Mold cleaning on your own: DIY or DI-don't? Should you hire a mold remediation company?

Here is why we suggest you DON'T try to mold remediation on your own and why hiring a mold professional is the way to go.

Visible mold on a beam in a basement

Mold can grow quickly (just a few days!!) in any damp, porous area. Basements, improperly ventilated attics, crawlspaces, bathroom, kitchens- it only takes a little bit of water for mold to start growing. But it's just a little mold, right?

Mold can be hazardous to you and your family's health

There are many different types of mold and some are more hazardous to your health than others. If you suspect that you have mold in your home, it is important to figure out which type it is before you proceed with attempting any type of remediation, be it on your own or hiring a professional. A mold testing company can come in and test for all types of mold in various locations in your home. Their report will include a list of types of mold found, potential health implications, and a suggested scope of work. From there, you can decide how you want to proceed.

Mold air test results

Different types of mold and their health effects

Getting rid of mold is not an easy task and doing it yourself can actually make the problem worse

Yep, you read that right. This is for a few reasons. First and foremost, when you try to clean up the mold, you are pushing the spores into the air. If you do not have negative air pressure established, the mold then travels to other spots in your home. If those areas become damp, the mold will grow in that area as well. A professional mold remediation company will establish a containment of the area and negative air pressure within the area to prevent spores from traveling around your home.

Secondly, what you use to clean the mold might not be doing anything. Bleach does not kill mold; it erases the stain that is produced by mold. The spores are still there and active. Think about a shower that is moldy at the caulking. If you bleach it, it goes away, but it comes right back after a few showers. That is because you reintroduced moisture and the mold grows back. A mold remediation company that is IICRC certified will use a peroxide-based cleaning solution to thoroughly clean and inactivate mold spores. They will then ensure that the area is completely dry before removing containment, completing any rebuild work, and helping you to make sure your home stays free of mold in the future.

Doing the job incorrectly the first time could actually end up costing you more in the long run

Sure, we all love to save a buck. There are definitely some home projects that you can DIY and get away with less-than-perfect results. Unfortunately, mold isn't one of those. Improperly remediated mold will more than likely grow back. It is also extremely likely that you cross-contaminated your home in the process, which means more mold will pop up in other places in your home. This can be extremely hazardous to your health. Symptoms of mold can include respiratory symptoms (runny nose, watery eyes, persistent cough, sneezing, itching, wheezing, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing), fatigue, and neurological symptoms (headache/migraines, tremors, body pain, balance issues). Nothing to sneeze at, for sure.

You might have an insurance claim and not have to pay out of pocket

Depending on the source of water that created the mold, you might be able to make a claim and get your remediation paid for by your insurance company. A mold remediation company will be able to find the source of the moisture that caused the mold and potentially help you make a claim to your insurance company.

Any other questions? Give us a call!

If you have mold in your home, we are always happy to answer your questions or concerns. Please reach out and we would be happy to come by for a free in-home estimate! 862-703-0873