You just got home from the ice-rink last night and you put your hockey jersey on. You look great in it, its a classic look – everyone knows what team they are cheering for. You walk down the street and you pop the question to your friends, “Did you see that game last night?” They answer with a resounding, “Yes!” And then you notice something…
There is a mold spore lurking on your jersey.
You probably know what mold is. If not, its probably something you’ve seen before. Maybe its the mildew that grows on the outside of your clothing closet, or the mold that grows on the surface of food after it was left out overnight. Maybe you’ve seen that brown blotch on the side of building you work in or a closet wall that you suspect was caused by mold.
Whatever it is, you know that mold is there and it’s in your way. And if you’re like most people, you’re not happy about it. You’d like to get rid of it. But how?
Mold likes to grow in warm, humid environments and it is most common in areas with high foot traffic, like the inside of a home. That’s where you’ll often find it, right on the surface of things.
Mildew is another form of mold that is even more common and more problematic. It’s most likely going to be found on the surface of your clothes and on the inside of your shoes and bedsheets. It’s a frustrating enemy because it’s found on so many different surfaces and it’s very difficult to get rid of. Plus, mildew is a major cause of allergic reactions in humans. So if you’re not comfortable having mold around you, you’re probably better off avoiding contact with mildew. Fortunately, mildew is fairly easy to spot.
Now, when it comes to hockey jerseys, they are a bit more complicated than your average clothing item. Because of the nature of the game, they are more likely to be in contact with dirt and grime from the surface they are worn on. This is why most people with hockey jerseys have to clean them regularly with water and detergents.
And while most people are aware that their jersey can be easily damaged by water, few know that the spores of certain fungi (mold) can also be found on, and in, the fibers of their clothing. When this happens, the clothing becomes almost invisible and therefore hard to spot.
This means that even though you clean your hockey jersey regularly and in the right way, you can’t always be sure that it is safe to wear. Sometimes parts of the clothing are going to be more prone to mold growth than others, particularly if the jersey was previously in contact with soil or water. This is why it is recommended that you don’t wear clothes that were previously worn by others or contain fibers from cloth diapers. Not only can this cause you to be more susceptible to allergic reactions and other illnesses, but it can make you more visible to mold and therefore harder to clean. If you do come into contact with mold, be sure to remove it immediately and clean all affected areas with a disinfectant.
While it is easy enough to spot the most common varieties of mold, there are others that aren’t so easy to identify. Some types of mold that you may encounter are:
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White Mold
This is the most common form of mold and it’s often found in kitchens and bathrooms due to their high foot traffic areas. White mold is often mistaken for soap scum or dirt, but it’s really just a type of mold that lacks pigmentation. Like most types of mold, it is very common in warm, humid environments and it enjoys eating through anything carbohydrate-based (think: bread, pasta, cake, etc.). It also doesn’t hurt that white mold likes to grow on surfaces that are easily disturbed, so if you’re not clean the first time around, it’s going to feast on that dirty material the next time you walk by.
Black Mold
This type of mold is also known as ‘harmful black mold’ and it’s found mostly in older homes because it flourishes in damp, humid areas where wood surfaces meet. It is also very common in areas where there is a water leak or flood, as the area becomes very warm and the water provides the perfect environment for the mold to grow. In fact, if you think that mold is nasty, you should know that this type can be extremely toxic and even cause blindness. The best way to avoid exposure to black mold is by keeping your house clean and dry.
Luckily, there is an easy way to identify this type of mold. It has a thick, black coating that develops on the outside of its cells, allowing you to easily spot it under a black light. Don’t wear clothing that has been in contact with this type of mold, as it will leave a stain that is nearly impossible to remove.
Green Mold
This type of mold is often found growing on plants or flower bouquets and it’s a great example of how differently these types of molds can grow. Some varieties will cover an entire room in a matter of days and this is made all the more dangerous by the fact that most people have no idea how serious this type of mold can be. It’s not uncommon for people to experience an upset stomach or breathing problems after being exposed to this type of mold. The good news is that there is a simple remedy – remove the contaminated material and wash all clothing and bedsheets with a detergent.
While it may be tempting to simply throw away all of your clothes and bedsheets after coming into contact with this type of mold, doing so could be dangerous to your health. The chemicals in most detergents can actually weaken your immune system, rendering you more susceptible to serious illnesses. For the same reason, if you do come into contact with this type of mold, it is recommended that you wear gloves when cleaning to avoid transferring it to other items in your house.
Red Mold
Also known as ‘potato mold’ or ‘cinnamon mold,’ this type of mold is very common in kitchens due to the vast array of foodstuffs that are cooked there. If you regularly eat baked goods, then you’re inevitably going to be exposed to this type of mold – and this is why you should probably wash your hands before and after handling any bread or cakes.
Like other types of mold, red mold is found most commonly in warm, humid environments, but it especially likes to grow in damp conditions. It also flourishes in situations where there is lots of organic material, like food waste or vegetation, present. Like black mold, this type of mold can also be dangerous. However, it is more often associated with allergic reactions and respiratory difficulties. Like most mold, red mold enjoys feasting on carbohydrate-based materials and it especially likes to grow where there is a lot of grease or oil present.
Red mold stains easily and it is often left as a permanent stain on some of the items it eats through. This type of mold is often found growing on wooden surfaces and items made of leather or fur. While there is no known cure for this type of mold, it is possible to remove it through proper cleaning. Because it is easier to remove than other types of mold, it’s recommended that you try to identify and clean this type of mold as soon as you notice it. This will help you avoid potential health problems down the line.
Tan Mold
Also known as ‘grainy mold,’ this type of mold is usually associated with drywall and wall coverings due to its preference for eating through materials with lots of cellulose. It also flourishes in environments where there is lots of air circulation – think: hallways, stairwells, and basements. This is another type of mold that is common in older homes and buildings because it flourishes in environments where there is lots of exposure to the sun and in places where there is high foot traffic.
People with clothing or bedsheets made of denim are more likely to get this type of mold on them. It also likes to grow in areas where there is high humidity and air flow – think: near air conditioning units and near the base of a stairwell.
Like many other types of mold, you can find this type of mold on surfaces that are easily accessible. This type of mold also likes to feast on animal hide, so if you have pets or see any animals regularly in your house, then you should be aware that this is a possibility. While there is no known cure for this type of mold, it is relatively easy to remove through proper cleaning. So, if you do come into contact with it, don’t be afraid to get rid of it.