What to Do If You Find Mold in Your Home

If you find mold in your house, it can feel scary. Mold can spread fast and cause health problems. It can also damage your home if you do not act quickly. Knowing what to do if you find mold is very important for your safety and your family’s health.

If you notice a musty odor, water stains, or dark spots on surfaces, you may have a mold problem. Mold often grows after water damage, plumbing leaks, or excess moisture. Acting fast can help stop mold growth before it gets worse.

If you need help right away, you can learn more about professional mold removal services to protect your home and health.

How to Identify Mold in Your Home

Signs You May Have Mold

It is important to identify mold early. Mold can grow in many places, even where you cannot see it.

Common signs include:

A strong musty odor
Visible moldy surfaces on walls or ceilings
Water stains on ceiling tiles or walls
Damp surfaces or wet materials
Peeling paint or warped materials

Mold can grow inside walls, under carpet, and in crawl spaces. It can also grow near your water heater, roof leaks, or plumbing leaks.

Where Mold Commonly Grows

Mold thrives in places with moisture and poor airflow. Look in these areas:

Bathrooms and kitchens
Basements and crawl spaces
Around HVAC system vents and air ducts
Near exterior walls and windows
Around a clothes dryer or laundry area

Indoor mold often starts in hidden areas, so regular checks are important.

Why Mold Is Dangerous

Health Risks of Mold Exposure

Mold exposure can lead to serious health concerns. Some people have mild symptoms, while others have severe reactions.

Common symptoms include:

Runny nose
Itchy eyes
Sneezing and coughing
Respiratory problems

Some people have a greater risk, including children, older adults, and those with asthma. Mold can also trigger allergic reactions and other health issues.

Long-Term Health Problems

Prolonged exposure to mold spores can cause:

Ongoing respiratory problems
Chronic allergic reactions
Serious health problems for sensitive individuals

Because of these health risks, it is important to remove mold quickly and safely.

What Causes Mold Growth

Moisture Is the Main Cause

Mold needs moisture to grow. The most common causes include:

Plumbing leaks
Roof leaks
Flooding or contaminated water
High indoor humidity
Poor ventilation

Even small moisture problems can lead to mold growth if not fixed.

Hidden Sources of Moisture

Sometimes the moisture source is not easy to find. It may be:

Inside walls
Under flooring
Around air ducts
Behind appliances

Fixing the moisture source is the most important step to prevent mold.

What to Do If You Find Mold

Step 1: Stay Safe and Protect Yourself

Before you start mold cleanup, safety comes first.

Always:

Wear protective gear
Use rubber gloves
Wear protective clothing
Open windows for fresh air

This helps reduce mold exposure and keeps you safe.

Step 2: Assess the Size of the Mold Problem

If the moldy area is small (less than 10 square feet), you may be able to clean mold yourself.

If it is larger, spreads quickly, or is inside walls, call professionals like Preferred Restoration Services.

Step 3: Remove the Moisture Source

You must fix the moisture problem first. If you do not, mold will return.

Common fixes include:

Repair plumbing leaks
Fix roof damage
Improve airflow
Lower indoor humidity

Dry all wet materials and damp surfaces completely.

Step 4: Clean Mold Safely

To effectively remove mold, follow these steps:

Use a stiff brush to scrub mold from hard surfaces
Mix bleach or use hydrogen peroxide to clean moldy surfaces
Use hot water when possible
Wipe and dry completely

You can find cleaning supplies at hardware stores.

Step 5: Remove Moldy Materials

Some materials cannot be saved. These include:

Carpet
Ceiling tiles
Porous materials like drywall

These moldy materials should be thrown away because mold spores can stay inside them.

How to Clean Mold Properly

Cleaning Hard Surfaces

Non porous surfaces like tile, glass, and metal are easier to clean.

To clean mold:

Scrub mold using a stiff brush
Use a bleach mix or hydrogen peroxide
Rinse with hot water
Dry completely

Handling Porous Materials

Porous materials absorb moisture and mold spores.

Examples include:

Carpet
Wood
Drywall

These materials may need to be removed and replaced.

When to Call a Professional

Large Mold Problems

If the mold problem is bigger than 10 square feet, it is best to call experts.

Professionals:

Use special tools for mold removal
Perform mold testing if needed
Handle contaminated materials safely

Hidden Mold Issues

If mold is inside walls, air ducts, or your HVAC system, professional help is needed.

Experts can:

Find mold in hidden areas
Clean air ducts
Stop mold from spreading

How to Prevent Mold in Your Home

Control Moisture Levels

The best way to prevent mold is to control moisture.

Do this by:

Fixing leaks quickly
Using dehumidifiers
Keeping indoor humidity low
Drying wet materials fast

Improve Airflow

Good airflow helps stop mold growth.

You can:

Open windows for fresh air
Use fans
Clean air ducts
Maintain your HVAC system

Regular Inspections

Check your home often for:

Water stains
Damp surfaces
Moldy areas

Catching mold early can save money and protect your health.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Ignoring Small Mold Spots

Even small mold spots can quickly spread. Do not ignore them.

Not Fixing the Moisture Source

Cleaning mold without fixing moisture problems will not solve the issue.

Not Wearing Protective Gear

Always wear protective gear to avoid health risks during mold cleanup.

Final Thoughts on Mold in Your Home

Knowing what to do if you find mold can protect your home and your family. Mold can cause serious health problems and damage your house if ignored.

Act quickly:

Identify mold early
Fix the moisture source
Clean mold safely
Call professionals when needed

Taking the right steps can stop mold growth and keep your home safe.

