So You Think You Have Mold, Here's What to Do Next
RH Business Marketing Solutions
Whether in your home or your business, the discovery of mold can be a deeply unsettling one. Just the sight of the discolored patches can lower your home’s visual appeal and value, but it can also create risks for property damage and health issues.
If you think you’ve found mold, you are right to take it so seriously. Mold thrives in moist environments and can spread quickly if not addressed, leading to a host of issues, from structural damage to adverse health effects, particularly for those with allergies, respiratory conditions, or the immunocompromised.
However, the good news is that mold isn’t a death sentence for your property. In fact, now that you’ve noticed it you can take appropriate action, and that’s what we’re going to cover. In this post, we’re going to go over what you should do if you’ve found mold in your home or business.
How to Positively Identify Mold
Mold isn't always going to be as obvious as a black or green patch on your walls or ceiling. It can lurk in less visible areas, presenting a range of colors and textures that might not immediately be recognizable as a mold problem. This means knowing how to identify mold and understanding where it is typically found is going to be incredibly important in effectively addressing the problem.
First, look for the common signs. Mold will typically look like fuzzy or slimy patches that can be black, green, white, or even orange and purple. Moisture is essential for mold, so make sure you check areas prone to excess moisture or water. This includes spaces like under the sink, bathrooms, basements, attics, and crawl spaces.
One of the most telltale signs that you have mold is the signature “musty” smell. This is particularly useful for diagnosis if you can’t find any other visible mold, since it indicates you have a hidden mold problem.
Remember, however, that not every dark spot is mold. There are countless things that can imitate mold, and dust and soot are two of the most common. One of the best ways to test a surface to see if it’s mold or something else is the bleach test. Simply dab a small area with bleach, and if it lightens in color over the next few minutes, it’s almost assuredly mold. If you have any doubts, definitely reach out to a professional.
Assessing the Extent of Your Mold Issue
Once you’ve positively identified the presence of mold, the next step is to assess its extent. This will determine whether it's a minor issue you can tackle yourself or a larger problem that requires professional intervention.
Start with a thorough visual inspection of the affected area. Mold often spreads beyond what's immediately visible, so look for signs of moisture and water damage in adjacent areas. Check behind furniture, inside closets, and in other less visible spots to gauge the full scope of the problem.
For small, contained areas (less than about 10 square feet), you might manage the cleanup yourself. However, if the mold covers a larger area, is in the HVAC system, or results from contaminated water, it's time to call in the professionals. They can conduct a more thorough assessment, including using moisture meters and infrared cameras to detect hidden mold, as well as perform analysis to determine the specific type of mold.
If you’re tackling the mold assessment yourself, make sure you wear sufficient personal protective equipment or PPE. This includes gloves, mask, and eye protection, to keep yourself as safe as possible from the potential health risks of the spores.
DIY Mold Remediation for Small Infestations
As we mentioned, if your mold issue is about 10 square feet or less, you might be able to address the remediation yourself. If this is the route you’re taking, here’s how you can do it a little safer.
Safety First: Before you start, gear up for safety. Wear gloves, goggles, and an N-95 respirator to protect yourself from mold spores. Don’t use fans to ventilate the room, they can spread the spores around.
Choose the Right Cleaner: For non-porous surfaces, a solution of water and detergent can be effective. For more stubborn mold on hard surfaces, you might use a mixture of water and vinegar or a commercial mold remover. Bleach only kills surface mold.
Scrub and Dry: Use a stiff-bristle brush to scrub the moldy area with your chosen cleaning solution. Be thorough, but avoid scrubbing so hard the spores become airborne. Afterwards, make sure the area dries completely.
Dispose of Materials Properly: Any clothing or gear you use that has been contaminated will need to be placed in a sealed bag before disposal to prevent the spores from spreading throughout the home.
Address the Moisture Source: Unless you plan on making this part of your routine, you’ll want to find out where the moisture is coming from that was feeding the mold you just took care of. Find and fix any nearby or adjacent leaks, improve ventilation, or leverage a dehumidifier to keep the indoor humidity no higher than 50%.
Contact a Professional When DIY Isn’t Enough
Tackling smaller mold patches can be done easily as a DIY project, but there are times when it’s necessary to call in professional mold remediation experts. The biggest factor to impact the success of your mold removal is typically going to be knowing when it’s best to bring in professional help, which can also help safeguard your time, money, and health. Here are some situations where you’ll probably want to call in a professional.
If the mold growth is extensive, or if you find multiple areas of your home or business that are affected.
If you find mold in your HVAC equipment, such as your furnace or air conditioner, a professional should be used to ensure the spores are not circulated throughout the property.
If your home has recently been through water damage, and may need structural drying to prevent ongoing mold issues.
If residents or occupants of the property have health issues or are immunocompromised.
Taking action at the first signs of mold can protect your home's structural integrity and the health of its inhabitants. By maintaining a dry, well-ventilated environment, staying vigilant for potential mold sources, and possibly leveraging professional help, you can enjoy a healthier, more comfortable living space