7 Common Mistakes People Make After Finding Mold in a Home

Mold is a nuisance that many homeowners have to deal with at some point in their lives. It is a type of fungus that thrives in damp environments and causes structural damage as it grows rapidly in the surrounding areas. Different types of mold have different toxicity levels and pose health risks to the property occupants.

However, when many homeowners discover small areas of mold in their homes, they often think they can take care of the issue themselves without professional help. Unfortunately, this often leads to more problems.

To help our readers make informed decisions about mold removal, we will discuss seven common mistakes people make when dealing with mold issues, explain the potential dangers of each mistake, and discuss why seeking professional help in mold eradication is necessary.

How Can Small Areas of Mold in a Home Affect Your Health?

Mold growth in your home is harmful to your health. Even small patches can produce allergens, irritants, and toxic substances called mycotoxins. They cause serious health problems if you inhale, ingest, or otherwise come in contact with the mold spores. You may find yourself frequently sneezing, plagued with a persistent cough, or dealing with a runny nose. It's not uncommon for your eyes to become itchy or for skin rashes to appear. Over time, the constant toxin exposure may suppress your immune system, making you more susceptible to other illnesses.

The Main Mistakes People Make Encountering Mold

Mold is a common problem present in many homes. It grows in moist areas like bathrooms, kitchens, or basements. Here are the seven main mistakes people make encountering mold in a small space.

1. Ignoring the Mold Problem

Many people ignore mold in small areas, thinking it will go away on its own. Ignoring mold is one of the biggest mistakes homeowners make. Mold is a fast-growing, invasive organism. Its spores can easily become airborne and spread rapidly, leading to a more extensive infestation in other areas of your home.

Mold needs moisture and organic material to grow. If the environment continues to be damp and warm, it will feed on any material and spread. It will eat into your walls, furniture, and flooring leading to expensive repairs. At the same time, the spores will contaminate your living space and spread allergens and mycotoxins. The "out of sight, out of mind'" approach is a risky gamble with your health and the structural integrity of your home.

2. Painting Over Mold

Mold infestation often produces visible stains and patches on walls. Some people paint over the mold spots to get rid of them without addressing the underlying issue. Painting won't stop the growth and only cover the stain up temporarily. At the same time, trapping the mold under the paint causes it to grow in the other direction within the surface. Eventually, the infestation causes permanent structural damage that requires the replacement of the contaminated area.

3. Trying to Wipe the Mold Where It Can be Seen

Although many homeowners think that wiping mold away with home cleaners is enough, it may not solve the problem in the long run. Mold usually has a network of roots that grow deeply into the material it affects, especially on porous organic surfaces where it can feed on the material and spread quickly. Attempting to clean the visible mold without addressing the root cause of the problem will only allow it to come back again with full force.

4. Trying DIY Mold Removal Solutions Without Proper Knowledge or Training

Attempting DIY mold removal to save money can be risky. It rarely works and usually worsens the problem. Identifying the type of mold and using appropriate equipment are crucial in avoiding the release of mold spores which could be harmful to health.

5. Throw Away or Replace the Mold Infected Item and Forget About the Problem

Removing a mold-infested item does not eliminate the mold from the area entirely. To prevent spores from spreading to other areas, mold remediation is necessary after removing the mold-infected items.

6. Not Ventilating or Failing to Properly Ventilate the Area

It is a common misconception that closing off areas can prevent mold spores from entering a room. This is not true. The proper way to avoid mold growth is by providing adequate ventilation. Allowing airflow throughout the area by opening windows or using fans can prevent mold from growing.

7. Hiring an Unqualified Contractor for Mold Removal

Not all mold removal services are created the same. It is important to check that your contractor is certified and experienced in mold remediation. Hiring an unqualified contractor can cause more harm than good, as they might be unable to properly identify and address the problem.

What Should You Do After Discovering Mold in Your Home?

If you find mold in your home, it's important to hire a professional mold remediation company to assess and fix the issue. A trustworthy company will examine the problem and create a personalized plan for remediation for your property. Professional technicians have the necessary expertise and tools to handle the situation safely. By hiring professionals, you can save time and money, protect your health and safeguard your home from further damage.

Taking Action With Mold Act

If you discover mold in your home or find out you've been treating your mold problem incorrectly, it's not too late to take action. At Mold Act, our experienced and certified technicians can help you identify the source of the mold, remediate it, and prevent it from recurring. We have a variety of services to suit any property's needs, including mold testing, air quality testing, black mold removal, attic cleaning, and basement waterproofing.

As the best mold removal service in your area, we can provide you with the peace of mind that your home is safe and free from mold. We'll be happy to answer any questions and discuss the best action plan for your home. Our goal is to provide you with the highest quality mold removal services at an affordable price.

Back to Our Blog ←