# Mold in the house: what to do > Find and fix the water problem first, or mold comes back. The EPA says patches under about 10 square feet (about 3 by 3 feet) can often be cleaned with soap and water while wearing gloves, goggles and a mask. Call a mold remediation pro for bigger areas, mold in air ducts, or after sewage or flooding. - URL: https://explained.page/mold-in-the-house - Language: en - Last checked: 2026-10-29 - Watch the 1-minute animated guide: https://explained.page/watch?start=mold-in-the-house ## Step by step 1. **Spotted mold at home?** Mold grows wherever there’s moisture. Here’s how to handle it safely. 2. **Find the water problem first.** Leaks, high humidity, or past flooding feed mold. If you don’t fix the water, the mold comes back. 3. **Signs to watch for.** A musty smell, spots on walls or ceilings, peeling paint, or allergy symptoms that get better when you leave home. 4. **A small patch? You may clean it yourself.** The EPA says areas under about 10 square feet, roughly 3 feet by 3 feet, can often be cleaned with soap and water. 5. **Protect yourself while cleaning.** Wear gloves, goggles and a mask. Scrub, then dry everything completely within a day or two. Throw away soaked carpet or drywall. 6. **Big patches? Call a pro.** For larger areas, mold in air ducts, or after sewage backups or big floods, a mold remediation company is the safer choice. 7. **Testing isn’t always needed.** If you can see or smell mold, the fix is the same: remove it and fix the moisture. Testing helps in special cases, like after a dispute. 8. **Look it up the right way.** Search with your town or state in the words. Pick the official site: it usually ends in .gov. Skip ads and sites that charge for free forms. 9. **Renting? Tell your landlord in writing.** Many states require landlords to fix leaks and keep homes livable. Keep a copy and take photos. ## Checklist - Find and fix the water - Small patch: clean it safely - Wear gloves, goggles and a mask - Dry everything within a day or two - Big patch or ducts: call a pro - Renting? Tell the landlord in writing ## Signs of mold A musty smell, spots on walls or ceilings, peeling or bubbling paint, or allergy symptoms that get better when you leave home. ## Fix the water first Leaks, high humidity and past flooding feed mold. If you don’t fix the moisture, the mold comes back. ## Small patches The EPA says areas under about 10 square feet can often be cleaned with soap and water. Wear gloves, goggles and a mask. Dry everything within a day or two, and throw away soaked carpet, ceiling tiles or drywall. ## When to call a pro For larger areas, mold in air ducts, after sewage backups or big floods, or if someone in the home has health problems. ## Testing If you can see or smell mold, the fix is the same: remove it and fix the moisture. Testing helps in special cases. ## Renting? Tell your landlord in writing, keep a copy and take photos. Many states require landlords to fix leaks and keep homes livable. ## Cost Small jobs can be a few hundred dollars; large ones much more. Get written quotes. ## Common questions ### Is black mold more dangerous? Any mold can cause problems for some people. The color doesn’t change the plan: remove it and fix the moisture. Source page: https://explained.page/mold-in-the-house/questions/is-black-mold-more-dangerous ### Should I use bleach? The EPA generally recommends soap and water. Never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaners. Source page: https://explained.page/mold-in-the-house/questions/should-i-use-bleach ### Does homeowners insurance cover mold? Often only when the mold comes from a sudden covered event, like a burst pipe. Mold from a slow leak, flooding or poor upkeep is usually not covered. Check your policy. Source page: https://explained.page/mold-in-the-house/questions/does-homeowners-insurance-cover-mold ### Can mold make you sick? It can cause allergy symptoms, coughing and asthma flare-ups, especially in sensitive people. See a doctor if you have health concerns. Source page: https://explained.page/mold-in-the-house/questions/can-mold-make-you-sick ### How do I keep humidity down to prevent mold? The EPA suggests keeping indoor humidity below 60%, ideally between 30% and 50%. Use exhaust fans, a dehumidifier, and fix leaks quickly. Source page: https://explained.page/mold-in-the-house/questions/how-do-i-keep-humidity-down-to-prevent-mold ### Can I paint over mold? No. Paint won’t stop it; the mold keeps growing underneath. Clean or remove the moldy material and fix the moisture first. Source page: https://explained.page/mold-in-the-house/questions/can-i-paint-over-mold ### Should I use bleach on mold? The EPA generally recommends soap and water for small areas. If you do use bleach, never mix it with ammonia or other cleaners, and keep the area aired out. Source page: https://explained.page/mold-in-the-house/questions/should-i-use-bleach-on-mold ### Can my landlord evict me for complaining about mold? Many states don’t allow landlords to punish tenants for asking for repairs. Make requests in writing and keep copies. Local tenant groups or legal aid can help. Source page: https://explained.page/mold-in-the-house/questions/can-my-landlord-evict-me-for-complaining-about-mold ## Official sources - [EPA: mold](https://www.epa.gov/mold) - [EPA: a brief guide to mold, moisture and your home](https://www.epa.gov/mold/brief-guide-mold-moisture-and-your-home) To find your local office, search for: - "[your city] code enforcement mold" - "[your state] tenant rights repairs" --- General information, not legal or professional advice. Rules differ by state. From explained.page (www.explained.page). Life’s stuff, explained simply.