The EPA warns that mold spores germinate on damp drywall within 24–48 hours. That timeline shrinks in humid SoCal garages and bathrooms.
Four must-do moves
- Hit 30–50 % relative humidity. Deploy dehumidifiers until readings stay low for 48 hours.
- Remove porous materials that can’t dry within two days—carpet, insulation, soggy drywall. EPA cleanup guides echo this hard cutoff.
- HEPA vacuum first, clean second. Vacuuming captures loose spores; detergent washes remove residue.
- Verify with meters, not eyeballs. Wood should read <15 % moisture; drywall <1 %.
Smell that musty “old basement” scent? Book infrared and air-quality testing at (888) 641-7001.
