When Mold Isn’t What It Seems
When it comes to mold, sometimes the problem isn’t what you think. Just ask a homeowner I helped recently, who was on the edge of a $50,000 bathroom remodel—all because of one moldy orange peel.
I’m Will Rivers, the owner of Howard Environmental, and in this line of work, I’ve seen a lot of surprising things.
But this orange-in-the-closet situation was one for the books.
The homeowner, worried sick after getting an initial report from another mold inspection company, gave me a call for a second opinion.
Right off the bat, I could tell she was stressed. On the phone, she said, “They’re telling me there’s water damage in three bathrooms and mold in one! They’re saying we need a full remodel. It’s going to cost $50,000!”
That didn’t sit right with me.
Three bathrooms with water damage? Statistically, that’s very unlikely, especially without any visible evidence of a problem.
Mystery of the Bathrooms
When I got to her house, I had to ask her directly, “What makes you think there’s water damage in three bathrooms?”
She just shook her head. “The Other Mold Guys said so.”
I don’t take anyone else’s word for it when it comes to mold.
So, I set out to do my own inspection, starting with the basics: a moisture meter, visual assessment, and some good old-fashioned sleuthing.
It was clear right away that this homeowner took meticulous care of her home. Everything was spotless, and I could tell she kept her bathrooms in pristine condition.
This wasn’t the kind of place where you’d expect mold to be lurking.
Even so, all three bathrooms had the same waterproof drywall—a solid material, but one that can sometimes give false moisture readings on certain meters.
I took readings all over. In each bathroom, one of which was a —99%—on the tile in the shower, but only 7% on the drywall right next to it.
Why would tile read at 99% but not the drywall behind it?
There was no actual water damage here.
In short, a quirk in certain manufactured waterproof building materials can cause elevated moisture meter readings.
Moisture meters can give false readings because they don’t detect water directly—they measure electrical conductivity. Certain materials like concrete, metal, or synthetic flooring can naturally conduct electricity or interfere with the meter, making it seem like there’s water when there isn’t.
This kind of false positive, while not common, can happen, and an inspector who knows to look for these oddities can mean the world to a homeowner’s wallet.
I took photos, documented everything, and explained to her that we weren’t looking at actual water damage, like she had previously been told. But that wasn’t the end of it. In one bathroom, I took an air sample that showed elevated Aspergillus mold spores (a type of mold commonly found in homes) .
Yet, there was no musty smell, no visible mold, nothing out of place. So I kept digging.
The Surprising Culprit
During the inspection, I noticed there was no trash can in the bathroom.
Now, that might sound like an odd detail, but when you’re tracking down a mystery, little things can be clues. I asked her,
“I didn’t see a wastebasket. Where do you keep the trash?”
“In the closet.”
“Can you take a look in there for me?”
Moments later, “Oh my gosh!”
“What’s wrong?” I asked, though by then, I had a pretty good idea.
“I cannot believe my son. He loves mandarin oranges,” she told me.
“He’s been leaving the peels in the trash bin, and they’ve been sitting there for at least a month.”
That was our smoking gun.
Or, orange. Either way,
The elevated mold levels in the air?
Not from structural water damage, but from a few moldy orange peels left to sit in a closed-up space.
The Real Cost of a Moldy Orange
That orange peel had almost triggered a major remodel.
I had her air out the closet and bathroom, and then came back the next day to run another test.
Sure enough, the air was clean.
We ended up saving her thousands and stress with just a simple inspection.
The Other Mold Guys had her ready to tear out three bathrooms for no reason.
Adding up the costs of the tests from the other company, she told me, “That was the most expensive orange I’ve ever had.”
This case highlights something I believe in deeply: you need a careful, impartial inspection before making big decisions.
Mold scares can lead to huge expenses if you don’t get a straightforward assessment.
Key Takeaways: Lessons from the Moldy Orange
If there’s anything this case taught me, it’s that mold concerns don’t always mean major damage. Here are a few key lessons that every homeowner should keep in mind:
- Not All Mold Is Structural: Sometimes, it’s the unexpected culprits that cause air quality issues—like forgotten food or cluttered spaces. Moldy items like old orange peels can be enough to set off alarms.
- Value of Accurate, Impartial Inspections: A reliable inspector who isn’t pushing you toward unnecessary repairs can be a huge asset. In cases like this, accurate assessments save homeowners thousands and prevent a lot of stress.
- Always Get a Second Opinion: If an inspection report feels extreme or unclear, don’t hesitate to get a second opinion. A quick review from a trusted professional could reveal simpler, more manageable solutions.
- Simple DIY Tips for Avoiding Mold Scares: Regularly check and clean areas where moisture or organic material might sit. Don’t overlook spaces like closets or bins, especially if they’re close to bathrooms or damp areas. Sometimes, the simplest habits can prevent costly mold scares.
Signs of Mold? Don’t Panic—It Could Be Organic
When it comes to mold, the answer isn’t always drastic. Sometimes, it’s as simple as finding a moldy orange in the trash.
So, before you panic and commit to a costly remodel, take a step back, call in an unbiased professional, and remember: not every mold scare is the end of the world.
Mold may be tricky, but sometimes a fresh look and a little detective work can lead to surprising answers. At the end of the day, a careful inspection and a second opinion could mean the difference between tossing out a moldy orange and tearing out a whole bathroom.
If you’re facing a mold issue and want an honest, reliable assessment, reach out to Howard Environmental. We’re here to provide you with the facts—no scare tactics, just straightforward answers. Contact us today to schedule an inspection and find out what’s really behind your mold concerns.