What is the first thing a homeowner should do when mold is identified?

Author: Dr. Lafayette Schultz III  |  Last update: Tuesday, December 2, 2025

Fix plumbing leaks and other water problems as soon as possible. Dry all items completely. Scrub mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water, and dry completely. Absorbent or porous materials, such as ceiling tiles and carpet, may have to be thrown away if they become moldy.

What to do if you discover mold in your house?

– 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.

Which is the first step in dealing with a mold problem?

The first step to mold cleanup is to control the moisture problem. The source of the water or dampness must be identified and corrected. 2. Porous materials with extensive mold growth should be discarded (e.g., drywall, carpeting, paper, and ceiling tiles).

What to do if your home tests positive for mold?

Actionable Steps To Take If You Find Mold At Home
  1. Have mold testing done. ...
  2. Identify and address the cause. ...
  3. Isolate the area. ...
  4. Wear protective gear. ...
  5. Remove severely damaged materials. ...
  6. Thoroughly clean the area. ...
  7. Keep the affected area dry.

What to do if mold is found during home inspection?

Maybe the inspector only found a small amount of mold. That is a problem that might be easily fixed. You can ask the sellers to hire a mold remediation expert to remove the mold. If this happens, and the mold is gone before you move in, you won't have to worry about long-term health issues.

Early Stage Mould Inspection Tips from a Mold Inspector

Can you sue a home inspector for not finding mold?

If you can prove that a home inspector was negligent when performing their home inspection, you could have legal grounds to sue. But this is generally only the case if you can prove your home inspector didn't follow SOPs and/or did not adhere to a pre-inspection agreement you signed.

Is it okay to live 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 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.

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.

Is it safe to stay in a house during mold remediation?

It's a fact, you and your family do not have to leave your home during a mold remediation. It all depends on where the work is needed and the amount of the work required. Also it is important to consider the health or mold sensitivity of anyone residing in the home at that time the work needs to be done.

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.

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.

How to tell if mold is behind walls?

How to Detect Mold in Walls
  1. Water stains.
  2. Dark rings.
  3. Discoloration.
  4. Deterioration like peeling, bubbling, or cracking of the paint or wallpaper.

How long does it take to get sick from mold in your house?

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.

How much does mold remediation cost?

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.

How much does a mold inspection cost?

In his California market, the cost can range from $275 for a simple visit to $2,900 for a complex inspection. For homes under 4,000 square feet, Angi estimates the average cost is generally between $300 and $400, whereas larger homes may see prices between $700 and $1,000.

How do I permanently get rid of mold in my house?

Spray the area with a mixture of water and vinegar - half water, half vinegar. Next, scrub to remove all traces of the mold. For removal of black and white mold, spray the area with the half water and half vinegar solution.

How long does mold remediation take?

Most mold remediation, or removal, projects take between one and five days. The timeline and scope of the work depend on how much mold there is, what it's growing on, and where it's located. In particular, the cost and time it takes to remove the mold go up when the infestation is in hard-to-access areas.

How to test yourself for mold exposure?

There are several methods available to test for mold exposure:
  1. Blood Tests: Blood tests for mold exposure detect specific antibodies produced by the immune system in response to mold exposure. ...
  2. Skin Prick Tests: This method involves exposing the skin to small amounts of common molds to check for allergic reactions.

What are the neurological symptoms of mold exposure?

Mold exposure can cause a variety of neurological effects, including headaches and migraines, cognitive impairments, memory loss, confusion, impaired motor skills, depression, and other behavioral changes. Due to mold exposure, people with weakened immune systems may be more susceptible to neurological symptoms.

How to test if your house is making you sick?

If you want to monitor your indoor air quality proactively, you can invest in an air quality monitor. This will help you test if your house is making you sick. These devices constantly check the indoor air quality and provide feedback about the levels of different pollutants.

When should you walk away from a house with mold?

Walk away from the deal: If the mold problem is extensive or the seller refuses to address it adequately, you have the option to terminate the purchase contract. While it can be disappointing, prioritizing your health and financial well-being is crucial.

Does mold need to be disclosed?

For sellers, disclosing mold issues is crucial for several reasons: Legal Compliance: In most states, sellers are required by law to disclose any known mold problems. Failing to disclose mold can result in lawsuits, financial liability, and the potential rescission of the sale.

Will FHA approve a house with mold?

An FHA appraiser examines the property to determine its condition. They will look at the structure, major systems, and foundation. They will also check for hazards like mold, pests, and any leaks. You have to fix these problems to meet FHA home loan requirements.

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