Tile and Grout Cleaning

the world’s most common form of allergenic mold. It usually grows in damp locations such as showers, bathtubs, and below leaking sinks. Alternaria has a fuzzy texture, with green or dark brown filaments. Because it is an allergen, Alternaria causes asthma-like symptoms in the upper respiratory tract.

also known as “black mold.” It grows in damp areas with constant high humidity levels and has a wet, slimy texture. Because it produces dangerous mycotoxins, Stachybotrys was the first mold to be classified as “toxic.” Symptoms from exposure are numerous, including difficulty breathing, fatigue, burning sensations in the airways, a tightening in the chest, persistent cough, nose bleeds, fever, and headaches.

another slimy black-colored mold, typically found in kitchen and bathroom tile, damp basements, and sometimes around windows with high condensation levels. Ulocladium may grow alongside Stachybotrys (“black mold”) and other varieties. When exposed to ulocladium, people with allergies or immune disorders may experience respiratory reactions, such as asthma-like symptoms and difficulty breathing.

a toxigenic mold type that changes appearance over time. It starts as a moist substance, which then turns fine and powdery. It is often pink, orange, grey, or white. It is one of the “invisible” molds that you might never notice in its lighter-colored variations. Acremonium typically grows in the grout and also in humidifiers, air conditioning cooling coils, drain pans for condensation, and around windows. It is a carcinogen and considered one of the most dangerous mold varieties.

another prevalent mold found in many American bathrooms. Its structure can form long, thick chains. There are over 185 species of aspergillus mold, appearing in many different colors. It is allergenic and capable of becoming toxic, depending on the species and environmental factors.

a mold with a familiar name. The drug penicillin was derived from this mold and revolutionized the medical profession. However, this mold can induce allergic reactions because it produces mycotoxins. It is found in damp areas of the home and is the most common mold species found indoors. Penicillium spores can travel throughout a home and can be inhaled by occupants, including pets and children. Penicillium exposure can cause pulmonary inflammation and asthma, and with prolonged exposure, can lead to chronic sinusitis.

an allergenic mold with five different subspecies. It thrives in continuously damp areas, such as showers that never fully dry. Most Trichoderma molds are non-pathogenic, but a few have been linked to pulmonary and liver infections. It is also extremely damaging to building materials, as it contains an enzyme that destroys wood, paper, and textile products…like your fabric shower curtain.

not actually a mold, but a bacteria called Serratia marcescens. Commonly found on shower curtains and in tile grout, it ranges in color from pink to orange. It lives off the fat and phosphorus in soap scum. Shower tile grout and the water lines going to the sink and toilet are among its favorite spots, but it also likes toilet bowls and sinks. It can even show up on the wall and floors and sometimes inside cabinets in very damp bathrooms. It can cause a bacterial infection if it enters an open wound or scratch.