The comfort of home was shattered for one woman who made a horrific discovery about her apartment.
In a chilling TikTok video, the creator said that her entire apartment was consumed by mold—she showed viewers widespread black and dark discoloration on walls, furniture and personal items. Since the clip was posted, it has received more than 8 million views.
“I’m actually on the verge of tears,” the woman began in her video. “My whole apartment is mold. I did not realize it was this bad. I didn’t notice it.”
As she pans the camera, the extent of the damage becomes terrifyingly clear. “I’m looking at this, and I’m like, ‘Huh. That’s, like, darker than I remember it.’ This is all mold.”
The discovery extended beyond walls and into her personal belongings—including her wall mirror and even her Ugg boots.
“I don’t know if I just haven’t been looking at these things, or it just happened so gradually, but my entire apartment is literally mold,” she said.
Please enjoy my crash out after finding out my entire apartment is filled with mold #mold #apartmentmold
The Psychological Impact
The woman’s shock and disbelief resonated with many, as mold can often spread subtly before becoming overtly noticeable.
Newsweek spoke to Phil Macleod, a therapist and founder of Thought Reader, who offered insight into why such a pervasive issue might go unnoticed.
“When you’re familiar with a place such as your home, you stop seeing it with fresh eyes as you are too used to or familiar with the surroundings,” Macleod said. “This is because the brain naturally filters out what it deems unthreatening, so gradual changes like spreading mold can go unnoticed until there’s a noticeable visual or sensory ‘shock’ that suddenly stops you in your tracks.”
This sudden realization can be deeply unsettling, leading to a “fight or flight” response that releases cortisol and adrenaline.
Macleod added that the experience can be “deeply unsettling.”
“Our homes are often our prized possession; they are supposed to be our sanctuaries,” he said. “When that space feels threatened, it can feel as if your entire sense of safety has been turned upside down, leaving you vulnerable, shaken and shocked.”
Urgent Advice From Commenters
Beyond the emotional toll, the discovery of mold in one’s home carries significant health risks. TikTok commenters swiftly advised the woman to prioritize her well-being.
“Mold tech here,” one person wrote. “All soft items can be washed. All hard items, wiped, sterilized. Porous items toss. Move. And see a doctor. Detox. This job is huge.”
Another user, who had personal experience, reinforced the medical warning: “Please also see a doctor,” they wrote. “I moved out of a moldy apartment a year ago and I am still struggling with the aftermath health-wise.”
In an update, the creator shared that she consulted a mold expert who told her to evacuate her apartment so he could test the air quality.
“I’m gonna pack up some things, get a lot of vinegar and skedaddle,” she said in the video. “He told me that I shouldn’t be in here without a mask, but I’ve been living here for a good bit of time now, so what’s another hour? I’m gonna go pack.”
Newsweek reached out to @ava_dettore5 for comment via TikTok.
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