First 24 Hours · Printable Checklist

Found Mold: The First Steps

Mold spreads by spores, and disturbing it is what puts them in the air. The first rule is simple: do not touch it.

1. Do not scrape, brush, spray, or point a fan at the growth.
2. Close off the room, and keep children and pets out.
3. If the moisture source is accessible and safe, stop it: supply valve, drip, or leak.
4. Photograph the growth and the area around it, with a date.
5. Do not apply bleach to drywall or wood, and do not paint over growth.
6. Do not run the HVAC if mold is anywhere near a return or vent.
7. Note the smell and any symptoms family members have had: congestion, headaches, irritation.
8. Call (951) 758-8442 for an assessment. A patch under roughly ten square feet on a hard surface can be a careful DIY job; anything larger or inside a cavity is not.
9. If you rent, notify your landlord in writing, with the photos attached.
10. Keep the rest of the house dry: bathroom fans on, humidity under 50 percent.

We contain the area, remove growth to IICRC S520 standards, fix the moisture cause, and verify with clearance readings.

General guidance for typical residential losses, aligned with EPA mold guidance and IICRC S500/S520 standards. Every loss is different, so this is not a substitute for an on-site professional assessment. If anyone is in danger, call 911 first.