Can You Remove Mold Yourself? DIY vs Pro

When can you remove mold yourself?

The EPA says that if the moldy area is less than about 10 square feet, homeowners can in most cases handle the job themselves. That is a patch about 3 feet by 3 feet. The EPA advises consulting a health professional before starting cleanup if you have health concerns.

When should you not do it yourself?

The area is larger than about 10 square feet
The growth is on porous materials such as drywall, carpet or ceiling tiles that would need to be removed
There has been a flood, or sewage or contaminated water is involved
You suspect mold inside walls, under floors or in the HVAC system
Someone in the home has asthma, allergies or a weakened immune system
The mold keeps returning after cleaning

What are the basic steps for a small job?

Fix the leak or moisture problem first
Wear an N95 respirator, gloves and goggles
Scrub hard surfaces with detergent and water and dry completely
Bag and discard moldy porous items
Keep the area dry and watch for regrowth

Should you run the HVAC system near mold?

The EPA says not to run the HVAC system if you know or suspect that it is contaminated with mold, because it could spread mold throughout the building.

Do you need mold testing before cleaning it?

The EPA says that in most cases, if visible mold growth is present, sampling is unnecessary, and no federal limits exist for mold or spores. We do not offer testing. If you want sampling or clearance after a larger job, an independent assessor provides it.

What does a professional do differently?

A remediation crew seals off the work area with plastic, pulls air through a HEPA filter so the area stays under negative pressure, removes materials that cannot be cleaned, cleans what remains and dries the structure. That containment is what keeps spores from spreading to clean rooms.

Next steps and related help

If you would rather have a professional handle it, these are the services that apply:

Emergency Mold Removal in Littleton, CO: Safe, contained removal of mold and affected materials, plus drying and moisture-source guidance.
Emergency Mold Cleaning in Littleton, CO: Careful HEPA cleaning of mold on surfaces that can be saved, with removal where cleaning is not enough.
Emergency Mildew Removal in Littleton, CO: Removal of mildew from walls, ceilings, fabrics and framing, with the humidity problem behind it.

Keep reading:

We help homeowners in Littleton, Southeast Littleton and Centennial, Columbine, Columbine Valley and Bow Mar, Ken Caryl, Highlands Ranch, Roxborough. Call (303) 555-0142 or request a free estimate, or go back to the ZoneGuard home page to see everything we do. We do mold remediation only, so any testing or clearance sampling is done by an independent assessor.

Frequently asked questions

Can I do mold and moisture cleanup and removal myself?

For areas smaller than about 10 square feet, the EPA says homeowners can usually do it. Larger areas, porous materials, floods and hidden growth should go to professionals.

Do people need a professional to remove mold?

Not always. Small, visible hard-surface growth can often be cleaned at home. Large, hidden or flood-related mold is better handled by a professional with containment.

What should I wear to clean mold?

The CDC recommends at least a NIOSH-approved N95 respirator, protective gloves and goggles with complete eye protection.

Is mold remediation worth it?

It is worth it when growth is large, hidden or on porous materials, or keeps returning, because proper containment and removal prevent it from spreading and recurring.