Red Mold 101: The Basics and How to Get Rid of It

All homes frequently struggle with mold. Every homeowner will eventually have a few mold issues due to weather or climate. Green, black, or even pink mold are a few prevalent forms. The most common and harmful sort of mold may be black mold, which is renowned for its capacity to release toxic compounds and have lethal effects.

You should be aware of various types of mold even though black mold and green mold are frequently encountered. Like other varieties of mold, this one is bright red and can be found in wet, moist conditions. This mold is referred to as red mold because of its color.

Red mold can be found in humid areas such as basements, crawl spaces, bathrooms, or even attics. You’ll most likely find them on walls, fabrics, or any organic matter. This bright red mold might seem harmless, but don’t be fooled by its microbial size. Red mold can be quite dangerous and can cause a lot of health problems if left untreated. 

Air quality and mold growth are related. Moisture and humidity can worsen indoor air quality and encourage the growth of mold spores. Homes with low humidity, however, have a lower probability of developing mold.

If you think you might have spotted some red mold in your home, don’t fret just yet. The most important thing would be to identify it and take steps to remove it. In this article, we’re going to break down the basics of red mold, how to identify it and remove them from your home. We’ll also give you a few tips on how you can improve your air quality and prevent mold growth. 

What is Red Mold?

Red mold is a type of fungus that can grow both indoors and outdoors. While it does not always pose a health hazard, some people can be allergic to it or may experience respiratory problems if they are exposed to high levels of mold spores.

The presence of red mold can also indicate a bigger problem in your home, such as severe leaks or water damage. When red mold is present, it usually means that the spores have been released and are now airborne. If you spot red mold on any surface in your home, remove it as soon as you can to prevent them from spreading even further. 

How Do You Identify Red Mold?

Red mold can be a difficult problem to address in your home, especially if you’re dealing with a large amount of it. Mold is usually gray or black, but sometimes appears reddish-brown and is often found in places with water damage or high humidity levels. Identifying red mold may be particularly challenging because it can look similar to other types of fungi, however, the key characteristics that help differentiate it include:

• its color: a reddish-brown shade; 

• its texture: slimy and soft to the touch;

• its smell: musty or earthy in odor;

You may find red mold indoors, often growing on damp surfaces such as the walls or ceilings of bathrooms, laundry rooms, or other moist areas. They can also be found outdoors on plants, trees, or other organic materials. 

Health risks associated with red mold exposure

We’ve mentioned briefly that red mold can result in a flurry of health problems. Any household with red mold will most likely experience a decrease in air quality. This is because red mold spores can travel through the air and release allergens that can cause respiratory issues or allergic reactions. Being exposed to red mold spores will cause you to have coughs, sneezes, watery eyes, and in very severe cases— difficulty breathing.

Other than allergic reactions or respiratory issues, the presence of red mold spores can cause sore throats and asthma attacks. To avoid getting sick from red mold exposure, it’s recommended that you focus on identifying it and removing it as soon as possible. 

Mold problems usually appear due to high humidity. If your home has high indoor humidity, the chances of mold growth can be high. Although inhaling small doses of mold may not cause severe problems, being exposed to mold for long periods can result in serious illnesses such as bronchitis or pneumonia. 

Getting Rid of Red Mold

There’s no sure way to prevent mold spores from entering your home. Red mold can eventually make its way into homes, causing chaos and health risks along the way. Thankfully, there are a lot of steps you can take to not only safely get rid of red mold and keep it at bay. 

Keep humidity at a minimum

Mold remediation specialists always recommend removing any sources of water or moisture. This can be done by using air conditioners or dehumidifiers to keep your home cool and dry. The key is to keep your home well-ventilated. You can also regularly open your windows and doors to allow fresh air to enter your home. 

Sterilize potential mold areas

If you come across any red mold in your home, it’s important to clean and sterilize the area immediately. We recommend using cleaning solutions that are non-toxic but effective. You can use diluted vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, or even tea tree oil. Remember to wear protective clothing and a face mask when cleaning to avoid inhaling any mold spores. 

Clean your home regularly

Mold spores can spread quickly, so the best way to keep mold growth at bay is to keep your home clean and dry. Make time to regularly clean your household to improve air quality and minimize mold growth. Be sure to pay extra attention to areas such as bathrooms, basements, and crawl spaces. 

Keep an eye out for signs of damage

Regularly inspect your home for signs of water damage or leaks, which can create the perfect conditions for red mold growth. Keeping water damage untreated can increase the chances of red mold but can also lead to more serious problems such as structural damage. So, before it’s too late. it's best to identify and repair damages as soon as you find them. After all, prevention is always better than cure.

Properly seal your windows and doors

You can’t keep mold spores from entering your home completely, but you can still try to reduce the chances of them entering. Make sure your doors and windows are properly sealed to keep outdoor mold particles from entering your home and leading to a potential infestation. 

Tips for Red Mold Growth Prevention 

Now that you know how to get rid of red mold, it’s time to find out how you can prevent mold growth in the first place. Here are three tips we stick to prevent mold from growing in our homes. 

Invest in air quality

Keeping your air quality in its best condition might be the best way to prevent mold growth. So, consider investing in an air purifier, which can help to further reduce mold spores and other pollutants from the air. An air purifier will not only keep your home’s air quality at its highest, but it will also keep your mind at peace and ensure that your household is breathing in clean air. 

Keep your home ventilated

Another way to improve your indoor air quality is to properly ventilate your home. Keep doors and windows open for a few hours each day to allow fresh, clean air to enter the house. If you live in a humid climate, consider installing an air conditioner or dehumidifier can help to reduce humidity levels and create a less welcoming environment for mold growth. 

Never keep anything damp in your home

Avoid leaving damp things in your home. This includes wet clothes, towels, furniture, and other items that can easily become a breeding ground for mold spores. Damp or moist items can make the environment even more hospitable for mold growth, so make sure to always keep everything cool and dry. In addition to keeping things dry, you should frequently check your property for signs of water damage or leaks and repair them as soon as possible. This can help to prevent mold from growing in the first place.

Closing Thoughts

Red mold can be a challenge to deal with, but they’re not impossible to get rid of. They can also be prevented if you are proactive and take the right precautions. Although small amounts of red mold might not hurt you, it can pose a health hazard if left untreated. 

The key to keeping red mold from growing and infesting is by removing the source of moisture. In addition to removing moisture, it’s important to keep your home clean and dry. You should also regularly inspect your home for any signs of water damage since mold growth can indicate a bigger problem.

If you spot red mold in your home, it’s recommended that you take the right steps to identify it properly and remove it as soon as you can. If you’d like to find out more about mold prevention and improving air quality in your home, try contacting a local air quality specialist or check out some of our articles on mold and air quality.

Guest Contributor: Diana R.