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Frequently Asked Questions

If you have found mold in your bathroom, basement, attic, walls, or another part of your home, you probably have questions about what caused it, whether you can clean it yourself, and when professional mold remediation is necessary.

Mold Professionals Minnesota answers some of the most common questions homeowners and property owners ask about mold cleaning, mold removal, black mold, mold testing, moisture problems, and professional remediation.

If you have visible mold, a persistent musty odor, recurring moisture, or mold that keeps returning after cleaning, call (763) 275-7151 to schedule a mold inspection in Minneapolis or the Twin Cities.

What is mold?

Mold is a type of fungus that grows by producing microscopic spores. Indoors, mold can grow when those spores land on damp materials and have enough moisture to continue growing. The EPA emphasizes that moisture control is the key to controlling indoor mold.

Yes. Mold is a type of fungus. Many kinds of mold occur naturally outdoors, but indoor growth usually becomes a problem when excess moisture is present.

What is mildew?

“Mildew” is a term commonly used for certain types of surface fungal growth. From a homeowner’s perspective, the important issue is less about whether something is called mold or mildew and more about why moisture is present and whether the affected material can be properly cleaned and dried.

“Mildew” is a term commonly used for certain types of surface fungal growth. From a homeowner’s perspective, the important issue is less about whether something is called mold or mildew and more about why moisture is present and whether the affected material can be properly cleaned and dried.

Indoor mold can appear as spots, patches, staining, fuzzy growth, or discoloration. It may appear black, green, brown, gray, white, or other colors. Color alone cannot reliably identify a mold species or tell you how hazardous it may be.

People commonly use “black mold” to describe dark-colored mold on walls, ceilings, drywall, wood, basement surfaces, and other materials.

However, not every mold that looks black is the same species. Appearance alone is not enough to identify mold.

“Black mold” is a broad term homeowners often use for dark-colored mold growth. The more important questions are where the mold is growing, what caused the moisture, how much material is affected, and whether mold is growing behind the visible surface.

Pink or reddish buildup commonly seen around showers, tubs, sinks, and grout may not always be mold. Certain bacteria and other microorganisms can produce similar discoloration in persistently damp areas.

Recurring pink, red, black, or other growth is also a sign that the area is staying wet long enough for microorganisms to thrive.

Mold problems are frequently associated with a musty, earthy, damp, or stale odor. If you smell a persistent musty odor but cannot see mold, growth may be hidden behind drywall, under flooring, inside cabinets, around plumbing, in insulation, or in another damp area.

Dark or “black” mold does not have one unique smell that reliably identifies it. Like other indoor mold problems, it may be associated with a musty or damp odor.

You cannot determine the mold species simply from its smell.

It can. A persistent musty odor is one of the reasons homeowners often request a mold or moisture inspection even when there is no obvious visible growth.

Mold spores are naturally present in the environment. Indoor growth happens when those spores encounter sufficient moisture and a material on which they can grow.

Leaks, condensation, flooding, basement seepage, roof problems, plumbing failures, and high indoor humidity are common contributing factors.

Mold can begin developing relatively quickly after materials become wet. That is why water-damaged materials should be dried and the moisture source corrected promptly.

The EPA recommends acting quickly when water or moisture problems occur because the longer mold grows, the more damage it can cause.

It can. A persistent musty odor is one of the reasons homeowners often request a mold or moisture inspection even when there is no obvious visible growth.

Not necessarily. When visible mold and an obvious moisture source are already present, testing does not always change the immediate need to remove the mold and correct the moisture.

Testing can be useful in particular circumstances, but an investigation should focus on locating mold growth and identifying its moisture source.

Mold remediation is the process of addressing a mold contamination problem in a building.

Depending on the project, remediation may include:

  • Locating the moisture source
  • Establishing containment
  • Removing contaminated porous materials
  • Cleaning salvageable structural materials
  • Air filtration
  • Drying
  • Moisture correction
  • Repairs and restoration

Mold Professionals Minnesota provides inspection, remediation, and restoration services throughout Minneapolis and the Twin Cities.

“Mold removal” is commonly used to describe physically getting mold-contaminated materials out of a property. “Mold remediation” generally describes the larger process of controlling contamination, removing affected material, cleaning salvageable surfaces, addressing moisture, and returning the area to an acceptable condition. 

Professional evaluation is especially worth considering when:

  • The affected area is large
  • Mold keeps coming back
  • Mold is behind walls or flooring
  • Significant drywall or insulation is affected
  • The problem followed major water damage
  • Sewage or contaminated water was involved
  • HVAC equipment may be affected
  • You cannot identify the moisture source
  • Occupants have conditions that make mold exposure a particular concern

The EPA notes that mold areas smaller than about 10 square feet can often be handled by homeowners in ordinary situations, while larger or more complicated projects may warrant professional involvement.

Cost varies substantially depending on the size of the affected area, materials involved, location, accessibility, required containment, demolition, moisture correction, and restoration.

