Fogging: Why It Doesn't Work for Mold Remediation

Mold problems can be stressful. When you find mold in your home, you want it gone—fast. Some mold remediation companies advertise fogging as a quick and easy solution, claiming it kills mold, eliminates spores, and sanitizes your entire home.

It sounds convenient, but here’s the truth: fogging does not remove mold or solve the root of the problem. While fogging has valid uses in other industries, it is not an effective or industry-approved method for mold remediation.

If you’ve been told that fogging will get rid of mold in your home, keep reading. We’ll break down what fogging is, why it doesn’t work for mold, and what truly effective mold remediation looks like.

What Is Fogging?

Fogging is a method of turning a liquid into a fine mist. There are two main types:

• Thermal fogging – Uses heat to create the mist.
• Cold fogging – Uses air pressure instead of heat to disperse the mist.

Fogging is commonly used in pest control, sanitation, and agriculture. In water damage restoration, it’s sometimes used to treat bacteria like E. coli from sewage backups.

However, in mold remediation, fogging has been misused. Many companies claim it can kill mold and sanitize the air, but this is misleading.

Why Fogging Doesn’t Work for Mold Remediation

The EPA, the New York Department of Health, and the IICRC-S520 (the leading mold remediation standard) all agree on one thing: The goal of mold remediation is to physically remove contamination—not just kill it.

Here’s why fogging isn’t the answer:

• Mold isn’t just about visible spores. Mold releases harmful chemicals called protease and glucans, which can trigger allergic reactions and respiratory issues. Some mold species also produce mycotoxins, which coat the spores and pose serious health risks.
• Dead mold is just as harmful as live mold. Even if fogging "kills" mold, it doesn’t remove these harmful chemicals from the environment. Dead mold spores can still cause poor air quality.
• Fogging doesn’t address the root cause—moisture. If the source of moisture isn’t fixed, mold will return, no matter how much fogging is done.

What About Fogging Chemicals?

Most fogging treatments use antimicrobial pesticides such as:

• Hydrogen peroxide
• Hypochlorous acid
• Botanical solutions (e.g., Benefact Decon 30)

While these chemicals are effective against bacteria and viruses, they don’t remove mold. They also come with potential risks:

• Some can bleach fabrics and carpets.
• Poor ventilation can make fogging harmful to pets, plants, and aquariums.
• In some states, contractors must be licensed to apply these chemicals legally.

When (If Ever) Is Fogging Useful?

There is one situation where fogging can play a minor role in mold remediation.

After a full mold removal process, some contractors fog with water to settle dust and airborne particles before an air quality test. This helps create a more accurate reading of the air.

However, this step does not remove contamination—it’s purely for testing purposes.

The Bottom Line

If a company tells you they can eliminate mold in just a few hours by fogging, be skeptical. Killing mold doesn’t mean it’s gone. The real danger lies in mold spores, mycotoxins, and the moisture problem that caused the mold in the first place.

Proper mold remediation follows nationally recognized guidelines and involves removing the mold, not just spraying chemicals on it.

Don’t settle for quick fixes. Hire a mold remediation company that focuses on complete removal and prevention—because fogging just doesn’t cut it.

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