Can You Trust DIY Mold Testing?

1/20/2020 (Permalink)

How accurate are home mold testing kits?

If you have any reason to believe there's mold in your Austin, TX, home, you probably want to get a clear answer as soon as possible. For many homeowners, it's tempting to pick up a DIY mold test because they are generally affordable and convenient to purchase. However, these handy forms of mold testing are nearly always positive because mold exists naturally inside and outside. This means, even if there isn't a mold problem in the home, these homeowners go through the trouble and expense of treating for black mold.

Why Hire Professionals?

Hiring professional mold testing and cleanup experts has many benefits. It's possible to do some mold cleanup on your home, but when you work with a professional, you'll get better results and considerable peace of mind.


An expert has training and a professional mold kit for accurate results.
Professionals provide information about levels of mold and specific types of mold in your home.
Expert technicians may identify the source of mold, so the problem can be thoroughly addressed.
Professionals use rigorous testing processes for accurate results.
Your insurance policy may cover the costs of professional testing.


Sometimes, hardware store mold kits provide false negatives, leading homeowners to believe their home is free of mold when the truth is that black mold cleanup should be completed. This can lead to widespread contamination.

The Worth of Your Comfort and Safety

Your home is one of the places where you should feel most comfortable. There are plenty of things you can do to keep it comfortable and in great shape. Testing for mold isn't one of those things.

Get Accurate Results From Professionals

How accurate are home mold testing kits? Unfortunately, they aren't very reliable, often giving false positives and negatives. The results of incorrect responses are almost always expensive. If you believe there may be mold in your home, contact an Austin, TX, professional with experience in mold damage identification.

What To Do With Mold Damaged Belongings

1/13/2020 (Permalink)

When conducting a mold cleaning, there are a few steps you should remember.

After mold damage affects your Austin, TX, home, it may be necessary to perform a mold cleaning for various belongings. There are a few steps that can go into the cleaning process. Here are a few things you should remember to do.

1. Sort
One of the first steps to dealing with items that have been harmed by mold is to sort these items by damage type and extent. Some items may need to be gotten rid of altogether, while others can be salvaged by cleaning. Be careful not to take these items to other areas throughout the home, as doing so may lead to the spreading of further mold.

2. Call
It’s also important to contact a mold remediation professional for any mold cleaning that may need to be done. A professional will also know the appropriate method for cleaning each type of item, and be able to tell you which items can be saved and which you may need to replace instead. They should also be able to remove any mold from the home itself.

3. Clean
One the items have been sorted and a professional contacted, mold remediation, can begin. The exact method of cleaning used for each item will depend on the materials it’s comprised of, and how much mold damage it has sustained. Non-organic or solid items may be fine with a thorough scrubbing, while others may require soaking in special cleaning solutions. Extensively damaged items may need to be removed from the home entirely

When conducting a mold cleaning, there are a few steps you should remember. Sort your items by material type and the extent of the damage. Don't be afraid to get rid of anything that may have too much mold damage. It's also important to call a remediation professional to handle your cleaning needs as they have the tools and materials necessary to do a thorough job. Once a professional has been contacted the cleaning can begin.

Conditions In Cele Might Be Right For Mold

1/10/2018 (Permalink)

It’s estimated that more than 1 million types of mold exist, yet less than 10 percent have actually been named. This means mold is very common in both indoor and outdoor environments. While mold and humans can sometimes co-exist without issue, there are certain species of mold that can cause health effects for some people.

If the right conditions exist, mold will grow.  Those conditions include:

Water - Different mold types require varying amounts of liquid before growth begins.   

Temperature - Normal indoor temperatures will promote mold growth.

Time - Initial mold colonizers can take hold within one day after being exposed to an adequate water supply.

Mold growth can occur in any home, so it’s important to keep an eye out for situations that might promote mold activity. Roof/chimney leaks, wet basements, or condensation from ducts that dampen surrounding insulation are just a few examples of issues that make a house a prime target for mold growth.

If you suspect mold in your home, call SERVPRO of Pflugerville to assess the situation. We have the knowledge, tools and track record to effectively remediate mold in your home or business.

If you suspect mold, call us today at (512) 990-4776

What to Do:

Stay out of affected areas.

Turn off the HVAC system and fans.

Contact SERVPRO of Pflugerville for mold remediation services.

Austin Residents: Follow These Mold Safety Tips If You Suspect Mold

9/1/2017 (Permalink)

If you see visible mold, do not disturb it. You can inadvertently spread the mold infestation throughout your home. When mold is disturbed, the mold can release microscopic mold spores which become airborne and can circulate inside your home.

What to Do:

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
• Contact SERVPRO of Pflugerville for mold remediation services.

What Not to Do:

• Don’t touch or disturb the mold.
• Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth.
• Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself.
• Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold.

About Our Mold Remediation Services

SERVPRO of Pflugerville specializes in mold cleanup and restoration, in fact, it’s a cornerstone of our business. Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly remediate your mold problem quickly and safely.

Does Your Cele Home Have A Mold Problem?

8/17/2017 (Permalink)

Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Therefore, mold remediation reduces the mold spore count back to its natural or baseline level. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy. Consider the following mold facts:

• Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
• Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
• Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
• Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
• Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
• Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

If your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – (512) 990-4776