White Mold Vs Efflorescence – Identifying Differences & Similarities

How do you know if you are dealing with efflorescence or white mold? Here is a detailed comparison guide.

As a homeowner, you’re likely to have experienced several conditions that result as a result of moisture presence. These aren’t pretty as they signal a fundamental problem that needs to be addressed.

Common effects of moisture problems in homes are mold growth and efflorescence.

White Mold Or Efflorescence

Now, these are sometimes confused due to the similarity of their appearance. There are about 300 mold varieties that have different appearances. As such, it’s easy to mistake efflorescence with mold growth.

Here, we’ll be making key comparisons between the two to help with easy identification

In other words, you should be able to easily distinguish between white mold and efflorescence when you come across such around your home.

Both can be Attributed to Moisture Presence

When it comes to either mold growth or efflorescence, both of these conditions can be traced to moisture presence.

Wherever you notice white mold (or any other mold type) growth in a home, its presence can be traced to moisture presence. The same applies to efflorescence.

This makes fixing the problem a lot easier. However, making real progress requires identifying what you’re dealing with as both (white mold and efflorescence) might appear similar.

Part of fixing the problem will require identifying the water source and remedying it.

About White Mold Growth

Starting with a good description of mold issues will be a great way to tell it apart from efflorescence.

As suggested by the name, white mold growth appears white and is one of many mold species that appear in areas with moisture. A close examination of white mold will reveal a powdery texture.

Some mold species found growing around homes and appearing white include aspergillus, Penicillium, and Cladosporium.

It’s important to note that there are other mold types with different color appearances such as gray, and black. These are considered as being more dangerous than white mold.

White mold growth still isn’t desirable as it stains or defaces your structure. Plus, the health risks due to exposure as still there.

It becomes necessary to take immediate actions to have them removed through remediation as well as resolving the moisture problem giving rise to such.

About Efflorescence

Efflorescence is a condition where a white or grayish coating forms around structures.

Such may be in basements, foundations, or chimneys, among other areas. The white coating that forms consists of minerals or salt deposits formed as a result of water presence in concrete or brick.

The dissolved minerals contained in such water crystallize or form when such water evaporates. Like white mold, efflorescence also has a powdery feel and can be seen pushing through masonry.

There are situations where both mold and efflorescence appear with mold growing above.

Health Impacts of both Efflorescence and Mold Growth

Moisture presence in homes can give rise to a wide range of problems such as these.

However, such problems might extend beyond mold growth and efflorescence. In cases of mold growth, spores are released which can be inhaled and could cause a wide range of health issues.

The allergens and irritants released by mold cause a wide range of health problems that may worsen with continuous exposure. Asthmatic symptoms are among those likely to result.

Persons exposed to mold spores are likely to experience eye irritation, shortness of breath, blurred vision, as well as headaches.

Skin rashes, fatigue, anxiety, depression, light sensitivity, disorientation, limited color distinction, and loss of balance are among symptoms that could arise from exposure to these allergens.

Unlike white mold growth in homes, efflorescence has no health impacts whatsoever. However, its appearance is a clear sign of water migrating through the structure.

Although there are no health risks attached to efflorescence, it doesn’t change the reality that your building is defaced.

Differentiating Between White Mold and Efflorescence

A visual distinction of white mold from efflorescence can be a bit challenging.

Apart from the color, there are similarities in texture. So, how do you go about telling one apart from the other? There are things to look for; first, check the type of material it grows on.

Also, solubility helps to differentiate white mold from efflorescence. What more? The texture can reveal a lot about what you’re dealing with. Color appearance may also count.

Let’s take a brief look at each of these points for further details.

• Type of Material

When seeking to distinguish white mold from efflorescence, one thing to consider is the type of material involved. Organic materials are the most common growth medium for white mold.

While this is true, you might have seen mold growing on inorganic materials like tiles or glasses, etc.

In such situations, white mold isn’t growing on the inorganic material but the dust or dirt lying on the material. For efflorescence, this only develops on inorganic construction materials.

These mostly consist of bricks and concrete.

• Solubility in Water

Water solubility is one of the easiest ways to differentiate between white mold and efflorescence. Efflorescence will readily dissolve in water due to its mineral contents.

This is different for mold which won’t dissolve in water.

• Texture

Another way to distinguish between white mold and efflorescence is by rubbing between your fingers.

Now, white mold may appear powdery when pushed against with a finger, but won’t turn powdery when rubbed between the fingers. The opposite is true for efflorescence.

It turns powdery when rubbed against the finger. Using this basic experiment, you should be able to tell what you’re dealing with.

• Color Appearance

For the most part, mold growth appears grey or black.

However, the white type may be noticed as well but isn’t as common as black or grey mold. With efflorescence, you’re either going to see a white or yellowish appearance.

The white appearance tends to be the most common.

Conclusion

There are times when you may be overwhelmed by a lot of situations that make it difficult to differentiate white mold from efflorescence. Under such circumstances, it’s best to call for professional inspection and treatment.

More importantly, you should know that moisture presence is the main cause for such.

Knowing the differences between white mold and efflorescence helps you apply the right approach to fixing the problem. We hope the tips provided here will help you achieve that.