time
  • Congestion of the nose
  • Irritation to the skin
  • Tears in the eyes
  • The nose is running.
  • Pressure in the chest
  • Asthma
  • Fatigue
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Breathing difficulties

Ingesting mold is also a risk, so make sure your stock food is free of mold before you eat it. It is better to discard any food that has red spots if you notice them on any other items in your kitchen.

How To Remove Red Mold

It’s easy to get rid of mold, especially red mold. Knowing where the roots are will allow you to completely eradicate them.

These are the actions you should take to begin the cleaning process:

Step #1. Wear protective equipment

When dealing with mold, it is essential to wear a mask, goggles, and gloves to avoid infection and allergies. In addition, they prevent mold spores from entering your lungs and generating even more health issues within.

Open a door or a window to allow fresh air to circulate before you begin cleaning.

Step #2. Prepare the cleaning agents

Mold cleansers are readily available in supermarkets, but you may make some alternatives at home if you want to get rid of mold from your walls. Prepare the following if you opt for the latter:

  • Soda dissolved in water
  • Vinegar
  • Peroxide of hydrogen
  • Bleach

To use, combine two parts water with one part of each component. Molds cannot be killed as effectively if you combine any of these mixtures.

Step #3. Clean the infected surface

Spray the moldy area with the mixture or product of your choice and let it set for an hour. To remove persistent stains, use a stiff brush and scrape the area abrasively.

If required, repeat the process until there are no more specks or patches visible. The cracks and hard-to-reach locations should be checked as well.

Step #4. Encourage proper air circulation indoors

In order to avoid mold in the future, you should always keep the bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms dry.

Initially, it may seem absurd, as these regions are generally covered in water and wetness. The air will circulate better if you use a fan or open a window several times a day, so your room will stay dry and get enough of light.

These measures are sufficient to prevent the growth of mold in your home.

Red Mold Facts and How to Get Rid of It - Clean Water Partners

What’s the best way to get rid of red mold?

It’s possible to eliminate red mold with a variety of at-home products. Protect yourself from mold by wearing a mask and gloves before cleaning surfaces. Wear goggles, gloves, and a dust mask at all times. Increase the flow of fresh air by opening a window before cleaning.

Using an industrial cleaning chemical like bleach can be used to remove red mold from hard surfaces such as showers, walls, and floors.

Three parts water to one part bleach. Then, using a towel soaked in the bleach solution, wipe the affected area. After an hour of letting the solution sit, clean the area with a soft brush and warm water before rinsing.

Removing red mold from hard surfaces

White vinegar can also be used to clean mold from hard surfaces. Make sure the vinegar is in a container of some sort. Apply the white vinegar to the surface using a towel. Rinse with warm water after an hour of scrubbing and drying.

Removing red mold from grout

Mix equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle to eradicate red mold from grout. Allow the grout to dry for about five minutes after applying the solution. Brush the grout with a toothbrush. Remove any leftover residue by rinsing the area with warm water.

Baking soda and vinegar can also be combined to form a paste. Apply the grout paste. Give it five minutes to sit. Warm water and a toothbrush are all you need to clean this area.

Removing red mold from shower curtains

Place the shower curtain in the bathtub if you notice red mold on it. Dissolve 4 tablespoons of non-chlorine bleach in 2 gallons of water and stir. After an hour, use warm water to scrape and rinse the shower curtain.

A spray bottle containing two parts hydrogen peroxide and one part water can likewise be used for this purpose. The shower curtain should be laid flat on the floor. For 30 minutes, spray the curtain with the mixture of peroxide and water, and then let it dry. Rinse with warm water after scrubbing.

Removing red mold from drywall

Contact a mold removal company if you notice mold on drywall or other building materials.

What are the most effective strategies to prevent red mold from forming in your home?

Using a dehumidifier or turning on the air conditioner will help keep the humidity levels low.

Mold can grow if leaks in the plumbing or the roof aren’t fixed quickly enough. Leakage indications include the following:

  • water dripping from a window pane
  • tiles with holes
  • stains on the ceiling and drywall

Installing a bathroom fan can improve airflow and lower the risk of mold growth. Mold-resistant shower curtains, carpets, and tiles are all readily available for your bathroom.

In addition, storing food in the refrigerator and covering it with a lid can help keep mold spores from growing on it.

