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Mold Growth on a wall in a Chicagoland residence

5 Reasons to Call the Mold Removal Professionals at ServiceMaster By Simons

Nasutsa Mabwa

June 23, 2025

Mold can threaten both your property and health. Learn the top reasons why Chicago homeowners trust ServiceMaster By Simons for expert mold removal and remediation services.

Why Call Mold Removal Professionals?

Finding mold in your Chicagoland home or business can be alarming. It is natural to wonder if the problem is serious enough to call in experts or whether you can handle cleanup yourself. While some small surface mold might be manageable, professional mold removal is the best option in many cases to ensure safety, thoroughness, and long-term protection.

You can learn more about our mold services at https://servicemaster-restorationbysimons.com/restoration-services/residential/mold.

1. Persistent Musty Odors

Musty smells, often compared to damp socks or rotting wood, are one of the first signs of hidden mold. Even if you cannot see mold growth, these odors signal that mold spores are active and spreading. Breathing in these spores can lead to headaches, allergies, or respiratory issues. The longer the odor lingers, the easier it becomes to ignore it, but the mold will continue to grow and damage your property.

Our team at ServiceMaster By Simons can trace the source of the odor and fully remediate the mold. Learn about our odor removal solutions at https://servicemaster-restorationbysimons.com/restoration-services/residential/specialty.

2. Health Risks

Mold exposure can trigger allergy symptoms, asthma attacks, or respiratory infections. It is especially dangerous for young children, seniors, and anyone with a weakened immune system due to medical conditions like cancer or organ transplants. Our IICRC-certified professionals follow industry best practices to remove mold safely and protect your family’s health.

For more about our certifications, visit https://servicemaster-restorationbysimons.com/about-us.

3. Large or Widespread Mold Growth

If mold affects an area larger than 10 square feet, the Environmental Protection Agency recommends hiring a professional mold remediation company. Mold of this size likely extends into walls, flooring, or insulation, and DIY cleaning could spread spores further. ServiceMaster By Simons provides containment, removal, and restoration services to address both visible and hidden mold growth.

See our mold services at https://servicemaster-restorationbysimons.com/restoration-services/residential/mold.

4. Mold in Hard-to-Reach Areas

Mold often grows in places you cannot easily inspect or clean — such as crawlspaces, attics, wall cavities, and air ducts. Improper handling in these areas can spread spores throughout your property. Our team uses advanced detection and removal techniques to eliminate mold without unnecessary damage.

5. Excessive Moisture or Water Damage

Mold cannot thrive without moisture. If you have had recent water damage, leaks, or signs of high humidity, there is a strong chance mold is growing out of sight. ServiceMaster By Simons offers both mold remediation and water damage restoration to stop the problem at its source and prevent it from returning.

Why Choose ServiceMaster By Simons?

ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons brings over 40 years of experience serving Chicago, the North Shore, and DuPage County. We are part of the nation’s oldest restoration brand, founded in Chicago in 1929. Our team holds IICRC Master Fire & Water Restorer certification and membership in the Restoration Industry Association (RIA), demonstrating our commitment to quality and professionalism.

For immediate assistance, call 773-376-1110 or visit https://servicemaster-restorationbysimons.com.

FAQs — Mold Removal in Chicagoland

  • How do I know if I have hidden mold?
    Musty odors, allergy symptoms that improve when you leave home, and recent water damage are key signs. Our professionals use specialized tools to detect mold behind walls and under floors.
  • Is it safe to clean mold myself?
    Small patches (less than 10 square feet) may be manageable with proper safety gear, but anything larger or in hard-to-reach areas should be handled by certified professionals.
  • How fast does mold grow after water damage?
    Mold can begin growing within 24 to 48 hours of moisture exposure, making fast action essential.
  • Does insurance cover mold remediation?
    Coverage depends on the source of the mold. Mold resulting from a covered water loss (like a burst pipe) is often covered. Our team helps document damage for insurance claims.
  • Do I need to vacate my home during mold remediation?
    This depends on the severity and location of the mold. In many cases, containment allows you to stay in unaffected areas, but for major projects or health concerns, temporary relocation might be recommended.

About Nasutsa Mabwa

Nasutsa Mabwa is the CEO and owner of ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons. As a certified disaster restoration professional, Nasutsa brings decades of leadership and expertise to Chicagoland’s restoration industry. She holds certifications from the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) and is an active member of the Restoration Industry Association (RIA). Under her guidance, ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons has become a trusted name for water damage restoration, mold remediation, fire cleanup, and specialty cleaning across Chicago, the North Shore, and DuPage County.

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Nasutsa Mabwa is the CEO and co-owner of ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, a certified MBE/WBE firm proudly serving Cook, DuPage, and Lake Counties in Illinois. Under her leadership, the company has become one of Chicagoland’s most trusted providers of disaster restoration services, including water and flood damage restoration, fire and smoke damage cleanup, and mold remediation for residential and commercial clients.

A recognized civic and business leader, Nasutsa is a recipient of the 2020 Daily Herald Business Ledger C-Suite Award, a Crain’s Chicago Business 40 Under 40 honoree, and a 2018 ServiceMaster® Achiever Award recipient. She currently serves as a Civic Federation Board Member, an Advisory Board Member, and is the Past President of the Executive Committee for the Evanston Chamber of Commerce. She is a proud member of the WPO - Women's President Organization.

Nasutsa holds IICRC certifications in Water Damage Restoration (WRT) and Fire & Smoke Restoration (FSRT), bringing both strategic leadership and technical expertise to every project.

She is also the co-author of RESTORE: A Complete Guide to Protecting Your Home As Your Most Valuable Asset from Water and Fire Disasters — a practical, accessible book for homeowners based on real-world experience in the restoration industry.

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