Should You DIY vs. Professional Mold Remediation?

If the surface area is less than 10 square feet and you don’t have asthma or other sensitivities, the EPA says puroclean Fargo that it’s fine to remove mold yourself. Here’s what you can expect from both DIY and professional mold removal.

Professional Mold Remediation
If you’re hiring a professional, particularly if the problem is severe, look for a mold remediation specialist. They’ll typically take the following steps to minimize health risks to you and your family.

Mold remediators seal off the area with plastic sheeting and zippered doors, using filtration devices and negative air pressure to prevent the spread of spores during work.
Air scrubbers fitted with HEPA filters clean the air as mold-damaged materials are destroyed and removed.
If any of the remaining cleaned surfaces are still actively wet, they’ll dry them with dehumidifiers and fans. Any leaks will need to be fixed for this to be effective.
Contractors clean all hard surfaces with antifungal and antimicrobial cleaners. Soft surfaces and porous materials must usually be thrown away.

If the musty smell persists, remediators will use a dry fogger to remove it.
The benefit of hiring a mold remediation company is that you know the job will be done thoroughly, quickly, and safely. True remediation involves more than just removing visible mold, and pros know where to look to see if the problem has spread to hidden areas. The downside is price, as professional mold removal usually costs thousands of dollars.

DIY Mold Remediation
Here’s what the EPA and CDC recommend if you want to remove mold yourself.

Fix leaks or other sources of water damage first.
Remove standing water with a shop vac and open all doors and windows.
Protect your mouth and nose with a high-filtration mask, such as an N95. Wear gloves and goggles to protect your eyes and skin.
Scrub hard surfaces with a cleanser. You can use bleach diluted at a ratio of 1 cup of bleach to 1 gallon of water but never mix bleach and ammonia.
Dispose of soft or porous materials such as drywall, carpeting, or ceiling tiles. If the mold has spread to an expensive or sentimental soft item, take it to a restoration specialist.

Dry all surfaces quickly after cleaning.
Cleaning up mold and mildew is time-consuming and the problem may be bigger than you thought. Moldy areas bigger than about 3-feet-by-3-feet should usually be removed and cleaned by professionals. Additionally, consult a professional if you think any mold has gotten into your HVAC system before turning it on and circulating mold around. The HVAC system isn’t something you can clean by yourself.