Mold Inspections & Testing Archives - Inside & Out Property Inspectors

An Inspector’s Take on Buying a House With Mold Issues

November 13, 2025/in Mold Inspections & Testing/by BJ Johnson

Discovering mold in a house you’re considering buying can raise instant red flags. It’s unsightly, can affect indoor air quality, and may signal larger moisture problems. But does mold automatically mean you should walk away?

The truth is, not always. Mold is common in humid climates like Jacksonville, Florida, and most homes have at least small amounts of it somewhere. What matters is understanding the extent of the issue and the underlying cause before finalizing a purchase.

This guide from Inside & Out explains what home buyers should know about mold, what an inspection can reveal, and when it’s time to bring in professional testing before closing.

Why Mold Is So Common in Florida Homes

Florida’s humidity creates the perfect environment for mold growth. Warm air meets cooler surfaces, producing condensation that allows mold spores to spread quickly.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), mold can begin growing on damp materials within 24 to 48 hours. In coastal and high-humidity regions, even a minor plumbing leak or roof drip can create the right conditions for mold to thrive.

For Jacksonville homeowners, mold often develops in:

Bathrooms and laundry areas with poor ventilation
Around AC ducts or vents where condensation collects
Under sinks or behind kitchen appliances
Attics, crawl spaces, or basements after heavy rain

The key is identifying whether the issue is surface-level or structural, and that’s where professional inspection and testing make a difference.

What a Home Inspector Looks for During a Mold Concern

When you schedule a home inspection, your inspector will look for visible signs of moisture damage and other conditions that may contribute to mold.

While Inside & Out Property Inspectors does not perform mold remediation, we are licensed and locally trusted to inspect, test, and document suspected mold problems.
This gives buyers valuable insight before deciding whether to move forward or request repairs.

Common Signs an Inspector Checks For:

Dark spots or fuzzy growth on drywall, baseboards, or ceilings
Musty or earthy odors, especially in enclosed areas
Warped flooring or bubbling paint
Past water damage around windows, doors, or roofing
Inadequate ventilation in bathrooms or attics

Inspectors use specialized tools like moisture meters, infrared cameras, and air sampling kits to determine if there are elevated mold spore levels or hidden growth.

Once the inspection and testing are complete, buyers receive a detailed report showing whether the mold is cosmetic, moderate, or significant enough to require further attention.

Types of Mold Commonly Found in Homes

Not all mold types are equally concerning, but any growth that indicates hidden moisture is worth investigating before buying the house.

Here are a few examples that inspectors commonly encounter in homes:

1. Cladosporium: A dark mold often found on painted surfaces, fabrics, or wood. It can appear green, brown, or black and thrives in damp air ducts and bathrooms.

2. Aspergillus: Common indoors, this mold often appears on drywall, insulation, or stored paper products. It spreads easily through air currents.

3. Penicillium: Recognized by its blue or green color, Penicillium grows on water-damaged materials and can spread rapidly in humid environments.

4. Stachybotrys (Black Mold): Often the most concerning to buyers, this mold thrives in constant moisture and typically appears on drywall, carpet backing, or wood framing.

Inspectors cannot diagnose health effects, but identifying the type of mold and where it’s growing helps determine the scope of cleanup needed.

When Mold Testing Makes Sense

Not every situation requires a full mold test, but it becomes valuable when:

You smell a musty odor, but see no visible mold
The home has a history of water damage or flooding
There is visible staining or discoloration that needs confirmation
You need documentation for a seller or insurance company

Inside & Out Property Inspectors offers mold inspections and testing, which gives you a clear, unbiased picture of what’s inside the home’s air and surfaces.

This process involves collecting samples from suspected areas and comparing them to normal indoor air levels. If the results show higher-than-average spore counts, buyers can use that information to negotiate remediation or repairs before closing.

How Mold Testing Protects Buyers

A professional mold test gives you more than just data; it gives you confidence in your decision before buying a house.

1. It Confirms Suspicion: DIY mold kits can miss airborne spores or produce false results. Professional testing uses controlled methods and certified lab analysis.

2. It Helps You Prioritize Repairs: Knowing where the problem starts allows you to address leaks, insulation issues, or ventilation gaps that caused the mold in the first place.

