What can I do if my whole house has mold?

Author: Ms. Molly Emard DDS  |  Last update: Monday, June 30, 2025

Tips and Techniques
  1. Fix plumbing leaks and other water problems as soon as possible. ...
  2. Scrub mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water, and dry completely.
  3. Absorbent or porous materials, such as ceiling tiles and carpet, may have to be thrown away if they become moldy. ...
  4. Avoid exposing yourself or others to mold.

What to do if a house is full of mold?

– Set up a fan to pull the air out through a window or door to the outside. – Scrub the entire moldy area with a non-ammonia soap or detergent, or a commercial cleaner, in hot water, using sponges or rags, until all mold is gone. – Use a stiff brush or cleaning pad on cement-block walls and other uneven surfaces.

Can a mold-infested house be saved?

Chances are that you will need to renovate the area after mold remediation is complete. In worst-case scenarios, your home may be condemned, especially if it is infested with toxic mold. This is an extreme scenario – and often preventable if you catch the mold issue early enough.

Is it OK to be in a house with mold?

Exposure to mold can cause health effects in some people. Mold spores are always found in the air we breathe, but extensive mold contamination may cause health problems. Breathing mold can cause allergic and respiratory symptoms.

Can mold ever be removed from a house?

You cannot get rid of mould spores, they are always around. You can only get rid of the environment that allows them to grow. Usually damp. One solution if you can't reduce humidity (the best cure) can be to wash down the area with a borax solution. It acts as an anti infectant agent.

My House Has a Mold Problem, What Do I Do?

Does homeowners insurance cover mold?

Homeowners insurance doesn't usually cover mold damage or removal unless it's the result of a covered peril. If the mold in your residence was caused by something sudden or accidental, such as a bursting pipe or some other covered incident on your policy, you may be protected.

What are signs of mold sickness?

If you have a mold allergy, your immune system overreacts when you breathe in mold spores. A mold allergy can cause coughing, itchy eyes and other symptoms that make you miserable. In some people, a mold allergy is linked to asthma and exposure causes restricted breathing and other airway symptoms.

How long can you stay in a house with mold?

Generally, a person can stay in a moldy home for years, though some people could feel extremely uncomfortable.

How much does it cost to fix mold in a house?

Mold remediation costs $2,365 on average, but it can cost between $375 and $7,000, depending on location, type, and size of infestation. Mold removal often requires replacing or significantly renovating your home's materials, making the costs tricky to calculate.

Can mold behind walls make you sick?

It irritates the nose and throat, which can lead to both sneezing and coughing as your body tries to get rid of the irritant. Inhaling mold spores can also trigger coughing in people with allergies or an asthma attack, for those with asthma.

What kills 100% of mold?

Hydrogen peroxide, commonly used to disinfect wounds, is active against a wide variety of micro-organisms including mold. It acts by releasing oxygen at a rapid rate, which kills mold by oxidizing the surface and breaking down proteins and DNA.

Who pays for mold remediation?

If there is a covered condition that the homeowner's insurance policy covers that causes mold, then the insurance company will cover mold remediation. Excess water from a natural cause like a roof leaking after a rain storm is usually covered by a homeowners insurance policy.

Should I move out of a moldy house?

If the mold damage is located in your living room, kitchen or the bathroom, the experts will recommend you to find alternative lodging for the time being. Also, if you have infants and elderly people at home or have family members with a weak immune system, you should probably leave your home for a while.

Who to call for moisture in a house?

The first company you should call is a mold and moisture remediation company. Those folks are pros at knowing what to do first so that your home gets fixed efficiently—and without risk of lingering health or structural issues.

How to tell if your house is toxic?

If you suspect your asthma worsens or is more severe than usual, contact your doctor or medical professional.
  1. Bad Smells In The Home. When there's a bad smell in the home, you can tell. ...
  2. Peeling Wallpaper. ...
  3. Spots On The Wall. ...
  4. Bad Allergies Won't Go Away. ...
  5. Visible Mold Growth. ...
  6. Past Water Damage.

How long does it take to get sick from mold exposure?

According to the CDC, people usually experience their first symptoms within 2 to 9 hours of their first exposure. On the other hand, some people could go for weeks or months before feeling sick if their exposure is limited enough. This is why it is also important to check damp, dark areas of your home for mold.

Will insurance cover mold removal?

Does home insurance cover mold? Homeowners insurance generally covers mold only when it's caused by a "covered peril" — an event your homeowners insurance policy will pay for, such as accidental water damage. These events must be sudden and accidental.

What to do if house is full of mold?

Tips and Techniques
  1. Fix plumbing leaks and other water problems as soon as possible. ...
  2. Scrub mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water, and dry completely.
  3. Absorbent or porous materials, such as ceiling tiles and carpet, may have to be thrown away if they become moldy. ...
  4. Avoid exposing yourself or others to mold.

How much does Servpro cost to remove mold?

Servpro Mold Remediation

ft., or $1,500 to $10,000 per treatment, depending on the job size, location, mold severity, and other factors.

Can a person live in a house with mold?

All indoor environments have some mold spores in them, but this does not affect most people. However, people with a compromised immune system may have a higher risk of illness, including lung problems, if there are mold spores and mold in the environment. Others may experience allergic reactions.

What are the signs of mold sickness?

One of the most common warning signs of mold toxicity is persistent respiratory issues such as coughing, sneezing, and difficulty breathing. If you or your family members experience these symptoms, especially when at home, it could be a sign of mold presence.

Can sleeping in a house with mold make you sick?

Some molds can release mycotoxins which have been known to induce inflammation and irritation in the respiratory system. The consequences can be myriad, including nasal congestion, throat irritation, and a disconcerting struggle for breath.

How to detect mold inside walls?

Look for visible signs like discolorations or dark spots on surfaces, visible mold spores, warped walls, and other moisture issues. You may also smell something damp and musty as well as experience worsened allergy and asthma attacks.

Can you go to urgent care for mold exposure?

Once the source of mold is uncovered and cleaned, you should seek medical treatment– whether or not you have begun to develop symptoms. If your symptoms are mild to moderate, visiting an urgent care center is a great option to receive same-day diagnosis and care.

How to get rid of mold on walls permanently?

The only effective way to permanently get rid of mould problems is by reducing the build-up of moisture in your home. This can only be achieved through better ventilation.

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