Mold needs moisture, and water damage supplies it. That's why mold is the most common second chapter of a water loss, and why the timing of the first response matters so much. The good news is that the window for preventing it is fairly well understood, and so is the point at which you should stop cleaning it yourself. This guide explains both. For the broader overview, see water damage and mold help in Annapolis, MD.
Why the first 24 to 48 hours matter
The EPA says it's important to dry water-damaged areas and items within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mold growth, and that if wet materials are dried within that window, mold usually won't develop. After that, growth becomes much more likely, particularly on drywall, wood, carpet, ceiling tiles and cardboard. The CDC goes further for floods: if your home was flooded and has been closed up for several days, assume it has mold. This is the reason our first-day checklist puts water removal and drying so high on the list.
How to tell if mold is growing
- A musty smell with no visible source, especially in basements, closets and rooms that were wet.
- Visible growth on walls, ceilings, baseboards, grout or under sinks.
- Staining or discoloration that returns after cleaning.
- Warped, bubbling or peeling paint, drywall or flooring, which points to moisture even when no mold is visible.
Mold can also grow inside wall cavities, under flooring and above ceilings, where a leak went unnoticed. Moisture meters and thermal imaging help find wet areas that aren't visible.
Do you need a mold test?
Many people assume the first step is air or surface testing. The EPA says that in most cases, if visible mold growth is present, sampling is unnecessary. It adds that sampling can help confirm an area was adequately cleaned, but should be done by experienced professionals. In practice, the most useful early step is an inspection that finds the moisture source and the full extent of the growth, since any plan has to fix the moisture or the mold will come back.
Clean it yourself, or hire a professional?
| Situation | What the EPA advises |
|---|---|
| A moldy area under about 10 square feet (roughly 3 feet by 3 feet) | You can usually handle it yourself. |
| Mold covering more than 10 square feet, or significant water damage | Hire a professional. |
| Damage from sewage or other contaminated water | Call in a professional who has experience cleaning and fixing buildings damaged by contaminated water. |
| Someone in the household has health concerns | Consult a health professional before cleanup. |
How professionals handle mold
Disturbing mold releases spores, so professional work focuses on containing them. A typical process includes sealing the work area with plastic barriers, using filtered air equipment, removing materials that can't be cleaned, such as moldy drywall, carpet and insulation, cleaning and drying what stays, and fixing the moisture problem before rebuilding. The EPA notes that absorbent or porous materials, such as ceiling tiles and carpet, may have to be thrown away if they become moldy, because mold can lodge in their crevices and may not be fully removable. See mold remediation for what to ask before you hire.
What Maryland says about licensing
Maryland passed a law in 2008 requiring mold remediation firms to be licensed by the Maryland Home Improvement Commission, with conditions such as liability insurance and certified employees. A 2016 sunset review by the Department of Legislative Services found the program was never funded or put into effect. The licensing deadline had already been pushed back to July 1, 2013, and the review recommended moving it to July 1, 2019, the date the program was scheduled to end. Rules can change, so check MHIC's website for the current status. Meanwhile, ask any mold contractor about the training of its crew, whether it follows a written protocol, and who will verify the result. Our guide to hiring a water damage contractor in Maryland has more.
Keeping mold from coming back
- Fix the moisture source. Leaks, drainage problems and condensation are the cause, and cleaning alone doesn't solve them.
- Dry everything fully. See structural drying and ask for moisture readings.
- Control humidity. Use dehumidifiers and working bathroom and kitchen fans, and keep crawl spaces and basements ventilated.
- Check after storms. Look at ceilings, basements and the areas around windows after heavy rain.
Mold in Annapolis homes
Warm, humid summers and a lot of waterfront housing make the habits above especially useful here. Basements and crawl spaces in older neighborhoods and in waterfront communities such as Annapolis Neck are the places to check first. If a flood or backup caused the moisture, see flood damage cleanup and basement flooding cleanup.