What is Cobweb Mold – Dangers & How to Get Rid of it

Are you experiencing thick, cobweb-looking spots/mold in your home?

Do you have a fuzzy, feathery grey substance growing on your mushrooms and aren’t sure what to do?

If this sounds like your situation, keep reading to figure out what to do next.

What you’ll learn:

  • What is cobweb mold?
  • What causes cobweb mold?
  • Dangers and problems caused by cobweb mold.
  • Getting rid of and preventing cobweb mold.

What Is Cobweb Mold & How To Identify It

The term ‘cobweb mold’ refers to a range of closely related mold species. Meticulous genetic testing is the only way to tell the different species of cobweb mold apart because of how similar they are to each other.

These particular species of mold cause a disease in mushrooms known as cobweb disease, hence the name. 

Cobweb mold grows mainly on mushrooms.

They can, however, technically grow on any uncolonized substrate containing an adequate host so that is why people tend to find it in their homes.

This kind of mold appears fuzzy and can be grey, white, or both. It tends to grow in a way that leaves it floating or hovering above the surface in straggly locks.

It usually resembles a dense spider’s web, another reason for its name.

Cobweb mold also tends to have a mildew and musty smell to it.

Cobweb Mold VS. Mycelium

Cobweb mold and mycelium are often confused, but it’s important to know the difference. 

Cobweb mold is harmful and toxic to living things, as is most mold. It causes a serious disease in mushrooms commonly known as cobweb disease.

Like all mold, you should steer clear and remain cautious around cobweb mold.

Mycelium is an important part of the ecosystem and is typically found outside. All mushrooms grow from mycelium. Mycelium also positively impacts other plants in the surrounding areas.

Mycelium is used in the fashion industry as well as for some building materials. It’s a sustainable and eco-friendly renewable resource with many useful properties.

How To Tell Mycelium From Mold

Identifying cobweb mold can be tricky due to its similar characteristics to mycelium. People often confuse the two.

Mycelium tends to be more white and vibrant in color compared to cobweb mold, which is more grey and resembles a thick spiderweb.

Cobweb mold contains very fine strands and is more whispy, while mycelium is more of a rope-like hyphal growth.

Cobweb mold also grows extremely fast. Way faster than mycelium.

Older cobweb mold can be anywhere from grey to brown.

Most Common Causes Of Cobweb Spiderweb Mold

Cobweb mold is one of the easiest molds to get. It grows in still, dry, hot, stale air.

When dealing with mushrooms, incorrect sterilization is a very common cause of cobweb mold. Make sure your substrates and work area are clean and sterile.

Also, be aware that you carry bacteria and microorganisms on you. Keeping yourself clean and washing your hands before going around your mushrooms or work area is important.

Aborts, as in the presence of them, have a direct link to the development of cobweb mold. Aborts are mushrooms that have stopped growing and will never become fully-grown mushrooms.

The science is unsure of whether the aborts cause the mold or the mold causes the aborts.

But if there are quite a few aborts in the area, that could be a contributor to your cobweb mold problem.

When dealing with cobweb mold in the home, areas where previous mold spores have developed that are not regularly cleaned can cause cobweb mold to form.

Low oxygen and airflow as well as high temperatures are all factors that create the ideal environment for cobweb mold to develop.

Dangers Of Cobweb Mold & Problems It Can Cause

Cobweb mold causes a fungal disease called cobweb disease. This disease affects mushrooms in a way that causes them to brown and rot. It can also cause cap rotting.

Mushrooms rotted from cobweb mold should not be consumed, they should be thrown out.

Cobweb mold spreads very quickly and easily and once it has infected a mushroom through to the inside it can no longer be used.

Cobweb mold, if left untreated, can cause very serious health risks and even be lethal.

Depending on how much exposure and how much mold you have it can be dangerous to your health. Getting rid of it as soon and as safely as possible is the best solution.

Best Ways To Get Rid Of Cobweb Mold

To get rid of cobweb mold in the home:

Simply spray the entire area of the cobweb mold with 3% hydrogen peroxide.

Make sure to be generous when spraying. Allow the peroxide to do its work for at least 2 hours before going in and physically removing the mold.

Then, thoroughly clean the area with a cleaning solution.

Be sure to dispose of mold waste carefully and sanitize all tools used after doing so.

To get rid of cobweb mold on mushrooms:

Arrange a damp paper towel over all the areas where growth is present. This will prevent any more spores from releasing.

Next, you will want to pour salt onto the paper towel and then carefully extract any and all mushrooms exhibiting signs of spotting.

With any luck, you may still contain some healthy mushrooms that can develop and flourish. 

Preventing Cobweb Mold

Keeping your refrigerator, kitchen tools, and area clean will help prevent the growth of cobweb mold as these are quite susceptible areas.

The bathroom is another susceptible area so be sure to keep it clean as well.

Fruits, vegetables, and any other fresh products should be stored in your refrigerator. Freezing all foods you won’t be eating within 3 days will also help. 

All food trays and containers should be kept clean. 

Keep good airflow throughout these areas. 

To prevent cobweb from growing on mushrooms:

Keep the area well ventilated and cool if possible. 

Also, be sure the area is clean as well you yourself are clean when working and being around the mushrooms. 

Even if you practice all these prevention methods perfectly, you can still develop cobweb mold as it is one of the easiest molds you can get.

But it’s also one of the easiest to get rid of.

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