What to do if you find mold.

Finding visible mold, noticing a persistent musty odor, or discovering water damage can be unsettling. The most important first steps are to protect people from unnecessary exposure and stop the source of moisture.

1. Stop the water or moisture source

Mold needs moisture to grow. If it is safe to do so:

• Shut off the water supply to a leaking fixture or pipe.
• Place a container beneath an active drip.
• Contact a plumber, roofer, HVAC technician, or other appropriate professional.
• Begin drying recently wet materials as soon as possible.

Water-damaged areas should ideally be dried within 24–48 hours.

2. Limit access to the affected area

Keep children, pets, and other occupants away from the suspected mold. Avoid moving moldy belongings through unaffected rooms unless they are properly contained.

People with asthma, mold allergies, chronic lung disease, weakened immune systems, or other respiratory concerns should not participate in mold cleanup. Consult a healthcare professional if you have questions about symptoms or personal health risks.

3. Avoid disturbing the material

Do not scrape, sand, brush, drill into, or tear out mold-affected materials without appropriate precautions. Disturbing drywall, insulation, carpet, or other contaminated materials can release mold particles and dust into the air.

Avoid directing ordinary household fans at visible mold because this may spread contamination into other parts of the property.

4. Wear appropriate protective equipment

If you must briefly enter or handle items in an affected area, reduce your exposure by wearing:

• At least a NIOSH-approved N95 respirator
• Protective nitrile, rubber, or vinyl gloves
• Goggles without open ventilation holes
• Long sleeves and long pants
• Protective footwear

A loose-fitting dust mask, surgical mask, or cloth face covering is not the same as a properly fitted N95 respirator. Leave the area if you experience difficulty breathing or feel unwell.

5. Document what you find

Before moving or cleaning anything, take photographs or videos of:

• Visible mold or discoloration
• Water stains and damaged materials
• Active leaks or condensation
• Affected rooms and nearby belongings
• Damage to walls, ceilings, floors, cabinets, attics, or crawl spaces

Documentation can help a remediation professional, property manager, landlord, or insurance representative understand the situation.

6. Be cautious with do-it-yourself cleaning

Small areas of mold on hard, nonporous surfaces may sometimes be cleaned with detergent and water, followed by complete drying. Porous materials such as drywall, insulation, ceiling tile, carpet padding, and some wood products may need to be removed when mold has penetrated the material.

Do not paint, caulk, or seal over mold. This does not correct the moisture source or remove the contamination.

7. Know when to call a professional

Professional assessment may be appropriate when:

• The affected area is extensive or continues to grow.
• Mold may be hidden inside walls, ceilings, flooring, an attic, or a crawl space.
• Water entered from flooding, sewage, or another contaminated source.
• HVAC equipment or ductwork may be affected.
• Materials require demolition or controlled removal.
• The source of moisture is uncertain.
• Mold returns after cleaning.
• Occupants have health conditions that increase their exposure risk.

Start with the source

Successful mold remediation involves more than treating visible growth. The water intrusion, condensation, drainage, ventilation, or humidity problem must also be corrected or controlled.

Georgia Mold Company can evaluate the affected area, investigate likely moisture sources, and explain the appropriate next step.

This information is provided for general property-safety purposes and is not medical advice. Contact a qualified healthcare professional regarding symptoms or personal health concerns. Additional guidance is available from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .