We hear this question quite a lot! 

Say you’ve been deep-cleaning your house in preparation for holiday guests and noticed a few spots of mold around the bathtub. Or maybe you discovered mold on or around the AC vents at your commercial business. Is there an easy way to clean it yourself? Or are you better off leaving the problem to the professionals? 

This blog will help to clear up any confusion and provide guidance about what to do if you find mold indoors. Depending on the size and scope of the affected area, you may be able to tackle the problem yourself—but if it’s too large or you’re worried about toxic black mold, spot cleaning may not be enough. Keep reading to learn more. 

Why you should never ignore indoor mold

While your home or office will never be completely mold free, ignoring a small spot of visible mold growth is never a good idea. Why? Because that mold growth signals an underlying moisture issue, which can lead to even bigger problems if left untreated. 

Mold can wreak havoc in a number of ways, causing both structural and property damage by feeding on organic materials such as wood, carpet, and drywall. A mold infestation can also be harmful to your health, contributing to increased allergy symptoms and other more serious problems in people and pets. And if the mold turns out to be Stachybotrys chartarum (toxic black mold), the health risks are even greater. 

Additionally, the moist conditions that contribute to mold growth also bring unwanted pests. Insects such as mosquitoes, termites, and cockroaches are attracted to damp environments, as are rodents that can chew through electrical wiring and leave unsanitary droppings. 

How can I spot clean mold myself?

Even if you are considering spot cleaning the area where you found the mold, the first thing you should do is contact a mold remediation specialist. A trained technician will be able to quickly assess the situation and help you determine the best way to proceed—whether that means doing it yourself or leaving it to someone more experienced. 

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), if the area affected by mold is smaller than 10 square feet, you can probably clean the mold yourself. However, keep in mind that the visible area of mold may not be telling the whole story. In many cases, a larger problem is lurking behind the walls or beneath the floors. 

A few spots of mold in the bathroom may not seem like a big deal, but because grout is highly porous, it can be difficult to know whether or not spot cleaning was effective enough to treat the full extent of the mold growth. The same goes for wiping down your AC vents to get rid of a few mold spots; those vents circulate air 24/7 and can easily carry mold spores to other areas of your home or business. 

Why consider a professional consultation? 

You can’t put a price on peace of mind. Even if a mold assessment brings good news and you are able to spot clean the mold yourself, it is worth knowing a skilled technician took the time to complete a thorough inspection of your home or business to identify any issues and check for hidden mold. 

And if it is more than a DIY fix? An experienced mold removal company will: 

• 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

Remember, mold grows quickly—often within 24 to 48 hours—which means fast action is the key to staying ahead of the problem. If you are worried about mold growth in your residential or commercial property, contact us today for a free consultation. 

A personal touch from professionals who care

At CT Mold Pros, we are committed to creating safe and healthy living environments for home and business owners throughout the state. During your free initial consultation, we will inspect your property for signs of mold growth and, if necessary, identify the type of mold and explain the next steps. 

If we determine during our initial assessment that spot cleaning the mold is the right option, we will tell you how to do it yourself and which products to use. (We often recommend these wipes for smaller jobs that can be handled with just spot cleaning.)

Call us today at (203) 920-0265 for a free estimate or fill out our online form with your message and a member of our team will respond shortly.