Fearing that mold remediation could be too expensive for your budget, you might ask yourself, "Should I remove mold myself, or should I hire a professional?" Mold can be a serious health hazard and it is important to handle it properly to avoid potential exposure and further contamination.

If you have a small amount of mold that is limited to an area of less than 10 square feet and you feel comfortable handling it, you may be able to remove the mold yourself. However, it is important to take certain precautions to protect yourself and prevent the spread of mold.

When removing mold yourself, it is important to:

• Wear protective gear, including gloves, goggles, and a respirator or face mask
• Contain the mold by sealing off the area with plastic sheeting
• Avoid disturbing the mold as much as possible to prevent the release of spores into the air
• Use a solution of water and detergent to scrub the moldy surface and then dry it thoroughly
• Dispose of any materials that have been contaminated with mold, such as rags, sponges, and cleaning solutions, in sealed plastic bags
  If the mold growth is extensive or if you are not comfortable handling the removal yourself, it is recommended to hire a professional mold remediation company. Professional mold remediation companies have the training, equipment, and expertise to safely remove mold and repair any damage it has caused. They can also take steps to prevent the mold from returning.

When to hire a professional for mold remediation.

There are a few situations where it is particularly important to hire a professional to remove the mold instead of removing mold yourself:

• If the mold growth is extensive: Large or widespread mold infestations can be challenging to remove and may require specialized equipment and techniques.
• If the mold is growing in a hard-to-reach area: Mold that is growing in a hard-to-reach area, such as behind walls or in the ceiling, may be difficult to access and remove without specialized equipment.
• If the mold is growing on a porous surface: Porous materials, such as drywall, insulation, and wood, can absorb mold and may need to be removed and replaced if they are severely contaminated.
• If you or a family member has a compromised immune system: If you or a family member has a compromised immune system, it is important to minimize exposure to mold. A professional mold remediation company can take steps to ensure that the mold is safely and effectively removed.

When you might choose to remove mold yourself...

In summary, if you have a very small amount of mold and feel comfortable handling it, you may be able to remove the mold yourself. However, if the mold growth is extensive, if the mold is growing in a hard-to-reach area, if the mold is growing on a porous surface, or if you or a family member has a compromised immune system, it is recommended to hire a professional mold remediation company. We at Clean and Restore are happy to help you make that decision. You might think that as a mold remediation company, we might nudge you toward hiring us every time. But we realize that circumstances vary and we would rather be honest with our customers, knowing they come back to us next time they have a cleaning or restoration need. So give us a call today and we can help you navigate your mold problem!