Mold Removal - Hire A Professional Or Do It Yourself?

Mold removal is an important task that can be done either by home owners or a team of professional mold removers.

Industrial mold removal is almost always best left to the professionals. The size and scope of industrial mold removal projects is vast and professional mold removal teams are equipped for the job. They also know everything about removing mold from complex heating, cooling and ventilation systems and how to remove mold from hidden spaces.

Removal of black mold (of the toxic variety) is also a job for professionals. Professionals have the appropriate equipment to protect themselves during black mold removal.

It is recommended by all authorities and researchers that large areas of mold growth (larger than 30 square feet) be removed by professionals as well. Smaller areas of residential mold removal can be handled by home owners, so long as severe mold allergies and health problems are not present in the cleaner.

How To Remove Mold

Follow these mold removal tips for removing mold from walls, flooring, and surfaces in the home. These instructions are also how to remove mold from a basement.

First remove any sources of water and leaks so mold cannot grow back. In a basement, this might best be done by installing a dehumidifier.

Wash surfaces with soap and hot water, but do not use an ammonia-based product - it will react noxiously with the bleach used in the next step. Hard, porous surfaces like brick should be brushed with a stiff brush or cleaning pad. Rinse the area with water.

Disinfect the entire area with a solution of bleach and water (½ cup to 1 gallon). (Outside the home and for removing mold on roof shingles, spray bleach solution through a garden hose and nozzle).

Let the bleach solution air dry - do not wipe it off. This gives the bleach time to kill the mold.

Bleach is very abrasive and can ruin some fabrics and materials. To clean mold from colored carpets, furniture, delicate surfaces, or to remove mold from leather, purchase mold removal products that are labeled safe for the material in question.

There are really only two steps involved in mold removal and maintenance. The first step is to stop mold growth through cleaning and disinfection. The second step is to deny moisture sources mold needs to grow by repairing leaks and increasing air circulation. An effort to be sure, but an effort well worth the results of having a healthy, clean, mold free home anyone can live and breathe in.