Orange Mold: What Is It, Where Does It Grow, and How to Get Rid of It

Finding mold in your home is always concerning, but not all mold is created equal. While most people think of mold as black, green, or white, orange mold is a surprisingly common and often misunderstood variety. It’s not just a cosmetic issue—it can also indicate underlying moisture problems and, in some cases, pose health risks.

Whether you’ve spotted orange mold in your bathroom, on food, or in a damp corner of your home, it’s important to understand what it is, why it appears, and how to safely remove it. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about orange mold, from identification to prevention.

What Is Orange Mold?

Orange mold is a type of fungus that appears as a slimy, gelatinous mass or as dry, powdery patches. Unlike black mold, which is often associated with severe health risks, orange mold is typically more of a nuisance. However, that doesn’t mean it should be ignored.

Common Types of Orange Mold:

Acremonium: Often appears as a moist, gelatinous mass that turns into a powdery substance as it matures. Found in humid, water-damaged areas.
Fuligo septica (Slime Mold): Known as “dog vomit fungus,” it’s slimy and bright orange, commonly found in mulch or damp wood.
Serpula lacrymans: Typically found on decaying wood, causing dry rot.
Neurospora: Often seen on starchy foods, like bread, giving it a pinkish-orange hue.

While the appearance can vary, the presence of moisture is a common denominator for all orange mold types. It thrives in damp, poorly ventilated spaces, including bathrooms, basements, kitchens, and outdoor mulch beds.

Why Does Orange Mold Appear?

Mold spores are always present in the air, but they only grow and multiply when they find the right conditions. Orange mold appears when:

High Humidity: Indoor humidity levels above 60% create a perfect environment.
Water Damage: Leaks from pipes, roofs, or windows provide a moisture source.
Organic Material: Mold feeds on organic matter, including wood, food, drywall, and mulch.
Poor Ventilation: Stagnant, moist air encourages mold growth.
Neglected Cleaning: Damp, dirty surfaces are more prone to mold colonization.

It’s not uncommon to find orange mold on shower curtains, around leaky faucets, in damp basements, or on expired food items.

Is Orange Mold Dangerous?

The health risks associated with orange mold vary depending on the type and the level of exposure.

Health Risks:

Respiratory Issues: Inhaling mold spores can cause allergies, asthma flare-ups, and respiratory irritation.
Skin Irritation: Direct contact with mold can cause rashes or skin irritation.
Infections: In rare cases, people with weakened immune systems may develop mold-related infections.

Unlike black mold (Stachybotrys), which produces toxic mycotoxins, most orange molds are not inherently toxic. However, they can still trigger allergic reactions or respiratory symptoms, particularly in sensitive individuals.

Structural Damage:

Orange mold, especially varieties like Serpula lacrymans, can cause wood rot, compromising the structural integrity of your home. Over time, this damage can become severe and costly to repair.

How to Identify Orange Mold

Before you can remove orange mold, you need to identify it correctly. Here’s what to look for:

Color: Ranges from bright orange to rusty brown.
Texture: Slimy when wet, crusty or powdery when dry.
Location: Often found on wood, drywall, grout, damp food, or in mulch.
Smell: Musty, earthy odor, typical of mold.

If you’re not sure whether it’s mold or just dirt, try wiping it with a damp cloth. Mold will smear, while dirt often brushes away cleanly.

How to Get Rid of Orange Mold

Removing orange mold requires proper preparation and caution to prevent spreading spores. Here’s how to do it safely:

Step 1: Gather Supplies

Protective gear (gloves, mask, goggles)
Scrub brush or sponge
Detergent or mold cleaner
White vinegar or hydrogen peroxide
Plastic bags for disposal
Paper towels
Spray bottle
Bucket of warm, soapy water

Step 2: Ventilate the Area

Open windows and doors to allow airflow. Use fans to direct mold spores outside.

Step 3: Protect Yourself

Wear gloves, goggles, and a mask to avoid inhaling spores or having contact with your skin.

Step 4: Clean the Affected Area

Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
Apply the solution generously to the moldy surface and let it sit for 10–15 minutes.
Scrub the area with a brush or sponge to loosen the mold.
Wipe with clean, damp paper towels and dispose of them immediately in a sealed plastic bag.

Step 5: Disinfect

For extra precaution, follow up with hydrogen peroxide, applying it directly to the surface and letting it dry naturally.

Step 6: Dry Thoroughly

Moisture is mold’s best friend. Use fans or dehumidifiers to dry the area completely.

How to Prevent Orange Mold from Coming Back

Keeping orange mold at bay requires ongoing maintenance. Here are some tips:

1. Control Humidity:

Keep indoor humidity levels below 50%.
Use dehumidifiers in damp areas like basements and bathrooms.
Fix leaks promptly and ensure proper drainage around your home.

2. Improve Ventilation:

Use exhaust fans in the bathroom and kitchen.
Keep windows open when possible to promote airflow.
Avoid overcrowding storage spaces to allow air circulation.

3. Regular Cleaning:

Clean and dry shower curtains, tiles, and grout frequently.
Remove mold-prone items, like old food and wet towels, as soon as possible.
Treat wooden outdoor structures with mold-resistant sealants.

4. Treat Problem Areas:

Use mold-resistant paint in high-humidity areas.
Apply a vinegar rinse on bathroom tiles once a week to discourage growth.
Regularly inspect basements and crawl spaces for leaks or moisture buildup.

Should You Call a Professional?

While small mold patches can often be handled with DIY methods, some situations warrant professional intervention:

Widespread Contamination: If the mold covers an area larger than 10 square feet.
Structural Damage: When wood rot or compromised building materials are involved.
Health Concerns: If anyone in your home has mold allergies or respiratory issues.
Persistent Recurrence: If the mold keeps coming back despite cleaning.

Professional mold remediation services can identify the root cause and use specialized treatments to eliminate the problem.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Ignore Orange Mold

While orange mold might not be as notorious as black mold, it still poses risks—especially if left untreated. Whether it’s creeping along your bathroom grout or covering a forgotten loaf of bread, it’s crucial to address the problem quickly and thoroughly.

By understanding how to identify, remove, and prevent orange mold, you’re taking proactive steps to protect your home and health. Always prioritize safety during removal and never hesitate to seek professional help for severe infestations.