Hope the Mold Dog

10/24/2026

Learn what to look for to help identify mold, moisture, and indoor air quality issues before you buy or rent.

10/14/2026

670 voices. 330 to go. We are almost there. 💪

Homeowners and renters across 48 states have already shared their experiences with mold inspections and remediations. Their responses are building something that has never existed before. The first national picture of what consumers actually go through in this industry.

But we need yours too.

Whether your experience was straightforward or frustrating, whether the work was done well or left you with more questions than answers, it all belongs in this dataset. Every response makes the picture more complete and a more complete picture means stronger data for the people working to improve consumer outcomes.

That data goes directly to lawmakers, journalists, industry organizations, and advocates who are working to raise standards, strengthen consumer protections, and drive meaningful reform.
Your 10 to 15 minutes does all of that.

👉 Take the survey: https://changetheairfoundation.org/research-surveys/

👤 Who: Anyone in the U.S. who has had a mold inspection or remediation in the last 12 months. Good experience or bad, we want to hear from you.

⏱️ Time: 10 to 15 minutes

Still missing: Alaska and Rhode Island. Know someone there who qualifies? Please share this with them today. 🗺️

If you do not qualify, please share this with someone who does. We are so close. 🙏

10/06/2026

10/06/2026

09/07/2026

I FINALLY pulled together some head shots. Please tell me which one you like best. Thanks!
❤️ your favorite. 👍 the others you like.

09/03/2026

🚨 FOR THE FIRST TIME, WE’RE ASKING: WHAT REALLY HAPPENED?

Today, we’re launching a first-of-its-kind national survey asking homeowners and renters to share what happened when they dealt with mold.

The inspection. The remediation. The cost. If it worked or failed.
Good experience or bad, your story matters. Here is why. 👇

In most states, there are no licensing or certification requirements for people doing this work, no required remediation standards, and limited recourse when the job fails. Yet there has never been a comprehensive picture of what consumers actually experience.

Until now.

Your response will help build the first comprehensive dataset on consumer experiences with mold inspection and remediation. The results will be analyzed and published in an official report this October and shared with lawmakers, journalists, and advocates working for change.

👤 WHO: U.S. homeowners and renters who had a mold inspection or remediation in the last 12 months

⏱️ TIME: 10–15 minutes

📅 DEADLINE: September 18, 2026

DON’T MISS YOUR CHANCE TO BE HEARD.📣

Take the survey: https://www.research.net/r/ChangeTheAirFoundation

Know someone who qualifies? Send this to them.

Every response helps tell the story.

08/24/2026

ATTENTION COLLEGE PARENTS

It’s that time of the year again! Teens across the country are moving into University dorms and off campus rentals. Within a month or two, our phones will start ringing. Worried parents will begin calling us because their child has begun having unexplained health issues.

Many college dorms and rentals are notorious for having mold. While the symptoms are sometimes respiratory issues, rashes, food intolerance, brain fog, and lethargy. We have had parents call us because their child had become extremely sick, wound up in the ER, developed POTS, became aggressive, or even had to drop out of school.

Your child may be excited about moving off to college, but there’s one thing many parents don’t think to check: the condition of their dorm room or apartment.

Dorms and rentals can be particularly vulnerable to moisture and mold because of:
💧 Leaks from plumbing, roofs, or windows
🚿 Bathroom moisture and poor ventilation
❄️ Condensation around HVAC systems
🌧️ Water intrusion from outside
👨‍🔧 Previous water damage that may have been covered up
🌡️ High humidity and inadequate airflow
🛠️ Age and lack of maintenance
🪛 Lack of proper cleaning and maintenance on HVAC

Mold isn’t always obvious. You may not see a large area of growth on the wall or ceiling. Musty odors, staining, bubbling paint, warped materials, recurring condensation, high humidity, or unexplained dampness can all be warning signs that deserve attention.

BEFORE YOU UNPACK… 👀
Take a few minutes to look around the room:
✅ Check around windows and exterior walls
✅ Look under and behind furniture
✅ Inspect ceilings and corners for staining
✅ Look around HVAC units and vents and the water heater
✅ Check under sinks and around plumbing
✅ Pay attention to musty or unusual odors
✅ Look for signs of previous leaks or water damage
✅ Make sure the bathroom has adequate ventilation

Take pictures of anything concerning. If you find visible mold, water damage, or a persistent musty odor, report it to the school/ landlord immediately and document everything. Most of all do not let the school, maintanance crew, or landlord gaslight you! If you have concerns stand your ground until proper changes are made or do your best to remove your child from that property. Your child’s health is too important!!

Don’t simply clean it up and assume the problem is solved. If there is an underlying moisture source, the problem will return.

PREVENTION TIPS
💧 Keep humidity under control. A small digital hygrometer is inexpensive and useful. Ideally, indoor relative humidity should generally be around 30–50%. At 60% consensation can start. Some molds only need high humidity to grow.
🌬️ Use the bathroom exhaust fan whenever showering, and leave it running afterward. (20-30 minutes)
🚿 Dry wet areas quickly. Don't leave wet towels, damp clothing, or bath mats sitting around.
❄️ Don't block HVAC vents. Keep furniture and belongings from restricting airflow.
🧹 Clean regularly. Dust can accumulate on surfaces and HVAC components and can provide particles that contribute to poor indoor air quality. Regular vacuuming and wiping surfaces helps.
🧺 Don't dry wet clothes in the room if you can avoid it. Damp laundry can increase humidity.
🪟 Watch for condensation. Persistent condensation on windows, walls, pipes, or HVAC components can be a warning sign and a place for mold to grow.
📦 Don't push furniture tightly against exterior walls. Leaving some airflow can help prevent condensation and hidden moisture problems.
🌫️ Add an air purifier with true HEPA and carbon filters. A HEPA air purifier can reduce airborne particles, including mold spores, but it does not remove mold growing on surfaces or fix the moisture source.
💦 Consider a dehumidifier as needed. If the room consistently has high humidity a dehumidifier can help. A dehumidifier needs to be emptied/maintained properly, and it shouldn't be used as a substitute for fixing a leak or building moisture problem.

If you suspect mold in your child’s apartment or dorm, reach out to us at Home Safe Mold Inspectors and Hope the Mold Dog or find a reputable mold inspector in your area.