3. It Supports a Healthier Home Environment: Mold spores can spread quickly through air conditioning systems. Testing helps identify if spores are circulating in indoor air.

4. It Informs Future Maintenance Plans: Many Florida homeowners schedule mold testing every few years as part of routine home maintenance, especially after hurricane season or roof work.

Inside & Out Property Inspectors provides objective information so buyers and homeowners can make informed decisions about next steps without any sales pressure.

What to Do if Mold Is Found During Inspection

If your inspector confirms mold or moisture damage, don’t panic. Finding mold doesn’t automatically mean a deal-breaker. It simply means you need more information.

Here’s a realistic plan for next steps:

Review the Inspector’s Findings: The report will show where the mold is located and the likely cause, such as a leak or condensation problem.
Consult a Licensed Remediation Specialist: Since Inside & Out Property Inspectors focuses on inspection and testing only, we can refer you to qualified local professionals who specialize in mold removal.
Request Repairs or Credits from the Seller: Buyers can use the inspection report to negotiate remediation costs or closing credits before finalizing the purchase.
Re-test After Remediation (Optional but Recommended): A follow-up mold test confirms that the issue has been resolved and ensures safe air quality for your family.

Even serious mold problems can often be fixed with the right steps. The key is identifying them early with a professional inspection.

How Mold Can Affect a Home’s Value

Mold can impact property value in a few ways, depending on how extensive it is.

Minor Surface Mold: Typically does not affect value when cleaned properly.
Hidden or Structural Mold: May lower resale value until moisture issues are corrected.
Unaddressed Moisture Problems: Can lead to long-term structural damage and future inspection red flags.

For Jacksonville buyers, knowing whether a property has a manageable issue or a major moisture concern helps protect your investment. A clear inspection and test report gives you leverage during negotiations and peace of mind about what you’re buying.

When to Call a Professional

If you are in the process of buying a house and notice discoloration, musty odors, or past water damage, schedule a professional mold inspection and testing appointment before closing.

Inside & Out Property Inspectors serves Jacksonville and surrounding North Florida communities, offering accurate, independent mold inspection and testing for buyers, sellers, and current homeowners.

Our team focuses on detection and prevention, providing unbiased information about the property’s condition without performing remediation or removal.

Conclusion

Buying a house with mold doesn’t have to be a deal-breaker. With a clear inspection and testing report, you can move forward confidently knowing exactly what you’re dealing with.

By understanding the type, location, and cause of mold growth, you can make informed decisions and protect your investment from future issues.

For Jacksonville-area buyers, call Inside & Out Property Inspectors to get the professional insight needed to separate manageable mold concerns from costly surprises, helping you start homeownership with clarity and confidence.

Why There’s a Mildew Smell in Your House & What to Do

August 7, 2025/in Home Maintenance, Mold Inspections & Testing/by BJ Johnson

If your house has a mildew smell, there’s a moisture issue somewhere that needs attention. This odor is more than just a nuisance, and it often points to hidden water damage or conditions where mold could begin to grow.

Mildew thrives in dark, damp areas and can start in small places, like under sinks or inside closets. The sooner you identify what’s causing the smell, the sooner you can prevent it from spreading or creating health concerns. A professional home inspection from Inside & Out Property Inspectors can help uncover where that moisture is coming from and whether mold testing is needed.

What Causes That Musty Smell?

A mildew smell comes from microscopic fungal growth that starts when moisture combines with organic material in your house. Even if you cannot see any visible stains or mold patches, the smell alone suggests that spores are present. About 47% of U.S. homes show visible mold growth or water damage, often in damp, poorly ventilated rooms like bathrooms.

Some of the most common causes include:

Leaky plumbing under sinks or behind walls
Roof leaks or poor attic ventilation
Clogged gutters or water pooling near the foundation
HVAC units or ductwork with trapped moisture
High indoor humidity with inadequate airflow
Wet materials like carpet, insulation, or drywall that never fully dried after a spill or flood

These issues often develop slowly. You might first notice the smell after it rains, after running your HVAC system, or when returning to a closed-up room that has not been used in a while.

Health Risks from Mildew and Moisture

Most mildew odors do not pose an immediate health risk, but over time, exposure to mildew spores can cause symptoms in sensitive individuals. Common reactions include:

Headaches
Sneezing or coughing
Eye or throat irritation
Fatigue
Asthma flare-ups

If the odor persists or gets stronger, it may point to growing mold colonies that can be more harmful. Homes with babies, elderly residents, or anyone with breathing conditions should be especially cautious.

