Mold Types and Identification

People often ask whether a patch is "black mold." Stachybotrys is dark, but so are many other molds. Remediation follows the same standard no matter which species it is.

This topic is part of our complete guide to mold remediation. The articles for this topic are listed at the end of the page.

Common indoor molds

• Cladosporium: green to black; grows on fabrics, wood and HVAC surfaces.
• Penicillium: blue-green; common on water-damaged materials and food.
• Aspergillus: many colors; very common indoors.
• Stachybotrys: dark and slimy; needs materials that stay wet for a long time, like soaked drywall.
• Alternaria: dark; common around showers, windows and sinks.

Mold, mildew or something else?

Mildew is surface mold that wipes off hard surfaces like tile. Mold that has grown into drywall, wood or carpet goes deeper. Dirt, soot and water stains can look like mold. If you are not sure, an inspection with moisture readings answers it.