Black Mold Mushrooms - Are They Dangerous?

Mold and mushrooms are both types of fungi. So it’s not too surprising when they show up together — especially in damp, neglected parts of a home.

Yes, mushrooms can grow indoors. You might even see them sprouting from your walls, floors, or bathroom grout. But when that happens, it’s not just weird — it’s usually a red flag for serious moisture damage and possible mold contamination.

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Are Black Mold Mushrooms Dangerous?

Let’s start with this:
“Black mold” is a nickname people use for Stachybotrys chartarum — a dark, slimy mold that thrives on wet drywall and other cellulose-based materials.

It’s notorious because it can release mycotoxins, which may cause headaches, fatigue, and respiratory issues when inhaled. (CDC)

That said, Stachybotrys doesn’t usually grow mushrooms.

So if you see what looks like black mushrooms growing from your walls or floors, you’re probably dealing with another type of mold — but that doesn’t mean it’s harmless.

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What Are “Black Mold Mushrooms”?

What you’re seeing is likely another mold species — possibly one that does produce fruiting bodies (aka mushrooms).

Common culprits include:

• Aspergillus
• Penicillium
• Cladosporium

These molds are also known to release allergens and mycotoxins, which can cause health problems — especially in people with asthma, allergies, or weakened immune systems. (NIOSH)

Mushrooms often appear when a leak or chronic moisture issue has been left unchecked for a while. That means they’re not just a cosmetic issue — they’re a warning sign.

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White Mold Mushrooms Growing Indoors

It’s not just black mold mushrooms you need to watch out for.

White mold mushrooms can also grow inside homes — especially on water-damaged wood or drywall. Like their darker counterparts, they can trigger:

• Sneezing and coughing
• Headaches
• Skin irritation

And depending on the species, those cute fuzzy caps might actually be releasing toxic spores.

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Mold Mushrooms in the Bathroom

Bathrooms are a favorite spot for mold mushrooms.

Why?

• Warmth
• Humidity
• Poor ventilation
• Occasional neglect (especially in guest or basement bathrooms)

If you see mushrooms growing near your toilet, grout, or shower walls, you might have more than surface mold — there could be hidden growth behind the tile or inside your walls.

“Fungi that grow indoors due to water damage may include molds that can affect indoor air quality.”
— EPA

Check for leaks and keep things dry.

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How to Clean Black Mold Mushrooms

Let’s be honest:
If mold is growing mushrooms, cleaning may not be enough.

When you might clean it:

• It’s on a non-porous surface (like tile or glass)
• The patch is smaller than 10 square feet
• You’ve stopped the leak and dried the area fully

Wear PPE: gloves, mask, goggles — even if it “just looks like dirt.”
Use EPA-approved cleaners, white vinegar, or hydrogen peroxide — but don’t use bleach on wood or drywall.

When to call in a pro:

• It’s on drywall, carpet, insulation, or wood
• You see signs of spreading or HVAC contamination
• The area is bigger than 10 sq. ft.
• You suspect a long-term leak

The EPA recommends professional help for large mold problems or contamination behind walls and inside ducts.

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Insurance Tip

If mold mushrooms popped up due to a leak, you may be able to file a homeowner’s insurance claim — especially if the leak was sudden or accidental.

Don’t start ripping out drywall until you check with your provider or a licensed mold inspector.

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Conclusion: Should You Worry?

If you see mushrooms growing inside your home, don’t panic — but don’t ignore it either.

Here’s what to do:

• Check for leaks or moisture
• Don’t disturb the area until you understand what you’re dealing with
• If it's growing from drywall or flooring — call a mold inspector
• If you clean it yourself, wear proper PPE
• Always address the moisture problem first

Want to confirm what kind of mold you’re dealing with?

👉 Schedule a Mold Inspection
👉 Or get a mold test kit

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