It depends on the policy and the cause of the loss. Many homeowners policies offer limited or no direct mold coverage, although coverage may sometimes depend on whether the mold resulted from another covered event. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners notes that mold is commonly excluded or limited and that endorsements may sometimes be available. 

Potential coverage depends on the language of your policy, exclusions, limits, endorsements, and what caused the moisture problem. Document the damage, preserve relevant records, and contact your insurance carrier promptly when a potentially covered water-loss event occurs.

Coverage varies by policy and circumstances. Renters insurance generally protects a tenant’s personal property and may provide additional living expense coverage after certain covered losses, while the landlord’s insurance normally applies to the building itself. Whether mold-related damage is covered depends on the actual policy and cause of the damage.

A good particle filter may capture some airborne mold particles, but an air purifier cannot solve a mold problem inside a building. The EPA states that portable air cleaners and HVAC filters do not address the water or moisture source that allows mold to grow.

It may help reduce some airborne particles while other work is being performed, but it should not be considered a substitute for finding the moisture source and removing mold-contaminated materials.

HEPA filters are designed to capture very small airborne particles. EPA guidance states that a true HEPA filter can theoretically capture at least 99.97% of particles measuring 0.3 microns, including mold particles. But filtration still does not correct the underlying mold source.

Mold exposure can affect some people. The CDC says possible reactions can include stuffy nose, sore throat, coughing, wheezing, burning eyes, and skin rash. People with asthma or mold allergies can experience stronger reactions, while people with weakened immune systems or chronic lung disease can be at greater risk of fungal lung infections.

If you believe mold exposure is affecting your health, speak with a qualified healthcare professional.

Indoor mold should be addressed regardless of its color. You cannot reliably determine health risk simply by deciding whether mold appears “black.” Individual sensitivity, amount of exposure, underlying health conditions, and the building conditions all matter.

There is no useful universal danger rating for dark-colored mold. CDC guidance emphasizes that some people are more sensitive to mold than others and that people with asthma, allergies, weakened immune systems, or chronic lung disease may face greater risks.

Claims that every patch of “black mold” is deadly are misleading. Mold can cause or worsen health problems for some individuals, and people who are immunocompromised or have chronic lung disease can have greater risk from fungal infections. Anyone experiencing serious breathing problems or other significant symptoms should seek medical care rather than trying to diagnose the issue from mold color alone.

Severe outcomes are not the typical response to ordinary household mold exposure, but some people are more medically vulnerable to mold and fungal infections.

A physician should evaluate health symptoms; a mold-remediation contractor should evaluate the building and moisture problem.

Start with an investigation of the building rather than relying only on a DIY test kit.

Look for:

  • Visible mold
  • Musty odors
  • Water staining
  • Plumbing or roof leaks
  • Damp basements
  • Condensation
  • Elevated moisture readings
  • Soft or damaged building materials

The Minnesota Department of Health describes the primary goals of mold investigation as finding where mold is growing and determining the moisture source.

Inspect areas with a history of moisture first: bathrooms, basements, kitchens, attics, crawl spaces, around windows, beneath sinks, near plumbing, and areas affected by previous water damage. A persistent musty smell may justify investigating concealed areas even when mold is not visible.

Visual inspection and moisture detection are often the starting point. Professional inspections may also use moisture meters, thermal imaging, air sampling, surface sampling, or inspection of concealed areas depending on the situation.

Signs of a possible hidden wall problem include water staining, peeling paint, soft drywall, musty odor, recent plumbing or roof leaks, elevated moisture readings, and recurring surface mold.

Opening a wall without appropriate precautions can disturb contaminated material, so suspected concealed contamination may warrant professional evaluation.

Do not begin by trying to identify dark mold based solely on color. Determine:

  • How much material is affected
  • Whether the surface is porous
  • Where the moisture came from
  • Whether hidden materials are affected
  • Whether the problem keeps returning

Small amounts on cleanable surfaces may sometimes be handled by a homeowner. Larger, hidden, recurring, or water-damage-related problems may require professional remediation.

Proper removal can include containment, removal of affected porous materials, physical cleaning of structural surfaces, drying, and correction of the moisture source. The exact process depends on the location and extent of contamination.

Think in terms of removing contamination, rather than simply killing it. Dead mold material can still remain on a surface, and the underlying moisture condition can allow new mold growth. Professional remediation therefore focuses on removing contaminated material and correcting moisture.

Separate visibly moldy clothing from unaffected items and follow the garment manufacturer’s cleaning instructions.

Items that cannot be adequately cleaned, remain stained or musty, or have extensive mold contamination may need to be discarded.

More importantly, investigate why clothing became moldy. Moldy stored clothes can indicate excessive humidity, a basement moisture problem, a leak, or poor ventilation.

Wash washable items according to their care labels and make sure they dry completely before storage.

If clothing continues to smell musty after cleaning, consider whether the storage space itself has a moisture or mold problem.

Carpet is porous, making significant mold contamination difficult to clean completely. The EPA identifies carpet among porous materials that may need to be discarded when moldy.

