Cobweb Mold – Studies on the molds reveal that they are available in several variables that can promote its development. It needs a short time to develop from one fungal substrate to the environment to spread quickly.
Some of the molds remain beneficial to humanity while others remain harmful. The molds are most commonly seen growing on the mushrooms, and they need an uncolonized substrate to develop until they get their suitable host.
Identification of Cobweb Mold:
It is simpler to identify the cobweb due to its grey colour, and it is also stingy and puffy. the colour of the mold slightly differs from the mycelium, and when the mycelium attained the difference of colour, it is the indication of the rotten state. Therefore, you can conclude that the entire culture I contaminated with cobweb mold.
Features of Cobweb Mold:
It is identified by the white circular patches similar to the white cotton balls that is likely to develop on the casing layer of the mushrooms. It is due to the presence of Dactylium dendrites mildew that causes the mushroom discolouration and makes it rot and affect the yield of the species.
The branching of the mycelium fungus is similar to that of the spider’s web found in the morning grass and disappears when the dew dries. Cobweb is the term used by biologists, and they use it to describe the structure of three- dimensional web of some of the species of the spider that belongs to the family Theriidiidae.
It is odourless and has no specific smell to identify it. However, it is quite easy to differentiate the cobweb and the mycelium with its basic features.
Are the Molds Edible?
Molds are microscopic fungi that can be seen only through a microscope and look like skinny mushrooms under microscopic observation. All the molds are not dangerous, and penicillin is derived from the fungus, and it is used in many ways.
Some of the molds are likely to cause respiratory problems when inhaled, and sometimes it leads to the death of the person who consumed the mold in the rotten state.
Apart from this, the molds can be considered as bless and a curse in the food
world. It does both the job of preserving and destroying the food particles, and hence it plays a dual role in the food industry. However, all the molds are not edible; only a few verities can be consumed by humankind.
Uses of Cobweb Mold in the Food World:
Hard Salami and dry-cured ham are safe with the molds, while cold cuts and hot dogs are unsafe.
It is safe on hard cheese such as Parmesan, Cheddar and Swiss as the harder surface do not allow the molds to penetrate it, and on the other hand, it is unsafe with the soft cheese.
Firm fruits and vegetables are stable with mold, whereas the weaker fruits and vegetables are unsafe.
Several other edibles are also unsafe with moulds, and they need to be stored in a clean and dry place.
Storage of Food:
- You can store the food away from warm and humid environments.
- Try to cover your food particles to prevent them from attracting the mould spores present in the air.
- Always refrigerate the perishable foods and use the leftovers within a couple of days to get free from infection.
These are the simple steps that you can follow in preserving your food.
Safety Measures:
It is vital to follow the safety measures to keep the food and the edibles mould-free, and a few of the tips are given here.
Clean your refrigerator with the help of baking soda and try to scrub off the inside parts well. Molds are likely to present in the cold area and if you happen to see any of the mold particles, remove them off with the bleaching effect caused due to the mixture of baking soda and water.
Try to dry all the wet objects after use and eliminate the humidity of your living space. If you happen to witness the moldy food in your home, avoid smelling it, as there is a chance of inhaling the mold spores that result in respiratory disorders.
Mold is the major reason for causing food poison, and always stores your food safely as the molds can spread vigorously. You must also check the surrounding area and the food kept near the affected food before consuming it.
Effects on Plants:
The growth of the plant organisms are affected as these molds affect the root parts of the plants. The molds that form on the buds are responsible for the reduction of the product quality. Some of the plants that are affected due to molds are
- Basil
- Cucurbitaceae
- Grapes
- Hopes
- Ornamentals
- Soybean
- Spinach
- Sunflowers
How to Get Rid of the Cobweb Mold?
The molds can be get rid of by following the natural way without affecting the surrounding environment. The non-toxic ways of removing molds are discussed here.
Treat Mold With Hydrogen Peroxide.
The effective mold treatment that is available in medicinal stores is hydrogen peroxide. It is an anti-fungal, anti-viral, and anti-bacterial that you can use anywhere in your house. You can prepare the saturated solution and spray it over the affected area, and you can scrub the area thoroughly to remove the mould.
Eradication of Mold With Vinegar
White vinegar is acidic, and you can use it to remove the molds. The odour of the vinegar eliminates any of the microorganisms. In addition, it cleans, deodorizes and disinfects the area where it is sprayed.
Remove the Mold With Baking Soda.
Baking soda usage is a simple home remedy that benefits in many ways. It can kill the molds, and it is also effective in absorbing the moisture from the surface that remains as the attraction of the molds to grow.
Usage of Essential Oils
The safest method of getting rid of the molds is the usage of essential oils and the acts as a deodorizer, insect repellent and antiseptic. In addition, tea tree oil is used in cleaning the molds quickly, and it also prevents the reinvasion of the mold spores.
Lemon as a Cobweb Mold Clearing Agent
Lemon is a multifunctional material that is readily available in every house. It is well-known for its medicinal properties. It is also used in the removal of molds from any surface in the house.
The citric acid present in the lemon breaks up the mold and makes it easy to clean the surface. It is proved as a natural deodorizer, antiseptic, bleach, stain remover and a cleaner, and all these properties work well in removing molds.
Conclusion:
Maintaining hygiene in the living area is essential to lead a healthy and disease-free life. The cobweb mold is likely to cause some effects in human life. It is simple to get naturally rid of the molds with the non-toxic methods discussed in this article.
Any one of the methods you can try in your daily routine and make it a habit of cleaning every day. The microorganisms can spread infections very quickly, and it is better to follow the safety measures to come out of the microbial infections.
A hygienic environment will fresh up the soul and the body of the individual, and it is in everybody’s hands to make a fresh and healthy environment for the better life.