10 Types of Mold Colors Commonly Found in the House

Green Mold

Green is the most common color for mold. Many molds seem green at some time in their lives, and there are hundreds of thousands of them. The hue of green mold won’t tell you much, but it’s likely to be one of the following:

  • Green is the most common color for mold. Many molds seem green at some time in their lives, and there are hundreds of thousands of them. The hue of green mold won’t tell you much, but it’s likely to be one of the following:
  • Mold tends to be green in hue. Hundreds of thousands of molds exist, and thousands of them turn green at some time in their lives. While the hue may not be a reliable indicator of the type of green mold present, there are three possibilities:
  • Cladosporium

Black Mold

There are several types of black mold, but not all of them are toxic. All mold should be dealt with as quickly as possible, but hazardous black mold should only be handled by a trained and experienced professional. Black mold can be found in a variety of forms, so if you notice specific traits, you can determine how urgently it has to be removed.

Stachybotrys

The dangerous black mold Stachybotrys chartarum is well-known. Black or greenish-black in color, it can be found in leaking regions, decomposing wood, paper, and food. Due of S. chartarum’s need for regular wetness in order to develop, these regions should be handled as soon as possible. After a flood or a leak in the roof, you may notice black mold in your basement. Humans and animals can be exposed to the mycotoxin that S. chartarum creates by erupting into the air and breathing it in. Many more Americans are dying than previously thought as a result of toxic mold exposure, such as that caused by S. chartarum. S. chartarum mycotoxins, for example, can cause headaches, sneezing, coughing, rashes, and even blood poisoning in certain people.

Alternaria

Although a black mold could be S. chartarum, being aware that it is more likely to be the harmless Alternaria is critical. Alternaria species are often found in the wild, however they have recently been detected in homes as well. Alternaria can worsen asthma, but it doesn’t pose many additional health problems.

Aspergillus

Another common fungus, Aspergillus, has been shown to be present in the air we breathe every day, according to studies. Large doses of exposure can cause aspergillosis and other respiratory issues in people who already have them.

Cladosporium

There are many different types of Cladosporium mould that can grow in the home, including black-colored ones. Skin rashes, eye discomfort, and sinus infections can occur as a result of exposure to the mites, which can colonize walls, insulation, and carpet.

Purple Mold

Stachybotrys chartarum, a dangerous black mold color variety, is rarely purple, but if you do notice it, it’s certainly Stachybotrys chartarum.

White Mold

Another typical color for mold in the home is white, and it might be one of a number of distinct kinds.

Alternaria

Alternaria is likely to be the cause of any white mold you see in your house. Molds can change colors based on environmental factors, such as temperature and humidity.

Chaetomium

Adaptable and resilient, the mold Chaetomium can grow wherever. Any kind of host will support its growth, however it likes dark, moist environments. Some people think it looks like cotton, while others think it’s salt deposits on the walls of a cellar. When it comes to Chaetomium’s perfume, it’s often the culprit of that musty odor you’ll find in basements, attics and on food.

Penicillium

Penicillium is another fungus with a wide range of colors, yet it can also be white. In the medical field, the discovery of the Penicillium genus was a game-changer because it led to the invention of Penicillin. Penicillin contains it, however it can cause severe allergic reactions if handled incorrectly. It can be found on food and walls in homes with high humidity.

Blue Mold

Penicillium molds can be found in a variety of colors, including blue.

Pink Mold

If you haven’t washed your shower curtain or bathtub in a while, you may notice a pinkish discoloration on them. This is known as “pink mold.” The bacterium Serratia marcescens, which feeds on soap residues, is technically referred to as a mold, although that’s a misnomer. However, despite the fact that it can cause urinary tract infections and respiratory issues, it isn’t that easy to become infected with the bacteria.

Yellow Mold

Because some of these molds can be hazardous if left unchecked, yellow is a hue to keep an eye out for.

Aspergillus

The yellow color of Aspergillus mold might occur. As previously stated, black mold is a common variety of mold found in homes and is generally considered to be low-risk.

Serpula lacrymans

Humans aren’t at risk from Serpula lacrymans in the same way that wooden structures are. If you don’t get rid of it, this fungus will do a lot of damage to your home’s structural integrity. If the conditions are right, it can quickly devour both interior and outdoor timber surfaces.

Epicoccum nigrum

An epicoccum, or yellow mold that grows rapidly and can be found in or on moist drywall, mattresses, wood, carpets and furniture, is known as Epicoccum nigrum. Depending on the settings and surroundings, the hue might range from yellow to orange to brown.

