Signs of mold in your home — and why bleach isn't the fix

Common signs of mold

• A musty, earthy smell that doesn't go away.
• Black, green or white spots on walls, ceilings, grout or wood.
• Water stains, bubbling paint or peeling wallpaper.
• A past leak or flood that was never fully dried.
• Allergy-like symptoms — sneezing, stuffy nose, itchy eyes — that get better when you leave the house.

Why bleach doesn't solve it

Bleach can lighten mold stains on hard surfaces like tile, but it doesn't reach the roots inside drywall, wood or carpet. The stain fades, the moisture stays, and the mold comes back.

The real fix is to find and stop the moisture, safely remove the moldy material, and clean and dry the area so it can't grow again.

When to call a professional

• The moldy area is larger than about 10 square feet (around a 3 × 3 ft patch).
• It's inside walls, in the HVAC system or under floors.
• It came back after you cleaned it.
• It followed a flood or sewage backup.
• Someone in the home has asthma, allergies or a weak immune system.

How we handle mold

We find the moisture source first, then seal off the area so spores don't spread to the rest of the home. We remove what can't be saved, clean what can, run air scrubbers to filter the air, and dry everything out. If you want proof, we can take mold samples before and after.

Keep mold away

• Keep indoor humidity under 50% — a small dehumidifier in the basement helps.
• Fix leaks as soon as you see them.
• Run bathroom fans during and after showers.
• Dry any wet area within 24 to 48 hours.