Mold Myths Vs. Facts:

Myth 1: “Bleach kills mold, problem solved.”

Fact: Bleach can lighten stains but doesn’t penetrate porous materials (drywall, wood). It can also add moisture that helps mold return. Proper removal + drying beats bleaching.

Myth 2: “Only ‘black mold’ is dangerous.”

Fact: Color doesn’t equal toxicity. Any active mold growth can affect indoor air quality especially for kids, elders, and people with asthma or allergies.

Myth 3: “If the surface looks dry, the mold is dead.”

Fact: Mold can go dormant and reactivate with humidity. Spores and fragments still trigger reactions even when growth isn’t visible.

Myth 4: “Paint or primer will seal it in.”

Fact: Painting over mold traps the problem inside the wall. Stains may reappear and odors persist. Remove/clean first, then rebuild and paint.

Myth 5: “A HEPA air purifier alone will fix it.”

Fact: HEPA helps reduce airborne spores, but it won’t remove mold colonies or fix the source of moisture.

Myth 6: “I’ll just crank the heat/AC and it’ll go away.”

Fact: HVAC can spread spores through the home. Address the moisture, isolate the area, and filter properly before normal operation.

Myth 7: “Insurance always covers mold.”

Fact: Many policies limit or exclude mold unless caused by a covered water loss (e.g., sudden pipe burst). Document early and ask your carrier/agent.