I Found Mold in My House — What Should I Do Next?

Discovering mold in your home can feel overwhelming and even alarming—especially when you don’t know how long it’s been there or how far it’s spread. Whether it’s hiding behind drywall, creeping across your basement wall, or blooming around your HVAC vents, mold is more than an eyesore. It can trigger serious health risks, damage your property, and hurt your indoor air quality.

At ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, we respond to mold in the house emergencies throughout DuPage County, Lake County, and northern Cook County on a daily basis. We’ve seen it all—and we know what it takes to safely and effectively remove mold from homes and businesses.

So if you’ve found mold, here’s exactly what to do next.

🧪 What Is Mold, and Why Is It Dangerous?

Mold is a type of fungus that thrives in warm, damp, and humid environments. It reproduces through microscopic spores that are constantly floating through the air.

When these spores land on wet or moisture-prone surfaces, they grow—and fast.

🧠 Why It’s a Problem:

• Health risks: Especially for people with asthma, allergies, or weakened immune systems.

• Property damage: Mold can rot wood, destroy drywall, and eat through flooring.

• Odor: Musty smells from mold can permeate soft materials like carpets and upholstery.

According to the CDC:
“Mold exposure can cause nasal stuffiness, throat irritation, coughing, wheezing, eye irritation, and skin irritation.”
https://www.cdc.gov/mold/faqs.htm

🚨 First: Don’t Panic — But Don’t Ignore It Either

Mold won’t go away on its own. But the sooner you act, the better your outcome will be.

❌ Do NOT:

• Spray it with bleach and hope it disappears

• Paint over it

• Tear out moldy materials yourself

These DIY fixes can make the problem worse, releasing spores into the air and spreading contamination.

✅ Step-by-Step: What to Do If You Find Mold in Your House

1. Assess the Area (Without Touching It)

Take note of:

• The size of the moldy area

• The location (e.g., bathroom wall, basement, ceiling)

• Any odor or recent water damage nearby

Mold that covers more than 10 square feet should always be handled by professionals.
https://www.epa.gov/mold/mold-cleanup-your-home

2. Photograph the Mold for Documentation

Take clear photos of:

• The mold from multiple angles

• Any water damage nearby

• Any HVAC vents, carpet, or drywall that may be affected

This documentation is useful for insurance claims, landlord communication, or professional assessments.

3. Shut Down HVAC Systems

If mold is near air vents, returns, or ductwork, turn off your heating or cooling system to prevent spores from spreading.

You’ll also want to close off doors to other rooms to contain the area as best you can.

4. Call a Certified Mold Remediation Specialist

At ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, we follow IICRC S520 standards for mold remediation, ensuring:

• Safe containment of affected areas

• Air filtration using HEPA-grade equipment

• Safe removal and disposal of contaminated materials

• Antimicrobial treatment of surfaces

• Moisture source detection and correction

📞 Call 847-316-9145 or
👉 https://www.servicemaster-rbs.com/mold-remediation/

5. Determine the Source of Moisture

Mold is a symptom—not the root problem. It thrives because of excess water or humidity.

Common culprits include:

• Leaky pipes

• Roof leaks

• Poor ventilation in bathrooms or basements

• Flooding or storm damage

Once the mold is removed, we’ll identify and repair the moisture source to prevent future growth.

🛠️ What Happens During Professional Mold Remediation?

Our mold in the house remediation process includes:

1. Inspection & Moisture Mapping

2. Containment Setup with Negative Air Pressure

3. Air Scrubbing & Filtration (HEPA)

4. Demolition of Unsalvageable Materials

5. Surface Cleaning & Antimicrobial Treatment

6. Moisture Source Repair & Final Inspection

👉 https://www.servicemaster-rbs.com/services/

🌿 How to Prevent Mold from Returning

• Keep humidity below 60%

• Run exhaust fans in kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms

• Inspect roof, plumbing, and HVAC regularly

• Use a dehumidifier in damp areas like basements

• Make sure your home has adequate drainage and gutter function

🧱 Where We Serve

We proudly serve homeowners and businesses across:

• DuPage County (Naperville, Elmhurst, Hinsdale)

• Lake County (Lake Forest, Highland Park, Deerfield)

• Northern Cook County (Evanston, Skokie, Northbrook, Wilmette)

We’re a family-owned, MBE/WBE certified company, and we’re here when you need us—24/7.

📚 About the Author

This blog is written by Sam Simon, IICRC Master Fire & Water Restorer and co-author of:

RESTORE: A Complete Guide to Protecting Your Home as Your Most Valuable Asset