Found Mold? Here’s What to Do—and What Not to Do—While You Wait for Help

Discovering mold in your home or business can be alarming—and with good reason. Mold can cause serious damage to property and pose health risks, especially to children, seniors, and anyone with asthma or allergies. But how you respond in the first few hours can make a big difference.

At 1st Choice Plumbing, Flood & Restoration, we often find that people make mold problems worse without realizing it. That’s why it’s important to know what to do—and what not to do—when you suspect mold growth. Here’s your guide to taking smart, safe action while you wait for professional mold remediation.

DO: Stay Away from the Affected Area

As tempting as it may be to investigate or start cleaning, it’s best to keep your distance. Mold spores are microscopic and easily become airborne, especially if disturbed. Inhaling those spores can lead to:

• Coughing and throat irritation
• Skin rashes or eye irritation
• Worsened asthma or allergy symptoms
• Serious complications in immune-compromised individuals

Keep kids, pets, and vulnerable adults away from the area until it’s assessed by professionals.

DO: Shut Off Airflow and HVAC Systems

Mold spores spread quickly through air movement. That includes your:

• HVAC system
• Ceiling or floor fans
• Exhaust fans

Shutting down these systems can help prevent spores from circulating into clean parts of the building. Leave windows and doors closed unless directed otherwise by a mold remediation expert.

DO: Call a Mold Remediation Specialist ASAP

The longer mold goes untreated, the worse it becomes. Mold can begin forming within 24 to 48 hours after water intrusion, and once it takes hold, it can:

• Weaken drywall and wood
• Create foul odors
• Spread into hidden spaces behind walls and under floors

Call 866-437-0205 right away to reach the team at 1st Choice Plumbing, Flood & Restoration. We’ll inspect the area, identify moisture sources, contain the mold, and restore your property safely and thoroughly.

DON’T: Touch or Disturb the Mold

It might seem harmless to wipe down a visible patch of mold, but doing so can release spores into the air and into your lungs. Even wearing gloves isn’t enough if the area isn’t properly sealed and ventilated.

Professional mold remediation teams wear specialized protective gear and use containment systems to prevent further contamination during cleanup.

DON’T: Blow Air Across Moldy Surfaces

Trying to “dry it out” with a fan is one of the most common mistakes we see. Unfortunately, blowing air across a moldy area just spreads the spores—and makes the situation worse. Instead, let professionals use negative air machines and HEPA filtration to contain and remove airborne particles safely.

DON’T: Attempt DIY Mold Cleanup

Mold removal isn’t just about scrubbing a surface—it requires:

• Identifying hidden mold
• Finding and fixing the moisture source
• Preventing regrowth with the right materials and treatments

Using household cleaners like bleach may bleach the stain, but it won’t kill the roots of the mold or stop spores from spreading. In some cases, it can even trigger chemical reactions that worsen indoor air quality.

DON’T: Delay Action

Mold doesn’t wait, and neither should you. Even a small leak or a bit of standing water can turn into a mold infestation if it’s ignored for more than a day or two. The sooner you get professional help, the more likely you are to save your belongings, reduce restoration costs, and avoid health complications.

The Bottom Line

If you suspect mold, don’t panic—but don’t try to handle it alone, either. Trust the experts at 1st Choice Plumbing, Flood & Restoration to provide fast, safe, and thorough mold remediation across Southern California.

Call 866-437-0205 today to schedule an inspection and take the first step toward a cleaner, healthier space.