There are some mold myths that have grown like….mold. Left unaddressed, some myths have taken hold. Here is a list of the most common myths explained along with what you can do about the mold that may be lurking in your home.
1. Cleaning the Mold Solves the Problem
Truth: While this may seem like the obvious solution, cleaning away the mold you see does not solve the problem. Most visible mold has more mold beneath the surface – it’s like the iceberg of fungi. You may remove the mold that is visible on the surface but if the original moisture that fed the mold remains, the mold will return. Cleaning the mold is only a temporary fix.
In order to solve the mold problem, you need to repair the leak, crack, or other issue with your home that allows moisture inside. Removing the source of moisture will solve the mold problem because mold cannot grow where there is no moisture.
2. Your House is Mold Free
Truth: Because mold spores travel easily and are produced anywhere damp and dark conditions exist, few homes, if any, will ever be mold free. This dispels the mold myth that your house is completely free of mold. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “There is always some mold around”.
Humidity in the air is often enough to keep mold alive, at least to some extent, so mold spores that have found their way into your house or around the foundation may make themselves at home. Once they take hold, removal is a difficult process – especially if there is unaddressed moisture involved. Keeping the relative humidity in your home at the correct level is one way you can help combat mold.
3. Mold Is Impossible to Manage
Truth: While it’s true that mold problems can seem overwhelming – especially if you’ve tried before to manage them yourself – it’s another mold myth that mold is impossible to manage. One thing to keep in mind is that all mold has a moisture source.
So once you solve the moisture problem, you will almost always solve the mold problem. (Exceptions to this involve situations where there are secondary sources of moisture.)
For small amounts of mold due to leaks or tiny cracks, DIY fixes are possible. When there are larger mold problems or incidents where there are serious foundation breaches, the best thing to do is trust a waterproofing expert such as EverDry Toledo to fix the moisture problem.
4. All Mold is the Same
Truth: Some molds are more benign than others and there are several types of mold that can grow in a home. A common black mold myth is that all mold found in a home is black mold. There are several dangerous strains of mold. In homes, the most commonly known dangerous mold is black mold, Stachybotrys chartarum (Stachybotrys atra).
5. Only Old Homes Get Mold
Truth: It’s one of the most common mold myths, but many people only think of mold as a problem for older homes or abandoned properties. Actually, mold can grow anywhere – including a new home you haven’t even moved into yet! Anywhere there is moisture there is the potential for mold growth.
The newer the construction, the more energy efficient, and the less air exchange and circulation it will have. This is great for modern heating and air conditioning comfort but creates the increased potential for mold and moisture problems that houses prior to the 1950s didn’t have.
6. Paint Can Cover Mold
Truth: Some homeowners try to paint over mold, expecting it to die underneath. The truth about that mold myth is that mold can eat right through paint! What you end up with when attempting to cover mold with a can of paint is wasted paint and a home that still has a mold problem. Both the mold and the source of the moisture that feeds it need to be removed and addressed before painting.
7. No Smell, No Mold
Truth: While there is a commonly known “mildew smell,” not all mold smells the same. Not all noses are created equally either, dispelling the myth that if you can’t smell it, it isn’t there. In addition, many factors can hide the smell of mold as well. Because mold usually grows beneath the surface, it may not be possible to detect an odor right away.
Additionally, because it tends to grow beneath surfaces, by the time you smell it, there could be quite a colony growing! Bottom line: don’t rely on your nose alone. Know the signs and stay vigilant in your mold prevention.
8. Small Amounts of Mold Are No Risk
Truth: Any size mold growth is a sign of trouble. Underestimating the problem because you only found a dime-sized growth of mold in the corner of your basement is like shrugging off a single cockroach that you noticed!
Remember, for that mold to grow, water has to be reaching inside your home to feed it. And by the time you see it, it has probably been feeding and growing beneath the surface for some time. While the mold you can see may be small, the potential damage to your home or foundation can be huge.
Plain and simple: if you find mold, find the source. If you can’t find the source, you need to call a professional.
9. Mold Has No Benefits
Truth: While mold often gets a bad reputation, it can play an essential role in various aspects of our lives. Certain molds are used in food production, such as the mold Monascus purpureus, which is grown on rice to create red yeast rice. Mold is also vital in medicine. For example, the discovery of penicillin, a groundbreaking antibiotic, came from Penicillium rubens.
Beyond food and medicine, mold has even inspired creativity. Some artists incorporate mold into their work, using its unique textures and colors to produce thought-provoking pieces.
10. Repeated Mold Exposure Won’t Make Me Sick
Truth: Not everyone reacts to mold exposure in the same way. While some individuals may experience mild symptoms, others can develop severe health issues. Symptoms often include a sore throat, wheezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing.
Certain groups are especially vulnerable to mold-related illnesses. Children and older adults, for example, face a higher risk of developing breathing problems and other complications.
11. You Can Identify the Species of Mold That’s Growing in Your Home
Truth: Identifying the exact species of mold growing in your home is nearly impossible without specialized testing. With thousands of mold species in existence, and countless more yet to be discovered, determining the type by appearance alone is unreliable.
