Often, mold and wet basements go hand-in-hand. If you’ve sustained moisture in your basement, you may be wondering what’s really cause for concern when it comes to mold. Because so much misinformation circulates about basement mold, homeowners with moisture in their homes can use the following guide to separate fact from fiction.

5 Mold Myths for Homeowners With Wet Basements, Debunked

1. Only Black Mold Is Dangerous

If you’ve ever been in a discussion about mold, you may have been told only black mold presents any cause for concern. Don’t be fooled by this falsehood. The color of the substance doesn’t dictate its danger; mold can grow in many colors, and every variety can produce potentially harmful allergens and toxins.

2. Dormant Mold Is Safe

Because mold is alive, some people are misled to believe that dormant mold isn’t linked to health hazards. However, before becoming dormant, mold releases spores, which can then cause the substance to multiply. This means that even after one section’s active phase ends, more could be spreading throughout your home.

3. It Takes a While for Mold to Develop

Homeowners may think they have time to tackle the aftermath of a flooded basement, but this likely isn’t the case. Water damage should always be addressed promptly because it only takes mold 24 to 28 hours to develop.

4. Bleach Can Eradicate Mold

While store-bought bathroom cleaners may work for killing off small, concentrated areas of mold, retail products can’t handle a widespread issue on their own. Mold that has penetrated deep below wood, carpet, tile, and other surfaces in your home demands a professional solution for complete eradication.

5. Mold Is Only Caused by Leaks

Some individuals think that if they’ve never sustained major water damage, there’s no way for mold to develop. While leaks, burst pipes, and other causes of flooded basements will cause mold, it’s also possible for an issue to develop as a result of high condensation levels.

If you live in La Crosse County, WI, and have experienced a wet basement, allow Beaver Basement Waterproofing to protect your home from mold and other forms of water damage. Their detail-oriented team has more than 20 years of experience performing basement sealing and foundation repairs at fair prices. Call (608) 634-4880 to explore solutions for your home, and visit their website for more information.