Why Store-Bought Mold Removers Just Aren't Enough

11/4/2024 (Permalink)

While store-bought mold removers can help with small, visible mold problems, they often don’t provide a permanent solution.

When mold shows up in your home, the first instinct might be to grab a store-bought mold remover and tackle the problem yourself. It seems like a quick, easy fix, right? But the truth is, while these products might help in some cases, they often fall short of what’s needed for a thorough mold cleanup. Here is why relying only on store-bought mold removers might not solve the problem for good.

What Are Store-Bought Mold Removers?

Store-bought mold removers are readily available products designed to clean mold off surfaces. They usually come in spray bottles or as foams and are marketed as effective solutions for getting rid of mold stains and preventing future growth. However, these products can only go so far, especially when dealing with more extensive mold issues or mold that has penetrated deep into surfaces.

The Limitations of Store-Bought Mold Removers

Before you decide to handle mold on your own, it’s important to know what these store-bought products can and can't do:

Only Cleans the Surface

Most store-bought mold removers are designed to clean visible mold off the surface. While that might seem like it's solving the problem, mold often grows deep within porous materials like drywall, wood, and insulation. These products might make things look clean on the outside, but they don’t reach the mold that’s growing inside the material. This can lead to mold coming back because the root of the problem hasn’t been dealt with.

Not Effective for Large or Hidden Mold Problems

Mold doesn’t always grow out in the open where you can see it. It often spreads behind walls, under floors, or in other hidden areas. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, if mold covers more than 10 square feet or is hidden in places like behind walls or ceilings, you’re better off calling in a professional. Store-bought mold removers just aren’t made to handle these kinds of hidden mold issues effectively.

Doesn’t Prevent Mold from Coming Back

Many store-bought mold removers are good for a quick cleanup, but they don’t provide a long-term solution. If the moisture problem that caused the mold in the first place isn’t fixed, mold is likely to return. Store-bought products don’t usually have the necessary ingredients to prevent mold from growing back, especially if they don't address the underlying moisture issue.

Why Professional Mold Remediation Is the Better Choice

There are several reasons why professional mold remediation services are more effective than store-bought mold removers:

Detailed Inspection and Assessment

Professionals start with a detailed inspection to find out just how far the mold has spread and what's causing it. They use advanced tools, like moisture meters and thermal imaging cameras, to detect mold that you can't see with the naked eye.

Deep Cleaning with Specialized Equipment

Mold remediation experts use specialized cleaners and equipment that go deeper into materials, reaching mold spores that store-bought products can’t. This thorough approach helps make sure the mold is gone for good.

Fixing the Root Cause

Mold needs moisture to grow, so professionals don’t just remove the mold—they also help find and fix the moisture problem, whether it’s a leak, poor ventilation, or something else. This step is crucial in preventing mold from coming back.

Safe and Controlled Mold Removal

Professionals follow strict safety procedures to remove mold safely, without spreading spores to other areas of your home. This careful approach helps ensure that all the mold is removed and doesn’t spread.

When to Call in the Professionals

While small, surface-level mold issues might be manageable with store-bought products, there are certain situations where professional mold remediation is definitely the way to go:

• The mold covers more than 10 square feet or is widespread.
• The mold is in hard-to-reach or hidden areas, like behind walls or under flooring.
• There's a persistent musty smell, which could indicate hidden mold.
• Previous attempts to clean the mold yourself haven’t worked, or the mold keeps coming back.
• There’s an ongoing moisture issue, like a leak or poor ventilation, that needs to be fixed.

Don’t Rely on Temporary Fixes

While store-bought mold removers can help with small, visible mold problems, they often don’t provide a permanent solution. For long-lasting results, trust the professionals at SERVPRO of La Crosse County. Contact us today to learn more about our mold remediation services and how we can help you keep your home safe and clean.