Struggling with persistent mold despite treatment? You're not alone. Today's episode tackles a common frustration homeowners face when mold remediation efforts fall short of expectations.
We dive into a question from Rod in Maryland, who discovered mold still present in his crawl space after professional Concrobium treatment. The answer lies in understanding two critical distinctions in the world of mold control: the difference between viable and non-viable mold testing, and the specific conditions required for treatments to work effectively.
Many homeowners don't realize that mold tests can show "positive" results even when treatments have successfully killed the mold. Non-viable tests detect mold spores whether dead or alive, while viable tests specifically look for living, reproducing mold colonies. This distinction explains why you might still see concerning test results despite effective treatment.
The effectiveness of products like Concrobium hinges on proper application conditions. These treatments require dry environments with humidity below 60% to work properly. When applied to damp surfaces or in high-humidity conditions, they become diluted and ineffective. Concrobium specifically works by crushing mold as it dries, but this mechanism leaves dead spores physically present – which explains why follow-up testing might still detect mold.
For complete remediation, physical removal through soda blasting or manual cleaning is crucial, particularly before using antimicrobial treatments. While Concrobium works well in living spaces, it may not be ideal for consistently damp environments like crawl spaces.
Whether you're tackling mold yourself or hiring professionals, ensure proper drying of the affected area first, then consider physical removal methods before applying treatments. Visit our DIY store for specialized products and subscribe to our channel for more expert guidance on creating healthy home environments.

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