Spa Fragrance And Black Mildew: A Dangerous Combination?

Black mildew, or black mold, is a type of fungus that can develop in hot tubs and spas. It is caused by a lack of water sanitation, which allows mold spores to survive and flourish in the warm, humid environment. While fragrance does not directly cause black mildew, improper use of spa fragrances or failure to maintain clean, sanitary conditions can contribute to the growth of mold and mildew.

What causes black mildew?

Black mildew, or black mould, is a type of fungus that grows in warm, damp, and enclosed spaces. It is commonly found in areas such as headrests, under the cover, or in areas just above the water line in hot tubs that are damp but not fully submerged.

The most common cause of black mildew is a lack of sanitary water conditions. If there is not enough sanitiser in the water, mould spores are not destroyed, and the steam condenses into dark, moist places, creating the perfect environment for mould to grow.

Black mildew can also form beneath a spa cover, as the space between the cover and the water surface is consistently moist and warm, providing a perfect breeding ground for mould.

To prevent black mildew, it is important to ensure that your hot tub receives the proper amount of sanitiser and to perform regular cleaning and maintenance. Monthly cleaning of the cover is recommended, and if going on vacation, it is best to drain and refill the tub just before leaving.

What does black mildew look like?

Black mildew, or black mold, is a type of fungus that thrives in damp, humid, and poorly ventilated environments. It can grow on various surfaces, including wood, drywall, fabric, and tile grout. Black mildew often appears as slimy or fuzzy patches that can be black, green, or even pink in colour. It tends to grow in larger, more widespread colonies and can penetrate deep into materials.

Black mildew is commonly found in damp, dark, and poorly ventilated areas, such as basements, bathrooms, and furniture. It is typically caused by a lack of water sanitation and condensation, providing the perfect environment for the mold to grow.

In hot tubs, black mildew can be found under the spa cover, on headrests, or in areas above the waterline that remain damp but are not fully submerged. It can flake off and fall into the water, attaching to the spa walls.

To identify black mildew, you can look for the following signs:

• Colour: Black mildew can be black, green, blue, or other dark colours.
• Texture: It often has a slimy or fuzzy texture.
• Size and spread: Black mildew tends to grow in larger colonies and spread quickly.
• Odour: It has a musty, earthy odour.
• Growth time: Black mildew takes longer to appear and grow compared to mildew, which can pop up overnight.

It is important to distinguish black mildew from other types of mold, such as white or pink mold, which may have different characteristics and require specific remediation methods.

What are the health risks of black mildew?

Black mildew, or black mold, is a type of fungus that grows in warm, damp, and humid environments. It is often found in areas such as basements, bathrooms, and kitchens, as well as on materials with high wood or paper content, such as wallboard or wallpaper. Black mildew can cause health risks, especially for individuals with allergies, asthma, or weakened immune systems. Here are some of the health risks associated with black mildew:

Allergic Reactions and Respiratory Problems

Black mildew can trigger allergic reactions in susceptible individuals. When exposed to black mildew, people with mold allergies may experience symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, congestion, itchy and watery eyes, nasal congestion, and respiratory problems. In severe cases of mold allergy, individuals may experience swelling of the mouth or throat and have difficulty breathing, requiring immediate medical attention.

Asthma and Lung Conditions

Black mildew can worsen asthma symptoms and trigger asthma attacks. It can also lead to lung infections, such as mycosis, in people with weakened immune systems or lung diseases. Symptoms of a lung infection caused by black mildew include coughing (sometimes with blood), fatigue, and joint and muscle pain.

Toxicity Concerns

Black mildew, specifically the Stachybotrys chartarum (S. chartarum) species, is sometimes referred to as "toxic black mold." This type of mold can produce toxic chemicals called mycotoxins, which are released through its spores and fragments. While the link between mycotoxins and deadly diseases is not clear, exposure to these toxins, especially for allergic individuals, can cause various symptoms, including respiratory issues, gastrointestinal problems, and trouble concentrating.

Other Potential Health Risks

Long-term exposure to black mildew may lead to frequent respiratory infections, sinus issues, fevers, and muscle aches. Additionally, there are concerns about the potential impact of black mildew on fertility, miscarriage, and birth defects, although more research is needed in this area.

It is important to note that the health risks of black mildew primarily affect individuals with allergies, asthma, or compromised immune systems. However, even for healthy individuals, mold should always be removed from the home to prevent potential health issues and structural damage.

How to prevent black mildew

Black mildew or mold is a serious health hazard that can affect your health and wreak havoc on your home. It is caused by a lack of water sanitation and can be prevented by carrying out routine cleaning and maintenance. Here are some detailed steps you can take to prevent black mildew:

Keep your hot tub clean and well-maintained

Contaminants such as black mildew or mold will not grow in a clean and properly sanitized tub. Testing and adjusting your spa water weekly, cleaning the filters monthly, and draining and refilling the water a few times a year are essential to preventing black mildew.

Control humidity levels

Black mildew thrives in humid environments, so ensure your home's humidity level never rises above 60%. Use a dehumidifier to remove moisture from the air, especially in rooms with high moisture levels, such as basements, bathrooms, and laundry rooms.

Repair leaks promptly

Fix leaky pipes, fixtures, windows, and roofs as soon as possible. Leaks provide the moisture that encourages black mildew growth on wood, drywall, grout, and other porous surfaces.

Keep fabrics and surfaces dry

Hang wet items to dry quickly and thoroughly. Do not leave wet coats, shoes, or towels in a heap, and dry shower stalls and tubs with a squeegee after every use.

Improve ventilation in your home

Use bathroom and kitchen fans to remove steam and speed up drying. Open doors and windows on dry, breezy days to increase airflow and reduce humidity.

Clean and disinfect areas prone to wetness regularly

Regularly clean and disinfect areas that are frequently wet, such as sinks, showers, bathtubs, and basement floors. This will help prevent the growth of black mildew.

Monitor airflow

In addition to improving ventilation, pay attention to airflow in your home. Ensure that furniture does not block HVAC vents, and open small spaces like closets often to allow moisture to escape.

How to get rid of black mildew

Black mildew or mold is a common problem in hot tubs, especially under the spa cover, where it is hot, humid and full of moisture. It can also be found on headrests or in any area that is above the water line, staying damp but not fully submerged.

Find the Source:

Black mildew is caused by a lack of water sanitation. If there is not enough sanitizer in the water, the mold spores are not destroyed, and the steam condenses onto the cover and headrests, finding dark, moist places to grow.

Clean the Cover:

Once a month, clean the dirt and grime off your spa cover to prevent any damage to the vinyl and chemical balancing issues.

Use Sanitizer:

Ensure your tub receives the proper amount of sanitizer to destroy mold spores.

Clean Regularly:

Clean your hot tub cover regularly, even if you don't see visible signs of mildew or grime.

Use Natural Remedies:

You can use natural home remedies to kill black mildew, such as tea tree oil, grapefruit seed extract, baking soda, white distilled vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, or lemon juice.

Professional Removal:

If you discover extensive mold growth, call a professional mold removal company. They will test and identify the type of mold present and advise on the best course of action.

Preventing Black Mildew:

• Keep your tub covered when it's not in use.
• Clean and replace filters regularly.
• Test and maintain water quality and cleaning maintenance.
• Control humidity levels and keep them below 60%.
• Repair leaks promptly.
• Keep fabrics and surfaces dry.
• Use a dehumidifier to remove moisture from the air.
• Improve ventilation.
• Shock your tub water with sanitizer if needed.
• Drain and refill your tub a few times a year or as recommended by your water care system.

Frequently asked questions