Even beyond health concerns, mildew odors can impact the overall feel and function of your home. Guests may notice the smell right away, and if you plan to sell your house, a strong odor could turn buyers away or raise red flags during inspection.

How to Track Down the Source of the Smell

To address the mildew smell, you first need to find out where the moisture is coming from. Start with the most common problem areas:

Bathrooms and kitchens: Check under sinks, around tubs, and near toilets. Even a small leak can soak into surrounding materials and create mildew over time.

Basements and crawlspaces: These areas are prone to moisture buildup, especially after heavy rain or during humid months. Look for puddles, wet insulation, or water stains on concrete walls or floors.

HVAC system: Condensation or clogged drain lines can cause mildew in ductwork. If the smell worsens when the air conditioning runs, your system may be involved.

Laundry rooms and closets: If these spaces are not properly ventilated, damp clothing or appliances can lead to mildew buildup.

Use your nose as a guide, but also inspect for visible signs of damage. Water stains, peeling paint, swollen baseboards, or warped flooring can all point to moisture intrusion. If you notice multiple areas with similar smells, the problem could be widespread.

What You Can Do Right Now

Here are some simple steps to try before calling in a professional:

Open windows to improve airflow
Run fans or dehumidifiers to reduce humidity
Clean affected surfaces with white vinegar or a mildew-specific cleaner
Remove damp items like rugs, boxes, or clothing that may be holding moisture
Seal up obvious gaps or cracks where water could be entering
Replace air filters and schedule HVAC maintenance if needed

If these steps help, but the smell returns a few days later, that is a sign the root issue has not been fully resolved.

When to Get a Home Inspection

If you cannot locate the source of the smell, or you suspect it may be coming from inside walls, the attic, or your HVAC system, it is time to call in a licensed home inspector.

Inside & Out Property Inspectors can:

Check behind walls and under floors using thermal imaging
Examine the roof, attic, foundation, and crawlspaces for signs of water damage
Evaluate ventilation and airflow to identify where humidity is building up
Recommend whether mold remediation is needed and refer you to a specialist

Because mildew can come from so many sources, an experienced inspector brings the tools and knowledge to find what you cannot see.

Common Questions About Mildew and Moisture

Can a mildew smell really affect the value of my house?
Yes. A strong odor can lead to lower offers or failed sales. Buyers assume odors mean hidden problems, and many won’t risk it unless the issue is clearly fixed.

Could this be a roof problem?
It could. Roof leaks are one of the leading causes of mildew in attics, ceilings, and walls. Even a small leak can trap moisture for weeks before you notice it.

Can this tie into foundation issues?
Yes. If your foundation is not draining properly or if water collects near the base of the home, moisture can wick into walls and floors, leading to mildew or mold growth.

Why This Matters for Jacksonville Homes

In our climate, homes are always at risk for moisture-related issues. That makes mildew smell a more common problem here than in many other states. At Inside & Out Property Inspectors, we see these conditions often and know where to look first.

If you live in the Jacksonville area and notice a musty odor that won’t go away, don’t wait for bigger problems to show up. Schedule a home inspection to get clear answers and inspection-based recommendations you can trust.

Final Thoughts

A mildew smell in your house is a sign of excess moisture that needs to be identified and corrected. While you can mask the odor for a while, it will return until the source is found.

A professional home inspection gives you clear answers about what’s causing the problem and what to do next, whether it’s a repair, improved ventilation, or contacting a remediation specialist.

Inside & Out Property Inspectors offers detailed home and mold inspections to help you take the right next step with confidence. Get your inspection scheduled today.

Myths vs Facts: Can a Dehumidifier Help With Black Mold?

June 19, 2025/in Mold Inspections & Testing/by BJ Johnson

Black mold is a common household concern for good reason. It can damage surfaces, affect air quality, and keep coming back if excess moisture is not addressed. Many homeowners wonder if a dehumidifier can help get rid of black mold. The short answer: not exactly.

A dehumidifier helps prevent mold growth by controlling humidity, but it will not remove mold that is already present. That is where a professional home inspection can help identify what is causing the problem and whether mold testing is needed.