If the carpet became wet because of flooding, a plumbing leak, or basement seepage, the subfloor and surrounding materials should also be checked.

The right approach depends on what the wall is made of and how extensively it is affected. Hard, structurally sound materials may sometimes be cleaned. Mold-contaminated drywall and other porous materials can be much more difficult to restore and may need to be removed.

Do not focus only on the visible stain. Check for roof leaks, plumbing leaks, basement moisture, window condensation, exterior water intrusion, or other sources of dampness. If the wall feels soft, is swollen, or mold keeps returning, there may be contamination behind the surface.

Small areas on suitable cleanable surfaces may sometimes be physically cleaned. If mold is extensive, follows major water damage, or is inside a wall cavity, professional containment and removal may be more appropriate.

Structurally sound wood can sometimes be cleaned and thoroughly dried. The appropriate method depends on the depth of contamination, moisture content, type of wood, and whether deterioration has occurred. If framing remains wet or growth is extensive, the moisture source should be identified before cosmetic treatment.

Physical cleaning is important. Minnesota guidance lists solid wood among materials that may be cleanable when structurally sound. The wood should also be completely dried so the conditions supporting mold growth do not continue.

White vinegar should not be treated as a guaranteed solution for a mold problem. Even when surface growth appears to disappear after cleaning, mold can return if moisture remains or if contaminated porous material was not removed.

Hydrogen peroxide is sometimes used as a household surface cleaner, but treating visible growth with a chemical does not necessarily remediate mold growing inside porous materials.

For a lasting solution, physically remove contamination where appropriate, dry the area, and correct the underlying moisture source.

The same principle applies: killing microorganisms on the surface is different from properly remediating a building-material mold problem.

If drywall, insulation, carpet, or another porous material is significantly mold-contaminated, replacement may be more appropriate than trying to chemically treat it.

Alcohol may affect microorganisms on some surfaces, but it is not a substitute for mold remediation.

If mold has penetrated building materials or developed because of an ongoing water problem, surface disinfection alone will not solve the underlying issue.

Some disinfecting products may be labeled for particular microorganisms or surfaces. Follow the manufacturer’s label when using any cleaning product.

For a building mold problem, however, the important steps remain physical removal or cleaning, drying, and moisture correction.

Products such as primers and coatings should not be used as a substitute for removing active mold. Painting or coating a moldy surface without correcting the underlying moisture problem can conceal the problem temporarily without fixing it.

Minnesota Department of Health guidance specifically warns that simply painting over a mold problem does not solve it.

For a small amount of surface mold on cleanable shower materials:

  • Improve ventilation.
  • Correct any leaking fixtures.
  • Physically clean the affected hard surface.
  • Rinse when appropriate.
  • Dry the area completely.
  • Keep the shower dry between uses when possible.

Minnesota guidance recommends physical cleaning with household detergent and complete drying for suitable surfaces.

If mold continually returns, particularly on drywall, ceilings, baseboards, or behind tile, there may be a hidden moisture or ventilation problem.

First determine whether the growth is limited to tile, grout, glass, or another cleanable surface or whether water has reached drywall, backer board, flooring, framing, or another building material.

Repeated mold after cleaning can indicate that moisture is getting somewhere it should not.

Surface cleaning may be reasonable for small amounts of mold on hard shower surfaces. If there is soft drywall, damaged caulk, recurring staining, loose tile, water damage, or a musty odor outside the shower area, consider having the moisture source inspected.

Bathrooms are common locations for mold because showering and bathing create substantial moisture.

Use the exhaust fan, correct plumbing leaks, dry wet surfaces, and make sure the room is adequately ventilated.

Persistent ceiling or wall mold may indicate excess humidity, condensation, a plumbing leak, roof moisture, or insufficient ventilation.

The answer depends on the wall material. Painted masonry or another sound, cleanable material may sometimes be cleaned. Mold-contaminated drywall is porous and may need to be removed when contamination extends into the material.

First determine why the ceiling remains damp. Common possibilities include shower humidity, poor exhaust ventilation, condensation, a roof leak, plumbing from an upper floor, or moisture entering an attic or ceiling cavity. Cleaning the visible surface without solving that problem can lead to recurring growth.

Successful mold removal requires two things:

  1. Remove or properly clean mold-contaminated material.
  2. Correct the water or moisture source that allowed the mold to grow.

Simply spraying a product on visible discoloration without fixing the moisture problem does not provide a lasting solution.

The objective of mold remediation is not simply to “kill” mold. Mold-contaminated material needs to be properly cleaned or removed and the moisture problem corrected.

For sound, nonporous or cleanable surfaces, physical cleaning with appropriate household detergent and water can remove mold growth. Porous mold-contaminated materials may need to be discarded.

Bleach can affect mold on certain surfaces, but bleach is not the EPA’s recommended routine solution for mold cleanup. The EPA specifically states that using chlorine bleach or another biocide is not recommended as a routine practice during mold cleanup. The main objective should be removing mold and solving the moisture problem. Never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaners.