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Contractors Say Never Do This One Thing When Tackling Mold at Home
When dealing with mold at home, many homeowners make a common mold cleanup mistake: painting over mold. This approach may seem quick and easy, but it only worsens the problem. Instead, you should understand why this mistake happens and learn the proper mold removal steps.
Why Painting Over Mold Is a Mold Cleanup Mistake
Contractors and mold experts agree that painting over mold is not an effective solution. Mold grows beneath the surface and continues to damage your home, even if you cover it with paint. This mold cleanup mistake gives only a temporary fix and lets mold spread further.
Josh Byler, owner of Strenova Exteriors, warns that paint can peel and bubble when applied over mold. Michael Rubino, a mold and air quality expert, explains that mold roots, called hyphae, grow deep into surfaces. Like weeds, you must remove mold entirely to prevent regrowth.
Painting over mold might hide it briefly, but it won’t kill it. Over time, mold will break through the paint and reappear on walls or ceilings.
The Risks of Ignoring Mold Removal
Ignoring proper mold removal and making this mold cleanup mistake can cause health problems, structural damage, and costly repairs. Mold spores can spread through the air and cause allergic reactions or respiratory issues for your family.
Furthermore, paint applied over mold can peel or bubble, damaging the surface appearance. So, painting over mold only creates a cosmetic illusion while the problem worsens underneath.
Proper Mold Cleanup Steps From Experts
Instead of painting over mold, follow these expert-recommended steps to avoid the mold cleanup mistake.
- Identify and Stop the Mold Source
First, find the source of moisture causing mold growth. Mold thrives in damp areas such as leaks, poor ventilation, and clogged gutters. Fixing the source stops mold from growing back. - Kill and Remove Mold Correctly
Different surfaces need different treatments for effective mold removal.
- Non-porous surfaces like glass or finished wood should be cleaned with botanical cleaners and wiped thoroughly.
- Semi-porous surfaces such as unsealed wood need a combination of vacuuming, hydrogen peroxide treatment, sanding, and cleaning.
- Porous surfaces like drywall or carpeting often require removal and replacement since mold penetrates deeply.
3. Use Mold-Resistant Paints
Once mold is removed and surfaces are dry, apply a mold-resistant paint. Choose water-based or latex paints with moisture resistance and anti-microbial properties. Avoid oil-based paints because they can worsen mold issues.
What Happens If You Make This Mold Cleanup Mistake?
Painting over mold allows the problem to persist. Mold spreads quietly beneath paint, causing peeling, bubbling, and surface damage. Over time, the mold will reappear, making the problem worse and more expensive to fix.
Contractors agree this is a costly and frustrating mistake homeowners make. Instead, proper cleanup protects your health and your home’s structure.
Ready to avoid this mold cleanup mistake? Learn more about safe home improvement and mold prevention.
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