In this post, we will clear up the myths about dehumidifiers, explain what they can and cannot do, and share when to call a qualified inspector.

Myth #1: A Dehumidifier Gets Rid of Existing Black Mold

Fact: A dehumidifier reduces moisture, which helps slow mold growth. But it won’t kill the mold already growing on walls, ceilings, or furniture.

Mold needs to be physically removed or treated by a qualified remediation specialist. According to the CDC, visible mold should always be cleaned, no matter what type it is. Dehumidifiers don’t remove spores that are already growing or stuck to surfaces.

If you see black mold, contact the right professional (or ask your inspector to refer you to one). They can confirm the cause and safely handle the cleanup since humidity control alone will not eradicate black mold.

Myth #2: Only Floods or Leaks Cause Mold

Fact: High humidity alone can lead to mold growth, especially in places like bathrooms, laundry rooms, crawl spaces, and attics.

In Jacksonville, the average annual humidity is over 75%. That means mold can develop even without a leak or visible water damage. Dehumidifiers help keep humidity levels below 60%, which slows mold growth in vulnerable areas.

If your home constantly feels damp or smells musty, a dehumidifier can make a noticeable difference.

Myth #3: You Only Need a Dehumidifier in the Summer

Fact: Mold can grow year-round, especially in sealed areas with little airflow.

While humidity levels spike in the summer, mold doesn’t take a break in winter. Homes with poor ventilation or hidden moisture may benefit from year-round humidity control.

What a Dehumidifier Can Do

A dehumidifier is a great tool for:

Slowing the spread of mold in damp rooms
Preventing mold in bathrooms, basements, attics, or closets
Protecting furniture, clothing, and electronics from moisture
Improving indoor air quality and reducing musty odors
Supporting your HVAC system by lowering indoor humidity

It’s an important part of prevention, but not a complete solution.

Other Tips to Help Prevent Mold

1. Fix Leaks Quickly
Even small plumbing drips or roof leaks can create perfect conditions for mold. Check under sinks, around windows, and behind appliances regularly.

2. Use Exhaust Fans
Bathrooms, laundry rooms, and kitchens should have working exhaust fans that run during and after use.

3. Keep Air Circulating
Mold thrives in still air. Ceiling fans, open doors, and clean HVAC filters help move air and reduce risk.

4. Dry Wet Areas Within 48 Hours
Whether it’s a soaked carpet or a leaky water heater, mold can start forming within two days. Fast action matters.

5. Track Indoor Humidity
A humidity monitor (also called a hygrometer) can help you keep indoor moisture between 30% and 50%. Many affordable models are available online or in home improvement stores.

When to Call a Professional

If you’re seeing black spots on ceilings, walls, or near HVAC vents, it’s time for a professional evaluation. A licensed home inspector can identify:

Hidden sources of moisture
Areas with poor airflow
Mold risks in crawl spaces, attics, or behind drywall
Whether mold testing is recommended and if you should contact a remediation specialist for cleanup or repairs

Inside & Out Property Inspectors Jacksonville homeowners identify the root of moisture problems. We inspect with a focus on long-term prevention and provide clear next-step recommendations.

Conclusion

A dehumidifier is a helpful tool for prevention, but it cannot eliminate existing mold. Mold spores must be safely removed, and the moisture source needs to be found and corrected to prevent it from coming back.

If you are unsure where the moisture or mold is coming from, schedule a professional home inspection with Inside & Out Property Inspectors. Our team provides detailed home and mold inspections across Jacksonville and surrounding areas to help you understand what is happening before you take any next steps.

What’s the Difference? Air Purifier vs Dehumidifier

May 22, 2024/in Home Maintenance, HVAC, Mold Inspections & Testing/by BJ Johnson

When it comes to indoor air quality, knowing the difference between an air purifier vs dehumidifier is crucial. Both devices play unique roles in creating a healthier living environment, but understanding which one is right for you can make all the difference.

This article will help you navigate the key differences between air purifiers and dehumidifiers so you can make an informed decision for your space. Whether you’re battling allergies, dealing with dampness, or just looking to breathe easier, we’ve got you covered.

What is an Air Purifier?

