Black Mold in Closet
Indoor mold of all types thrives in dampness and darkness. Closets are the perfect place for black mold, also known as Stachybotrys chartarum, because closets are almost always dark and typically don't receive much ventilation. If you find black mold in your closet, a call to the experts from FDP Mold Remediation can help you get rid of it for good.
Causes of black mold in closets
Black mold requires moisture and a lack of sunlight to grow. Here are some of the main causes of black mold in closets:
- High humidity levels: Humidity levels above 50% can easily contribute to the growth of black mold spores. As the temperature rises, moisture can condensate and cause black mold spores to reproduce at a quick rate.
- Poor ventilation: Stagnant air prevents moisture from drying and can increase humidity levels. A lack of airflow leaves black mold spores undisturbed to rapidly grow.
- Water damage or leaks: Besides humidity and a lack of ventilation, black mold spores can feed off a constant water source. This life-giving water creates the perfect conditions for black mold to spread fast and wide.
The materials found within your closet can contribute to the presence of mold as well. For example, wooden shelves, cardboard, and even clothes can harbor toxic black mold spores. These porous materials often soak up moisture and retain it for black mold to feed off of.
Dangers of black mold exposure
Visible signs of black mold in closets can often confirm the danger of black mold exposure for all those living within the dwelling. While everyone reacts differently to mold spores, many common symptoms of mold exposure include:
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Runny nose
- Dry skin
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
If you're experiencing any of these symptoms without an apparent cause, consult your physician as soon as possible. Your doctor may prescribe you one of several medications that treat mold allergies, including:
- Antihistamines
- Nasal corticosteroids
- Decongestant nasal sprays
- Montelukast
- Oral decongestants
Baltimore, MD residents can also reach out to local remediation companies for mold services, like our certified mold specialists at FDP Mold Remediation.
Signs of black mold in closets
How do you know if black mold is growing in your closet? If you see any of the following signs, it's time to call the professionals:
- Visible mold growth in the closet or on clothes: As the name suggests, black mold will appear as black patches on your walls, shelves, or even on your clothes. If you see black spots that cannot be explained, you could be dealing with black mold.
- Musty odor: Black mold, like other mold types, can give off a musty smell. This smell is often compared to that of old books or wet socks.
- Health symptoms such as allergies, respiratory issues, or headaches: Allergy seasons come and go, but if you're experiencing persistent respiratory issues, black mold could be the culprit. The best way to tell is if you see an improvement in your symptoms once you leave the area you suspect has black mold.
Whenever you see visible mold on the surface, it's usually just the tip of the iceberg, and there could be much more mold damage hidden from sight. That is why you should contact professional mold services right away to address this issue quickly before it becomes worse.
Steps to take when you find black mold in your closet
Visible signs of mold often point to a critical mold issue within your home that should be dealt with immediately. Should you find black mold present in your closet, take the following steps:
- Contact your landlord if you have one. If you are renting, inform your landlord of the situation. They may want to personally inspect the visible mold to confirm there is an issue. Depending on the lease terms, the landlord may call a mold remediation specialist to consult and potentially address the concern.
- Call a professional mold remediation service. The only sure way to get rid of mold, especially black mold, is to rely on professional mold remediation. Our local clients can contact FDP Mold Remediation of Baltimore to get the job done right. We offer on-site mold inspections starting at $149 and deduct the cost of the inspection from the final remediation cost should you choose to go with our services.
- Turn off all air-ventilated devices to prevent cross-contamination. While it might seem counterintuitive, refrain from turning on your air-conditioning unit or the HVAC system. This can help prevent the black mold spores from spreading to other areas of your home.
What are the consequences of ignoring closet black mold?
Black mold that doesn't get resolved can continue to cause health issues and spread rampantly. If you do not stop black mold's growth, it will continue to cause damage, leading to more expensive repairs.
Final tips and advice
Black mold can occur in closets. Visible signs of black mold require immediate action, from properly cleaning up the spores to contacting the experts for guaranteed removal. If you find black mold in your closet, contact the best mold experts in Baltimore at FDP Mold Remediation today. Our mold removal specialists can help you regain your home and live mold-free.
