Finding mold at home is upsetting. Not only can it ruin your clothes and household items, it can be dangerous. If untreated, certain types of mold can lead to negative health effects, including coughing, fatigue, brain fog, asthma, weight gain, and more. For your and your loved ones’ safety and peace of mind, it’s important to identify the source of mold and take action to remove it.
Professional mold removal can be costly. Deciding whether to tackle mold yourself or hire a company depends on a few factors. Here’s what you need to know.
Evaluate the Area
First, identify where the mold is growing. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends contacting licensed pros if the affected area exceeds 10 square feet. Keep in mind, though, that hidden wall mold means visible spots may not reveal total growth. Getting an accurate picture of the extent of mold growth can be tricky.
It’s worth hiring a professional if you suspect hidden mold growing in your walls. These are common signs of potential mold growth in your home:
- Allergic reactions
- Dark stains on ceilings or walls
- Moldy or musty odors
- Peeling paint or wallpaper
- Water or moisture issues
Note that home insurance may require documentation by a professional if there are significant structural issues from mold spreading through walls.
Consider Invisible Spores
Mold grows through tiny, invisible spores that land on wet or high-moisture areas. HVAC systems can transmit microscopic mold spores throughout homes, impacting health. Those with asthma, allergies, or compromised immunity are especially vulnerable to this in-air exposure. Cleaning by professionals sanitizes building materials, contents, and air, which is essential for behind-the-scenes mold issues.
Homeowners can use pump kits for air tests. Samples are examined at labs to check for spores. Inspections can also detect problems.
Know Your Surface Mold
The type of surface can determine the level of difficulty of removing mold. Mold growing on nonporous surfaces often wipes clean with solutions like Wet and Forget. But mold can linger in porous carpet fibers despite scrubbing.
Tackling a home’s humidity stops regrowth. High home moisture enables surface mold. A malfunctioning HVAC system could be the culprit — look out for heavy vent condensation, which may signal problems.
You can remove surface mold yourself, but you need to quickly tackle the underlying moisture source. While you implement a true solution, I recommend installing a dehumidifier in your home. Although this won’t address the root cause of the humidity, it will remove additional moisture in the air, preventing further mold growth. The EPA recommends keeping indoor humidity levels between 30% and 50% to prevent mold growth.
Learn more about how to tackle your home’s moisture problems here.
Acting Promptly Controls Mold
If you detect excessive moisture or flooding, act urgently to dry the area. This eliminates mold risks, which can form in as little as 48 hours. I recommend blasting fans and cranking dehumidifiers after heavy floods. Remove moisture-trapping baseboards and other wall trim, such as wainscoting, to promote drying. Speed eliminates mold risks.
Black Mold Isn’t Always Toxic
Black mold can sound alarms for homeowners, given its infamous reputation. But the dark color alone doesn’t necessarily indicate toxicity.
The toxic mold, Stachybotrys chartarum, requires constant dampness to release toxins. Non-toxic black mold can appear in random areas that haven’t experienced water damage. It also cleans up more easily and doesn’t have the same musty smell as toxic black mold.
The health risks for both the toxic and nontoxic varieties can vary.
So, Is Mold Removal Worth It?
Absolutely. If you spot mold, it’s important to identify its source and remove it as soon as possible. The longer mold is left untreated, the more quickly it will reproduce.
Assure yourself that your home is clean and safe by routinely checking for mold. Large mold areas or mold growing on porous surfaces often requires professional cleaning — and contact a professional cleaning company if you’ve removed the mold, but it returns.
FAQs About Mold Removal
For what size of mold-contaminated area should I call professional cleaners?
For suspected hidden mold over 10 square feet, contact professionals. Mold behind walls is tough to gauge.
How do I check for airborne spores?
Consider hiring air sampling technicians or buying home test kits to collect samples for analysis in a lab.
Is black mold hazardous?
Prolonged moisture enables Stachybotrys chartarum (black mold) to release toxins. Patches of surface mold without a continuous moisture source can be treated as a DIY project.
How quickly should I fix leaks?
Act urgently to dry flooded areas or areas exposed to leaks to eliminate mold risks. Mold forms in as little as 48 hours.
Can I handle surface mold myself?
For nonporous surfaces, mold often wipes away with commercial solutions. However, porous materials such as carpeting will likely require treatment or replacement by pros.