An air purifier cleans the air by removing contaminants and pollutants. It does this by drawing air through filters that capture particles, allergens, and odors. There are several types of Air Purifiers:

HEPA Filters: Capture tiny particles like dust, pollen, and pet dander.
Activated Carbon Filters: Absorb odors and chemical fumes.
UV Purifiers: Kill bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms using UV light.
Ionizers: Release negative ions that attach to airborne particles, causing them to fall out of the air.

Air purifiers enhance air quality by removing pollutants, reducing respiratory issues, and improving overall health. They are particularly useful for those with allergies, asthma, or sensitivities to airborne particles.

When to Use an Air Purifier

If you have allergies, asthma, or live with pets or smokers, an air purifier can help. It’s also beneficial in areas with high pollution or poor ventilation.

Place air purifiers in high-traffic areas like living rooms and bedrooms. Position them away from walls and furniture for proper airflow.

What is a Dehumidifier?

Next, as its name suggests, a dehumidifier reduces humidity levels in the air. It aims to make your indoor environment less hospitable to mold, mildew, and dust mites. This works by drawing in moist air, extracting the moisture, and releasing drier air back into the room. Here are the primary types of dehumidifiers:

Refrigerant (Compressor) Dehumidifiers: These are the most common type, using a refrigeration cycle to condense moisture from the air.
Desiccant Dehumidifiers: These use a moisture-absorbing material to remove humidity, working well in lower temperatures.

Dehumidifiers help control humidity levels, preventing issues like mold growth and musty odors.

When to Use a Dehumidifier

If you notice dampness, mold growth, musty odors, or condensation on windows, a dehumidifier can help.

It’s also useful in basements, bathrooms, or any space prone to high humidity.

Place dehumidifiers in areas with high moisture levels like basements, bathrooms, and laundry rooms. Ensure proper airflow around the unit for maximum efficiency.

An air purifier's function vs a dehumidifier's function

Air Purifier vs Dehumidifier: Key Differences

While both air purifiers and dehumidifiers improve indoor air quality, they do so in different ways and are suited for different issues.

Function

Air Purifiers clean the air by removing contaminants such as dust, pollen, pet dander, smoke, and odors. They use various types of filters like HEPA, activated carbon, UV light, and ionizers to capture and neutralize pollutants, improving overall air quality and reducing respiratory issues.
Dehumidifiers reduce the humidity levels in the air, making it less hospitable to mold, mildew, and dust mites. They draw in moist air, extract the moisture, and release drier air back into the room. Dehumidifiers are especially effective in preventing mold growth and reducing allergens in damp environments.

Air Impacts

When it comes to the differences they make in your home, air purifiers are best for removing airborne particles and allergens, making the air cleaner and easier to breathe, especially for those with allergies or asthma.

However, dehumidifiers are best for controlling moisture levels to prevent mold and mildew growth, reduce musty odors, and create a more comfortable living environment.

Optimal Placements

Finally, air Purifiers are Ideal for areas with high levels of airborne pollutants such as living rooms, bedrooms, and any space where clean air is essential.

Conversely, dehumidifiers are suitable for damp areas like basements, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and any space prone to high humidity.

You'll get better performance with a clean air purifier or dehumidifier filter vs an old, dirty one.

A person replacing the filter in an air purifier.

Other Recommended Maintenance

Regular maintenance of both air purifiers and dehumidifiers is essential to ensure their efficiency and longevity.

For air purifiers, regularly cleaning and replacing filters according to the manufacturer’s guidelines is crucial. This prevents the buildup of contaminants and maintains the device’s ability to effectively clean the air.

For dehumidifiers, it’s important to regularly empty and clean the water tank to prevent mold and bacteria growth. Also, check the coils and filters for any dirt or debris and clean them as needed.

When to Call a Professional

If you have persistent air quality problems that don’t improve with the use of air purifiers or dehumidifiers, it’s a sign that a more thorough assessment is needed.

Complex mold problems or high humidity levels that lead to structural damage require professional intervention to ensure proper treatment and prevention. Lastly, if you experience severe allergy or asthma symptoms despite using these devices, a professional can provide targeted solutions and advice.

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Conclusion

Knowing the difference between an air purifier vs a dehumidifier is helpful since selecting one depends on your specific needs.

In essence, air purifiers are great for removing allergens and pollutants from the air, while dehumidifiers control moisture, preventing mold and musty odors. Using both can provide the best results for improving indoor air quality.

