When mold shows up, time matters. At Certified Water and Mold Restoration LLC in Olathe, KS, we remove mold at the source, protect indoor air quality, and help prevent it from coming back.

Top 30 Signs of Mold

1. Musty, earthy odors indoors
2. Visible black, green, or white patches
3. Peeling or bubbling paint
4. Water stains on ceilings or walls
5. Warped or discolored drywall
6. Dark grout lines in bathrooms
7. Persistent allergy symptoms inside
8. Coughing or sneezing that improves outside
9. Eye irritation at home
10. Increased asthma attacks
11. Respiratory discomfort or tightness
12. Unexplained skin rashes
13. Condensation on windows
14. Damp, humid basements
15. Mold growth on furniture or fabrics
16. Warped or cupped wood flooring
17. Strong odors coming from HVAC
18. Spots or growth near supply vents
19. Frequent headaches at home
20. Chronic fatigue among occupants
21. Mold on clothing or closet items
22. Musty smell in closets or pantries
23. Recurring sinus infections
24. Dark spots under sinks
25. Spots on window sills
26. Indoor humidity regularly over 60%
27. Peeling wallpaper or loose tape joints
28. Spots on carpet backing or padding
29. Growth behind appliances
30. Attic condensation with visible growth

Common Mold Types & Dangers

Aspergillus

Aspergillus is among the most common indoor molds, thriving in dust, insulation, damp drywall, and especially HVAC systems where air movement spreads spores throughout living areas. In Olathe homes with humidity above 60% or long-standing moisture problems, it can colonize quickly and remain hidden for months. Health risks range from allergy symptoms such as sneezing, watery eyes, and throat irritation to asthma flare-ups and chronic respiratory inflammation. Some species produce mycotoxins that exacerbate symptoms and place added strain on the immune system. For immunocompromised individuals, Aspergillus may cause aspergillosis, a serious infection of the lungs or sinuses that demands medical attention. The challenge is its tendency to establish itself inside ductwork, return plenums, and wall cavities, where topical cleaning does nothing to solve the problem. Proper remediation requires source identification, engineering controls, and HEPA filtration to capture airborne spores. Our team isolates work zones, uses negative air pressure, and removes contaminated materials where necessary. Post-remediation cleaning includes fine-particle HEPA vacuuming and wiping to return surfaces to normal fungal ecology. Finally, moisture correction and ventilation improvements help prevent Aspergillus from returning.

Cladosporium

Cladosporium appears black, brown, or olive-green and often colonizes painted surfaces, wood trim, carpeting, and fabrics. Unlike molds that need warm conditions, Cladosporium can thrive in both cool and warm environments, making it common in basements, attics, and drafty rooms. Exposure commonly triggers nasal congestion, coughing, throat irritation, and itchy, watery eyes. Asthma sufferers may notice more frequent symptoms and require increased medication when Cladosporium is present. Because the spores settle into porous surfaces and the undersides of carpets or behind baseboards, DIY cleaning usually fails to reach the root of the growth. In some cases, the colony extends into wall cavities where hidden condensation or minor leaks persist. Professional remediation begins with moisture control, then physical removal of impacted materials that cannot be effectively cleaned. HEPA-filtered air scrubbers reduce airborne spore levels while work is performed. After cleaning, we apply EPA-registered antimicrobials to hard, non-porous surfaces and recommend dehumidification to maintain relative humidity below 50%. These steps help protect indoor air quality and prevent recurrence.

Stachybotrys chartarum (Black Mold)

Stachybotrys chartarum, commonly called black mold, grows on cellulose-rich materials such as drywall, paper backing, and wood framing that have remained wet for extended periods. After basement floods, roof leaks, or plumbing failures, Stachybotrys can establish itself over several days and gradually penetrate deeper into building materials. It is associated with strong musty odors and can produce mycotoxins that are linked to significant health complaints: persistent headaches, chronic sinus issues, coughing, skin irritation, and in some cases neurological symptoms like difficulty concentrating. Young children, older adults, and pregnant individuals are considered more vulnerable. Because colonies often extend behind surfaces, disturbing growth without controls releases heavy spore loads into the air. Our process uses containment barriers, negative air machines, and proper personal protective equipment to prevent cross-contamination. Severely damaged materials are removed and bagged for disposal, followed by meticulous HEPA cleaning and drying. We also address the moisture source to ensure the affected areas remain dry. Post-remediation verification confirms that surfaces are clean and that the indoor environment meets normal fungal ecology.

Penicillium

Penicillium is known for its rapid spread, often appearing blue-green or yellow on water-damaged materials like carpet, padding, wallpaper, and stored furnishings after leaks or storms. In homes with forced-air systems, Penicillium spores can distribute quickly, seeding secondary growth in other rooms. Health concerns include aggravated asthma, sinusitis, bronchitis, and general respiratory irritation; sensitive individuals may experience more severe reactions with prolonged exposure. Penicillium also produces persistent musty odors and can stain or weaken porous materials, leaving cosmetic damage even after superficial cleaning. Effective remediation focuses on stopping the spread, drying materials to industry standards, and removing items that cannot be properly restored. We install HEPA-filtered air scrubbers, perform careful source removal, and conduct detailed cleaning to reduce spore counts. Antimicrobial treatments are applied to hard surfaces, and dehumidifiers return relative humidity to a mold-unfriendly range. Addressing underlying water issues, such as drainage problems or plumbing leaks, is critical to preventing Penicillium from rebounding.

Reviews

“They found hidden mold behind our drywall and removed it safely. The home smells fresh again and our allergies improved.”

“Fast, professional, and respectful. They handled our water damage and mold from start to finish and coordinated with insurance.”

“Black mold in our basement was scary. The team contained the area, cleaned thoroughly, and helped fix the moisture source.”

Related Services

• Water Damage Restoration Olathe KS
• Basement Flood Clean Up Olathe KS
• Frozen Pipe Water Damage Repair Olathe KS
• Mold Remediation Services

Helpful Resources

• EPA: Mold Basics
• CDC: Mold & Health
• Kansas Department of Health & Environment
• American Lung Association: Mold