What Is Red Mold? A Helpful Prevention Guide For Homeowners - Krostrade

Geomyces pannorum

In comparison to the rest of the fungi on this list, Geomyces pannorum only grows in colder temperatures. This means that in northern hemisphere conditions, it is confined to damp walls, floors, wood, and paper.

Yellow Slime Mold

Keep a safe distance from any mold that seems to be slimy and bright yellow. Make sure you avoid ingesting or touching it. “Slime mold” is a term used to describe bright yellow molds that aren’t actually molds at all, but rather an unrelated organism. Contamination with slime molds can have serious consequences, thus it’s important to avoid them wherever possible. You can tell a yellow slime mold from the other yellow molds in this list because they’re all pale yellow or brownish-yellow.

Red Mold

Particleboards and drywall that have been damaged by water may have red mold growing on them. Mold, like blood, is notoriously inconsistent in its coloration, and red is no exception. Due to its widespread distribution, Aspergillus is the most likely culprit when it becomes red. However, if you notice a red mold on your food, it’s most likely Neurospora.

Orange Mold

Orange mold, like Serpula lacrymans, is a fast-growing mold that may wreak havoc on wooden structures over time. Tables, chairs, rafters, and floors are common places to find it both inside and outside the home. Exposure to orange mold can exacerbate asthma and other respiratory problems, although it is generally considered safe.

Brown Mold

The color brown can be found in a variety of mold colonies. While some brown molds might induce allergic reactions in some people, they are generally harmless to be around. Molds often have a musty odor to them. There are four varieties of brown mold:

  • Platypus chartarum
  • Phylum Pullulans Aureobasidium
  • Stemonitis
  • Taeoniella
  • Cladosporium
  • Mucor***

Mucor

There are exceptions to the rule when it comes to brown mould being generally safe. Mucor is a form of mold that can sometimes produce a life-threatening blood illness known as mucormycosis, which is extremely dangerous to be around. This is a mold that is difficult to identify since it can appear brown, yellow, black, white, or gray at any point in its life cycle.

Test Your Mold

Mold, like other fungi, plays a vital function in ecosystems as a decomposer. Even though something is beneficial in nature, you may not want it in your own home. Mold is doing the same thing it does outside, so if you detect any form of mold in your home, you need take care of it right once. You and your family may be at risk if mold decomposes structural components; other molds are toxic, but all serve as warning signs of more serious issues. Unfortunately, color isn’t a reliable distinguishing trait when it comes to determining the presence of mold in your home. If you suspect mold in your house, the only way to know for sure is to have it tested. To find out what measures to do next, please send us a sample of your mold. Get in touch with us today to learn more.

FAQs

What does it mean when mold is red?

Mold, like blood, is notoriously inconsistent in its coloration, and red is no exception. It’s possible that any mold species can become red at some time in their lifecycle, but Aspergillus is the most plausible candidate given its widespread distribution. Neurospora, on the other hand, is likely to be found on food that has turned red.

Does bleach kill red mold?

Let it sit for about 10 minutes before wiping it down with a damp cloth. Rinse well after using a brush to clean the surfaces. Shower areas can also be kept as dry as possible to avoid the growth of pink or red mold, which is attracted to moist places.

Can pink mold make you sick?

Despite the fact that no variety of pink mold is as dangerous as black mold, pink molds can still cause you harm. Infections of the respiratory and urinary tracts, digestive difficulties, and even heart problems can occur as a result of mold in your home.

What does red mold smell like?

In the presence of mold, the odor is frequently characterized as musty. Mold has been characterized by others as having an earthy, meaty, or rotten wood-like stench. Many people find the odor to be unpleasant and harsh.

What gets rid of red mold?

Bleach can be used to remove red mold from hard surfaces including showers, walls, and floors in the bathroom. Three parts water to one part bleach. After that, dab the affected area with a damp cloth dipped in the bleach solution.

Why is there pink mold in my shower?

Your shower isn’t filled with “pink mold,” but rather an airborne bacteria that’s present all around the planet. Slime found in your shower, toilet, or around other water fixtures is caused by Serratia marcescens, a bacteria that causes pink or even crimson discoloration.

What kills mold instantly?

A solution of diluted bleach is the most efficient method for removing mold from walls and floors in this situation. Add one cup of bleach to one gallon of warm water in a bucket and stir until the bleach is dissolved. With a firm bristles brush immersed in bleach solution, clean the mold thoroughly.

Conclusion

Your family’s health may be at stake since you now know what red mold is. Make sure to follow the procedures outlined above if you find yourself dealing with mold in your house.

Helen Skeates

Helen Skeates

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