If you have questions about your home’s air quality or want to schedule an expert inspection, call Inside and Out Property Inspections in Jacksonville, FL, and surrounding areas.

How to Remove Mold From Carpet

November 25, 2020/4 Comments/in Mold Inspections & Testing/by BJ Johnson

Carpet is beautiful in a home and especially feels good under your feet in the bedrooms of the house. But what happens if you have an unexpected water leak or water got in your home and now you have mold growing? Unfortunately, mold spores like moist carpets because of the thickness of the carpet and the backing holds in the moisture well. How do you remove mold from carpet? You can remove it with several things: Vinegar and baking soda, antifungal cleaner, or bleach. Use bleach as a last resort as it can bleach the carpet.

Let’s take a look at why this is necessary, how mold grows, how to remove the mold safely, prevention of future mold growth, regular maintenance, and when to call a professional.

Why This is Necessary

Mold spores can grow rapidly in moist areas and lead to health issues and destruction in a home. When you find mold, it is important to remove the mold from the carpet right away. Your loved ones can develop upper respiratory issues such as severe asthma and eye irritation. Also, many families have young ones who crawl or play on the floor. Playing near mold can send the spores back into the air and spread them around the home.

Mold also will smell musty and that smell will linger through the home. If you have just a small amount of mold, less than 10 square feet (3in x 3in patch), you should be able to remove it. If it is more than that, or you had flooding that included sewage, hire a professional to remove the carpet and replace it. Mold on throw rugs that can be washed can usually be cleaned and salvaged.

How Mold Grows

As mentioned above, mold spores are in the air and will fall and grow in moist areas. This is often seen in bathrooms because of the high humidity and moist conditions. The moist carpet will lock in the mold and it will start to multiply. Often, our nose will smell the musty air before we even see it growing. This is a good reason to act quickly when mold appears.

Also, pay attention to the walls nearby to make sure the mold is not growing there as well. If it is, you could have a bigger problem on your hands.

How to Remove Mold From the Carpet Safely

Ventilate the Room

Open a window and door if possible to get the smell and moisture out. Even though not all molds are hazardous, it is important to prepare yourself with a facemask, rubber gloves, and eye protection. If you can remove the rug, take it outside in the fresh air to air out for about 48 hours.

Lift Up the Area of the Carpet That is Moist and Has Mold

If the mold is in a small area, you can clean it. If the mold is on the backing of the carpet, you may need to replace it. However, you can remove the mold from the carpet by cutting it out. Leave a border of about 12 inches around and add in a replacement piece. If this does not work, then you will need to replace the carpet.

Baking Soda Has Been Used for a Long Time as a Cleaner

Put baking soda on the mold and let it sit overnight. The baking soda will soak up the odor and the moisture. Then, the next day, add some vinegar to the mold spots and scrub the surface using a scrub brush with a handle. Also, scrub the back of the rug or carpet.

Vacuum the Remnants If You Have a HEPA Filter

Be sure to change out the vacuum filter before using it again, as it will contain mold spores. If your vacuum doesn’t have a HEPA filter, use a broom and dustpan instead. Have a trash bag handy to dump the remnants of the mold into the bag. This is important so you keep the spores out of the air and get them into a bag to discard.

Open the Windows, Use a Fan or Dehumidifier

The carpet will be moist again from the vinegar so open the windows or bring in a fan or dehumidifier to dry out the room. White distilled vinegar is a fantastic cleaning agent that does not harm your health, objects, or the environment. Anytime you can use vinegar before other chemicals like bleach.

Use an Anti-Fungal Spray to Remove Mold From Carpet

If the baking soda and vinegar did not work, next try an anti-fungal spray. Before you resort to using bleach, keep your lungs healthy and the environment happy, and use an anti-fungal spray. You can find this spray online or at a local hardware store and choose one safe for carpets.

