Finding mold in your home is never an enjoyable experience. Not only is mold unpleasant to look at and potentially damaging to your walls, floors, and personal belongings, but certain types of mold may also be harmful to your health and the health of your family.
If you come across mold growth in your home, your first instinct may be to grab the nearest household cleaning product and start spraying. Before you do, here are a few things to consider.
Is it possible to DIY mold removal?
Yes, there are times when you can remediate mold yourself. However, it depends on a few key factors.
Keep in mind that nearly every home has trace amounts of mold growth, and in many cases it may not pose a significant problem.
However, if the issue has become large enough that the mold is clearly visible, or if you can smell the mold growth (typically a musty odor), or if you have concerns about indoor air quality and health, it is likely time to take action.
How can I remediate mold myself?
Even if you decide to DIY your mold removal, the first thing you should do is contact a mold remediation specialist. An experienced technician will be able to come to your home and quickly assess the situation to help you determine the best way to proceed—whether that means doing it yourself or enlisting professional help.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), if the area affected by mold is smaller than 10 square feet, you can probably remediate the mold yourself.
At CT Mold Pros, if we determine during our initial assessment that this is the case, we do our best to instruct the homeowners on how to remove the mold, which products they should use (and which to avoid), as well as the proper safety gear and supplies. The EPA also provides some helpful tips and techniques for DIY mold cleanup.
A quick note for DIY mold removal: Never use bleach to remediate mold. It is actually one of the worst things you can use, especially on porous surfaces, and it may even contribute to further mold growth. Many common mold and mildew removers are also ineffective, so be sure to ask a professional what they recommend.
When should I hire a professional for mold remediation?
Obviously, if the mold-affected area is larger than 10 square feet, your mold problem is more than a simple DIY fix. This is also true if your home has experienced significant water damage, such as from plumbing issues or storms and flooding, since you may be dealing with “hidden mold” beyond what you can visibly see on your walls or floors.
An experienced mold remediation specialist will:
- Complete a thorough inspection of your home to identify all affected areas
- Provide a detailed explanation of the mold remediation process and what to expect
- Properly contain all contaminated areas prior to beginning the remediation process
- Utilize the most advanced mold remediation tools and technology
- Dispose of all waste safely and efficiently
- Offer guidance about protecting against future mold damage
For the same reason you hire someone to do your taxes, install new brakes on your car, or replace the faulty electrical wiring in your living room, hiring a mold remediation specialist provides the peace of mind that comes from knowing the job was done correctly by a qualified professional.
Contact CT Mold Pros today for a free estimate.
If you have mold in your home and are unsure of the next steps, we can help. CT Mold Pros provides unparalleled mold remediation services to homeowners and businesses across Connecticut, and our goal is to help you quickly address the issue and restore peace of mind.
Our highly trained mold specialists are certified by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) and the Building Performance Institute (BPI) to ensure they stay up to date with the most advanced mold remediation tools and technology.
During our initial consultation, one of our technicians will complete a thorough inspection of your home to identify the issue, explain in detail the level of remediation necessary, and help you develop a game plan for going forward. In many cases, for example when the mold is confined to just a small area beneath the sink, we will tell you how to remediate the mold yourself.
Call CT Mold Pros today at (203) 920-0265 for a free estimate or fill out this short form with your message to schedule an appointment. A member of our team will reach out to you shortly!
