i just found visible mold

quick steps to make it safe, what not to do, and who to call.

You spotted mold—and now your heart’s racing. Maybe you see it creeping across a wall, maybe a piece of ceiling has fallen in, maybe something smells off. Whatever brought you here, let’s be clear:

👉 You’re not overreacting. You’re being wise.
Mold can affect your air, your body, and your home—and you're already doing the right thing by seeking help.

Let’s walk through what to do next:

🚫 Step 1: What Not to Do

Before you grab cleaning supplies or start scrubbing:

  • Don’t use bleach. (No, seriously. Whatever else you read, DO. NOT. USE. BLEACH.) It can make mold worse and release harmful fumes.

  • Don’t touch or disturb moldy material. Moving it can send spores into the air.

  • Don’t vacuum it. Most vacuums don’t have the right filters to trap spores.

❗ Mold often looks like a surface problem, but it’s usually a sign of something deeper—like water damage or trapped moisture behind the walls.

💧 Step 2: Stop the Water Source

If there’s been:

  • A pipe leak

  • Roof damage

  • Overflow from a tub or appliance

  • Or even just heavy indoor humidity…

...you need to identify and fix the source of moisture first.
Call a plumber, roofer, or HVAC tech if needed. Mold will keep coming back if moisture stays. (Moisture that lingers in your home, is one of the most overlooked signs of a mold problem - often behind the wall, or under the floor - where you can't see it.)

🧪 Step 3: Test Your Air (Not Just the Surfaces)

Once visible mold appears, testing your air quality is one of the most important things you can do—especially if you or your family are feeling unwell.

Why Air Testing Matters:

  • Reveals the types of mold present (some are neurotoxic, some immunosuppressive, and some allergenic.)

  • Measures how many spores per cubic meter are floating around in your home

  • Helps you know if it’s time to support your health (detox, nervous system, immune system)

✅ Your Two Main Testing Options:

1. Professional Air Testing – Highly Recommended

  • Fast, accurate, and especially helpful if you're experiencing symptoms like fatigue, anxiety, brain fog, or skin issues.

  • I personally use and recommend Pure Maintenance — they offer air testing for just $50 per area tested. (I have done extensive research on all types of mold discovery and testing including mold hounds -- and I promise you, Pure Maintenance is the absolute best option.)

  • You’ll get a clear, detailed report of what you’re breathing.

💚 Pure Maintenance has become a partner of ours becuase we have referred to them so much.. mention us when booking and receive a discount on services. Reach out here to get connected.

2. DIY Mold Test Kits – Affordable but Slower

  • You can swab surfaces or test dust to see what mold grows.

  • This method is more affordable, but takes longer and doesn’t measure airborne spores.

  • Best used when there are no active symptoms and you're just doing preventative checking.

🛒 Need a DIY test? Find our trusted, easy-to-use kits here.
But if you suspect mold is affecting your health, I always recommend air testing first, if at all possible.

🔄 Step 4: Use the Results to Guide Next Steps

Your test results will help answer:

  • Is this a minor issue or a health-threatening one?

  • What kind of mold am I dealing with?

  • Do I need to clean, remediate, fog—or all three?

Depending on the results, you’ll know whether to:

  • Clean a small area with safe solutions

  • Call in professionals for remediation or fogging

  • Begin supporting your body (detox, drainage, immune support—we’ll guide you there too)

🧼 Step 5: Clean or Remediate (Safely!)

If the mold is:

  • Small

  • On a hard, non-porous surface (like sealed tile)

  • And the moisture source is fixed...

...you may be able to clean it yourself using a non-toxic antimicrobial like TryHypo (hypochlorous acid). This is what I personally use monthly to keep mold, bacteria, and viruses at bay.

But if the mold is:

  • On drywall, ceiling panels, insulation, or carpet

  • Spanning more than ~10 square feet

  • Or if you’re already experiencing symptoms...

...please do not attempt to clean or cut into the area yourself. Call a professional.

🌀 Need full-home remediation?
Pure Maintenance uses a patented dry fog system to fill every nook of your home, safely neutralizing mold spores.
In some cases, fogging alone works. In others (like my personal experience), both fogging and demo may be needed for full resolution.
I'm happy to offer discounts through my referral—just reach out.

💭 Last Thing

If you're feeling overwhelmed or unsure, that’s okay.
Mold is complex—but you’re not alone. You're taking thoughtful steps, and that’s what matters most.

There is a path forward.

You can clear this out.
You can make your home safe.  🤍
You can support your body’s healing.
And you don’t have to do it alone.