10/13/2026
“I sprayed with a mold killer and then sealed it. The mold is no longer a problem.”
This is one of the biggest lies sold in remediation.
Spraying and sealing mold can be cheaper upfront—and cost you more down the road. Especially when you’re already dealing with mold-related illness.
Remove the mold. Fix the moisture source. Otherwise, you’re buying a Band-Aid and a can of false hope.
Mold, spores, fragments, and damaged material can remain beneath that coating. Dead mold can still trigger allergic and inflammatory immune responses.
Proper remediation follows ANSI/IICRC S520 principles:
• Fix the moisture source.
• Determine the full extent of contamination.
• Contain the work area.
• Remove contaminated materials that cannot be adequately cleaned.
• Physically clean salvageable surfaces.
• HEPA-vacuum, damp wipe as appropriate, dry, and verify successful remediation before rebuilding.
Sprays and sealants may have limited supporting uses. They do not replace physical removal.
Before hiring someone, ask: “What will you physically remove, and how does your plan follow IICRC S520?”
If the entire plan comes in a bucket or fogging machine, and they cannot explain the standard, find someone else.
Save this before someone wastes your time and resources.