In the professional cleaning and remediation industry, the visible mold growth on a surface is only part of the problem. Even after mold colonies are removed, a second and often overlooked threat can remain: mycotoxins.
For remediators, deep cleaners, and waterproofing professionals, understanding and eliminating these toxic residues is critical to delivering a truly complete restoration.
Dot now provides the solution: Dot Surface Cleaner & Deodorizer and Dot Extra Strength Mold Stain Remover
What Are Mycotoxins?
Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by certain species of mold and fungi. Unlike mold spores themselves, mycotoxins are microscopic chemical compounds that molds release during growth and stress conditions. These toxins can remain behind on building materials and surfaces even after the visible mold has been removed.
Mycotoxins can persist in the indoor environment long after a mold colony has died or been physically removed. They can bind to dust, drywall, wood, insulation, and other porous materials, making them difficult to eliminate with traditional cleaning methods.
Mycotoxins Can Cause Harm
Mycotoxins are concerning because they are biologically active compounds designed by fungi to inhibit competing organisms. In humans, exposure has been associated with a range of adverse health effects depending on the toxin, exposure duration, and concentration.
Potential health impacts include:
- Respiratory irritation
- Immune system suppression
- Neurological symptoms
- Skin and eye irritation
- Chronic inflammatory responses
Removing mold growth alone does not necessarily remove the toxic compounds it leaves behind. This is why modern remediation protocols increasingly focus on surface mycotoxin destruction in addition to mold removal.
Mycotoxins Causing Harm in the Home
Two major groups of mycotoxins commonly associated with indoor mold contamination are aflatoxins and trichothecenes.
Aflatoxin Group
Produced by molds such as Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus, aflatoxins can be found in environments where organic materials and moisture allow Aspergillus species to grow.
Key aflatoxins: Aflatoxin B1, Aflatoxin B2, Aflatoxin G1, Aflatoxin G2, Aflatoxin M, Aflatoxin M2
Black Mold / Stachybotrys Group
The infamous “black mold,” Stachybotrys chartarum, produces a class of toxins called trichothecenes, which are particularly concerning in water-damaged buildings.
Important toxins from this group include: Satratoxin G, Satratoxin H, Stachybotrylactam.
These toxins are strongly associated with water-damaged drywall, wood framing, and cellulose-based materials.
Destroying Mycotoxins with Dot
Dot Surface Cleaner & Deodorizer, boosted by Dot’s Activator™ technology, breaks down mycotoxins on contaminated hard surfaces using the "spray-wipe-spray" methodology.
Rather than simply masking or rinsing residues away, Dot's chemistry works through an advanced oxidation process that destroys the molecular structure of the toxin itself.
Certified, Independent third-party laboratory testing verified the effectiveness of this approach.*
The results showed 99.9% destruction of these critical mycotoxins, common in households:
Dot's Extra Strength Mold Stain Remover, in addition to its powerful stain removal ability, has proven to destroy up to 99% of mycotoxins on wood surface, using the "spray-brush-spray" methodology.
How To Use Dot To Destroy Mycotoxins
Dot products are designed to fit directly into professional workflows:
- Spray Surface Cleaner & Deodorizer onto the contaminated surface
- Allow plenty of dwell time for enhanced oxidation to occur
- Wipe and rinse
- Spray a second time and allow to dwell.
We are here to help you. Work with our sales and training team to integrate mycotoxin removal into your process.
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*Using Dot Surface Cleaner & Deodorizer, mycotoxin removal was verified by a certified, independent 3rd-party lab using a standard 'spray-wipe-spray' methodology on hard surfaces. 40 Mycotoxins were tested with an average result of 97.1% mycotoxin removal.
Using Dot Extra Strength Mold Stain Remover on wood surfaces, mycotoxin removal was verified by a certified, independent 3rd-party lab using a standard 'spray-brush-spray' methodology. 40 Mycotoxins were tested with an average result of 89.5% mycotoxin removal.
The results displayed on this page are most relevant for remediation and cleaning in homes.