FAQs About What to Do If You Find Mold

What should I do first if I find mold?

First, protect yourself by wearing protective gear and ensure fresh air. Then find and fix the moisture source before cleaning.

Can I remove mold myself?

Yes, small areas under 10 square feet can be cleaned. Larger mold problems should be handled by professionals.

Is mold dangerous to my health?

Yes, mold exposure can cause allergic reactions, respiratory problems, and other health issues.

What kills mold best?

Bleach, hydrogen peroxide, and proper cleaning methods can help remove mold from hard surfaces.

How do I prevent mold from coming back?

Control moisture, fix leaks, improve airflow, and keep indoor humidity low.

Eric Allison

Eric Allison is a seasoned professional in property restoration, serving as the primary contact and founder of Preferred Restoration Services, LLC, based in Tustin, California. With a career spanning over two decades, Eric has developed extensive expertise in addressing fire, water, and mold damage, ensuring properties are restored to their pre-loss condition.

Mold Removal

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 62 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Yelp  
   
   Michelle D. 
 April 23, 2025
 
 
 Verified A straight up honest broker who knows his stuff.  Excellent communication and very helpful problem solving our mold issue
  
 
      Posted on Yelp  
   
   Jessica M. 
 April 1, 2025
 
 
 Verified Giving Eric a 5-star review, and we haven't even started any work yet. He came to gave us his professional opinion and quote to address a mold issue in our house. He is clearly very knowledgeable. His opinion was wildly different than the previous estimate we received, from an agency that wanted to charge us about 4 times as much. He did a much more thorough assessment, and explained his reasoning for why he felt that our issue wasn't as extreme as the previous agency. He even gave us some suggestions as to how we could address our issue on our own, if need be. He doesn't appear "out to get you"... there are a lot of companies that work off the "mold is gold" motto, but he doesn't seem to be one of them. If we end up going with him for the job, we'll update the review... but, I was just so happy and relieved with his approach, estimate, knowledge, and his overall professionalism. Glad there are still people like this out there!
  
 
      Posted on Yelp  
   
   Ben T. 
 March 10, 2025
 
 
 Verified Eric and his team were prompt and professional. From diagnosis through cleanup they were very thorough.
  
 
      Posted on Yelp  
   
   Julia H. 
 March 7, 2025
 
 
 Verified Above and beyond expectations. Eric and his team were not only helpful, kind, and relatable to our issues, they were extremely professional and reliable. Always answered our calls. Showed up on time with great attitudes. Respected our home. Most importantly, got the job done in a fast and timely manner. Can't recommend enough.
  
 
      Posted on Yelp  
   
   Lorraine R. 
 March 2, 2025
 
 
 Verified We had a leak under the kitchen sink and called another company first. We were told there is mold and they would have to tent the area to remove it and that we'd also need a whole new cabinet. Of course, it was pretty expensive and they said we couldn't use the kitchen for a couple weeks. Feeling it's always wise to get more than one estimate, I called Preferred Restoration as they had excellent reviews. Eric replied promptly and came out to look things over. He felt the mold wasn't bad enough to require a tent and also felt a whole new cabinet was not required. Needless to say, we accepted his estimate immediately and the work was done in a professional manner. (They don't do the carpentry work, but can make a recommendation.) I highly recommend Preferred Restoration. I believe it's an honest company with skilled professionals.
  
 
      Posted on Yelp  
   
   William P. 
 January 31, 2025
 
 
 Verified Eric the owner was great to work and keep me informed the entire time that the moisture was being removed from my home. Highly recommend Eric and his team for any job!
  
 
      Posted on Yelp  
   
   Elizabeth R. 
 January 3, 2025
 
 
 Verified Right from the start I knew I was going to be in good hands with this company. The response time was super quick and getting Eric to come out to my home to assess the situation was quicker than expected. Eric was very knowledgeable and answered all my questions thoroughly. He took his time to listen to all my concerns to carefully address the issues in my home. He made a stressful situation feel less stressful and manageable. I definitely recommend this company and will contact Eric if needed in the future. Thanks again Eric!
  
 
      Posted on Yelp  
   
   Binh N. 
 December 5, 2024
 
 
 Verified We discovered a mold issue in one of our bedrooms and reached out to Preferred Restoration Services for guidance. Eric was extremely helpful in helping us navigate what needed to be done since we had no experience with this type of issue. He shepherded us through the process and helped us understand every step that needed to be performed. He referred us to a couple of contractors which we used for plumbing and testing and they were also excellent. This was helpful so that we didn't have to figure out who else we needed to work with and vet them as well. Everyone from Preferred Restoration Services was very professional, communication was excellent, and customer service was outstanding. We had a lot of questions and they were all answered very quickly. I highly recommend Preferred Restoration Services for any damage restoration needs.
  
 
      Posted on Yelp  
   
   Tyler H. 
 November 23, 2024
 
 
 Verified Preferred Restoration is the best service in town! If you want quality, fair pricing & guidance, call Preferred Restoration!  Ask for Eric, he is very helpful and quick.
  
 
      Posted on Yelp  
   
   Phil L. 
 November 1, 2024
 
 
 Verified We had an issue with a sewer line that leaked and potentially needed some soil remediation under the house.  I gave Eric a call and made an appointment for the next day for him to come out and assess the situation.  Throughout the process his communication was great and he was on time (even gave me a call to let me know he was on his way).  He went above an beyond to even check inside the house for potential water damage/mold.  We did not have to move forward with any remediation. I appreciate Eric's communication, thoroughness, and HONESTY.  We will keep his contact if we need any work in the future.  I highly recommend Eric and Preferred Restoration!