Do It Yourself Mold Remediation

Many people are interested in do it yourself mold remediation because they want to save money. They don’t realize that diy mold remediation is not always effective or that it can even be dangerous. This is not to say that you should never try to remove mold in your home on your own, but you should consider the situation carefully and make sure that you know how to handle the job and that you follow proper safety precautions if you do decide to tackle the job yourself. You should also know that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends not attempting to handle mold remediation on your own if you have mold covering an area greater than ten square feet. In that case, they strongly recommend calling in a professional.

Safety During Do It Yourself Mold Remediation

Safety is an important issue during the mold remediation process. Many people don’t realize that mold can be dangerous or even toxic. However, during the process of cleaning up mold, mold spores drift into the air and can easily be inhaled. Inhaling mold spores, whether the mold is alive or dead, can lead to the development of many illnesses, including asthma, respiratory infections, migraine headaches and depression.

For safety’s sake, everyone should wear a protective facial mask while dealing with mold. You can purchase masks at many hardware and home improvement stores, but some masks are more effective than others at blocking mold while still allowing you to breathe. An N-95 model is typically recommended when dealing with mold.

There are other safety precautions recommended during mold remediation. For instance, the area in which someone is dealing with mold should be blocked off from the rest of the home (see photo) so that mold spores do not spread to other areas of the house during the remediation process. One reason not to attempt do it yourself mold remediation but to call in a professional instead is that professionals are well trained in all necessary safety measures and have all the safety equipment needed.

Equipment for Do It Yourself Mold Remediation

The equipment needed for mold remediation depends on how much mold you have and where it is growing.

You’ll need a strong disinfectant to kill the mold. Some disinfectants are more effective against some strains of mold than others, so it can be hard to choose the best one unless you know what kind of mold you have.

You’ll also need safety equipment. In addition to a facial mask, you need a hair cover and shoe covers and heavy-duty rubber gloves.

Additional equipment may be needed, depending on the situation. For instance, special vacuums, dehumidifiers, air scrubbers, HazMat suits and other items may be necessary. Dehumidifiers are readily available but some other items are not and some are also expensive.

These are some other reasons many people prefer to call in a professional mold removal specialist. A specialist will know which disinfectant to use and will have all the necessary equipment, including some that is not readily available at typical hardware stores and that is quite costly.

If You Decide Not to Do It Yourself

If you decide not to try mold remediation on your own, look for a professional that is certified by an organization like the National Organization of Remediators and Mold Inspectors or the Mold Inspection Consulting and Remediation Organization (MICRO). Other organizations also certify mold remediation professionals. Also ask about the professional’s training and experience. Some professionals also hold degrees in engineering. Since different professionals have different qualifications, it’s advisable to ask about those things before hiring someone.

Even if you do plan to handle the mold remediation on your own, we suggest scheduling a free consultation with a professional. Included in the free consultation is an inspection of your home, during which the professional will make sure all the mold in your home has been identified, and a recommended treatment plan, which will include all the safety precautions that should be taken during the mold remediation process. To find licensed mold remediation professionals in your area offering free consultations, just follow the link.

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