12. Using Bleach Is a Good Way to Kill Mold
Truth: Contrary to popular belief, the EPA does not recommend using bleach as a solution for mold removal. While bleach can kill surface mold, it does not address the underlying issue. Without resolving the moisture problem, these spores can continue to grow and spread.
In certain cases, professionals might recommend bleach, but its use is rare and should be handled with care. For effective mold remediation, it is always wise to consult a professional.
13. You Can Clean Up Mold Infestations Yourself
Truth: The decision to handle mold cleanup yourself depends on the affected area’s size and many other factors. According to the EPA, you can typically manage areas smaller than 10 square feet. For larger infestations or if you’re unsure about safety, hiring professional mold removal services is the best option.
14. Only Black Mold Is Dangerous
Truth: One of the most popular mold myths is that only black mold is dangerous, however, while black mold is often considered toxic, other colors, such as green, blue, white, or pink, can also pose significant health risks for your family.
15. Leaks Are The Only Water-Related Risk Factor
Truth: Leaks are not the sole water-related issue that can lead to mold growth. Certain areas in your home, like basements, bathrooms, and kitchens, are naturally more prone to mold due to higher humidity levels and moisture exposure. Persistent condensation and poor ventilation can create favorable conditions for mold growth in these spaces, making prevention and regular maintenance crucial.
16. Mold Is a Plant
Truth: Mold is neither a plant nor an animal, it belongs to the Fungi Kingdom, a distinct group of organisms with unique characteristics and life cycles. While fungi were once classified as plants, they are now recognized as separate life forms.
17. Molds Are Harmless Once They Are Killed
Truth: Mold can remain harmful even after it’s dead. Dead mold particles can still trigger allergic reactions and respiratory issues in sensitive individuals. Additionally, if the underlying moisture problem is not resolved, mold can regrow from remaining spores. Proper removal of mold and addressing the source of moisture are essential to ensuring a safe and healthy environment.
18. Mold Allergies Only Occur in Children and Sensitive Individuals
Truth: While children and sensitive individuals present greater health risks from mold exposure, everyone can experience symptoms of mold exposure such as sore throat, wheezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing. Over time, these symptoms can even worsen, leading to respiratory infections and in some very rare cases, organ damage or even death.
19. All Mold Consultants Are Licensed
Truth: Not all mold consultants are licensed. Since licensing and certification requirements vary by state, in some cases, companies can offer mold consulting services without holding a proper license. This can lead to inaccurate assessments or ineffective solutions. Always verify a consultant’s credentials and be cautious of unlicensed contractors.
20. Insurance Never Covers Mold
Truth: While homeowners insurance typically doesn’t cover mold damage or removal, it depends on the situation. If the mold results from a sudden or accidental incident, like a burst pipe or another covered event in your policy, you may be protected. However, if the mold has been present for an extended period due to neglect or ongoing issues, your insurance policy is unlikely to cover the costs.
21. You Should Always Start With a Mold Test
Truth: Starting with a mold test isn’t always necessary. If you suspect mold, a professional mold inspection is the first step to assess the situation. Based on the inspection, testing may be recommended to confirm mold presence and identify its type.
However, since remediation methods are typically the same regardless of species, a mold test is only useful after a thorough inspection has been conducted and you haven’t experienced mold problems in the past.
22. Mold in Your Crawl Space or Basement Can’t Affect You
Truth: Mold spores released by the colony can become airborne and spread throughout your living spaces. When inhaled, these spores can trigger allergies, respiratory issues, and other health concerns, especially in vulnerable individuals. Addressing mold in these areas is essential to protect your overall indoor air quality.
23. Mold Isn’t Caused by Residents
Truth: While mold typically grows due to underlying moisture issues, residents can contribute to its development by creating conditions that promote moisture accumulation. Habits such as leaving wet items damp, neglecting proper ventilation, showering without adequate airflow, or cooking without using fans or opening windows can all increase indoor humidity levels, contributing to mold growth.
24. You Can Remove Mold Using a Vacuum Cleaner
Truth: Vacuuming is not an effective way to eliminate mold, especially in severe infestations. In fact, using a vacuum can spread mold spores into the air, worsening the contamination and potentially affecting other areas of your home.
The most effective way to remove mold is to first address the source of moisture to prevent regrowth. Once the moisture issue is resolved, carefully scrape the mold off the affected surface with a wire brush. Then, wash the area with a combination of bleach and water to ensure thorough cleaning. For larger infestations, professional mold remediation services should be considered.
Facts About Mold That Everyone Should Know
Our list of mold myths is quite comprehensive. Here’s a list of 4 facts about mold to summarize a few of the most important points.
- Mold exposure can cause allergic reactions, asthma, and respiratory issues.
- Completely eliminating indoor mold is impossible – controlling moisture is key.
- Ventilate bathrooms, dryers, and other moisture sources to reduce humidity and prevent mold growth.
- Mold can grow on almost any material, including wood, paper, carpet, and food if moisture is present.
Schedule Your FREE Annual Foundation Inspection
The best way to protect your home from the source of mold growth is with professional waterproofing. EverDry Toledo can help with a FREE 20-point basement inspection! We’ll help you find out if your home is at risk for water damage and which solutions will best serve you.
Contact us online to schedule an appointment or give us a call at (419) 841-6055 and schedule your inspection today!
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