Below Are the Steps to Using the Anti-Fungal Spray

Spray the area of the mold and about 6 inches beyond with the anti-fungal spray and let it sit for about an hour.
After one hour, blot it with a disposable rag so you can soak up the excess spray and let it sit for 24 hours. Don’t try to dry it yourself, but instead set up the dehumidifier or have the heat turned up in the room so it will dry naturally. Leave the room as it is. Keep pets and children away from the area.
Clean a scrub brush that has a handle with warm soapy water so you know there is no mold residue left on there from using it. You don’t want mold spores flying around.
Once the carpet has dried, repeat step 1. Use a clean rag to blot and let the dehumidifier or heat run for a few more days to ensure the mold is gone.
Check the carpet every few weeks to make sure it isn’t coming back and again at the one-month mark.

Use a steam cleaner- you can use a steam cleaner to clean up the mold as well. The heat from the steam will kill the mold and the bristles on the brush will help loosen it up in the carpet.

Prevention of Future Growth of Mold in the Carpet

Potted Plants- When using potted plants in the home, make sure there is a mat between the bottom of the potted plant and the carpet. This will keep moisture from building up and causing mold.
Firewood– If you use firewood, make sure there is a moisture barrier between the firewood and the carpet.
Dehumidifiers– If your home is humid, investing in a dehumidifier is essential. This is a great way to eliminate the high moisture in the air, create low humidity, and will also save your hardwoods and art from being ruined due to the moisture. Humidity levels should be less than 60% and running the air conditioning will help with this.
Air purifier– This will help clean the air and get rid of the spores. It will be good especially for those with a sensitivity to mold.
Running the air conditioning on the “auto” setting instead of the “on” setting will keep the humidity lower in the home.

Home Maintenance to Avoid Mold in the Carpet

Replace the air filter in the home every 3 months and make sure it filters out allergens such as mold and dust.
Vacuum often– this will help get the mold spores off the carpet that may be tracked in the home.
Painting- keep up with painting the outside of your home. Often when builders paint the outside of a new home, they don’t use quality paint so unfortunately, water can come into the home. You may need to invest in painting the home again yourself or hire a professional to do it.
Roof Maintenance– check around your roof after damaging storms to see if there are any leaks or issues. Making sure shingles are in place and gutters are not clogged is a good idea. Water can get into the home if shingles are missing or gutters back up.

When to Call a Professional to Remove Mold From the Carpet

If you have tried the ideas above and cannot get rid of the mold, it may be time to call a professional. Also, if the area is bigger than 10 square feet or you have health issues, call a professional to diagnose the problem. Often the water may be coming from somewhere inside the walls and a professional can do a thermal imaging inspection and find the source of the water intrusion.

Conclusion

Mold is nothing to play around with and it needs to be taken care of as soon as it starts growing. Need help getting rid of it or have other ideas for removing mold from carpet? Leave us a note below; we would love to hear from you!

Why Mold Is So Common in Florida Homes

What a Home Inspector Looks for During a Mold Concern

Types of Mold Commonly Found in Homes

When Mold Testing Makes Sense

How Mold Testing Protects Buyers

What to Do if Mold Is Found During Inspection

How Mold Can Affect a Home’s Value

Other Related Questions

When to Call a Professional

Conclusion

Health Risks from Mildew and Moisture

How to Track Down the Source of the Smell

What You Can Do Right Now

When to Get a Home Inspection

Common Questions About Mildew and Moisture

Why This Matters for Jacksonville Homes

Final Thoughts

Myth #2: Only Floods or Leaks Cause Mold

Myth #3: You Only Need a Dehumidifier in the Summer

Other Tips to Help Prevent Mold

When to Call a Professional

Conclusion

What is an Air Purifier?

When to Use an Air Purifier

What is a Dehumidifier?

When to Use a Dehumidifier

Air Purifier vs Dehumidifier: Key Differences

Function

Air Impacts

Optimal Placements

Other Recommended Maintenance

When to Call a Professional

Conclusion

Why This is Necessary

How Mold Grows

How to Remove Mold From the Carpet Safely

Ventilate the Room

Lift Up the Area of the Carpet That is Moist and Has Mold

Baking Soda Has Been Used for a Long Time as a Cleaner

Vacuum the Remnants If You Have a HEPA Filter

Open the Windows, Use a Fan or Dehumidifier

Use an Anti-Fungal Spray to Remove Mold From Carpet

Below Are the Steps to Using the Anti-Fungal Spray

Prevention of Future Growth of Mold in the Carpet

Home Maintenance to Avoid Mold in the Carpet

When to Call a Professional to Remove Mold From the Carpet

Conclusion

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