In South Houston, mildew on grout, windows, painted walls or closet contents is usually a surface problem a homeowner can clean while lowering indoor humidity. Spreading growth, mildew in drywall or carpet, or a musty smell that stays after cleaning should be looked at by a professional. Call the number on this page to be connected with a local mold remediation company in South Houston.
About South Houston
South Houston is a small city of about 16,200 people bordering Houston and Pasadena, roughly 16 miles from downtown. Incorporated in 1913, it drew manufacturing after the Houston Ship Channel was built, and a 1915 hurricane destroyed many of its early industries. Streets such as Spencer Highway, Old Galveston Road and Allen Genoa Road run through a city shaped by the same flat ground, clay soil and humid climate as the rest of the area. Those conditions, plus AC systems that run most of the year, are what feed mildew indoors.
What to do now
- Check what it is growing on. Tile, glass and painted trim can be cleaned. Drywall that is stained through, carpet and ceiling tiles usually need replacing.
- Size it up. EPA treats areas under about 10 square feet as generally manageable for a homeowner.
- Gear up. Gloves, eye protection and an N-95 respirator.
- Scrub and dry. Detergent and water on hard surfaces, then dry fully. Never mix cleaning products.
- Find the moisture. Check the bath fan, the AC drain line, window seals and plumbing under sinks.
- Bring in a professional if it is large, hidden or returns.
What you see and the usual cause
| What you see | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| Spotting on grout and caulk | Steam that lingers after showers |
| Dots around ceiling registers | Humid room air condensing on cold vent covers |
| Fuzz on stored shoes and bags | Closet humidity above 60 percent and no air movement |
| Spots near the floor after heavy rain | Water reaching the slab edge or wall base |
| Brown ring and spots on a ceiling | Roof leak or an overflowing attic drain pan |
Cost factors
Price depends on how much area is affected, whether drywall or flooring has to be removed, how hard the area is to reach, and whether a plumber, roofer or AC technician has to fix the cause first. Angi's Houston cost data reports mold removal averaging $2,016, typically $863 to $3,329. On a professional project, Texas law requires a mold assessment consultant who holds a TDLR license to write the protocol and a separate remediation company to do the work, so expect two bills. Check with the City of South Houston about permits before replacing drywall.
Mold & Mildew Cleanup questions in South Houston
What should I use to clean mildew off hard surfaces?
Why are there dark spots around my AC vents?
Can I paint or caulk over mildew?
Will the county health department look at mildew in my home?
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