Is It Safe to Remove Mold Myself?

Can homeowners do safe mold removal? With the do-it-yourself world becoming more and more popular, it is becoming increasingly common for individuals to attempt removing mold themselves rather than seek the help of a professional service.

However, the mold removal process is not as simple as it seems because the mold can spread or regrow while you attempt to remove it. This could cause potential health risks for you or others.

So, is it safe to remove mold myself? Here are some things to consider to help you answer that question.

Amount of Mold

The amount of mold present is a determining factor in whether or not it is safe to remove the mold yourself. You can remove small amounts of up to ten square feet of mold on your own.

If you have any reaction to the mold, whether it is from a small or large patch, call a professional. Once you start disturbing mold spores, they will spread fast. Improper self-cleaning could increase the amount of mold present as it could spread to other areas of your home or building.

Experts Mold remediation can run tests and conduct thorough inspections to determine the type and amount of mold that is present.

Mold Growth and Regrowth

Mold growth is not always visible, and the mold you see on the surface might not be the only mold present. It can grow anywhere, including hidden areas in the home such as behind walls, in the subflooring, or even in crawl spaces.

Identifying the mold growth’s location is extremely important. Unless all of the mold is removed, the mold has the potential to grow back. To prevent mold regrowth, you must destroy its source.

Mold regrowth typically occurs within a few days of the initial cleaning. If you attempt to remove the mold yourself, continue checking the area where it was present for a week to ensure that it does not come back.

Contacting a mold remediation service company can help identify the mold growth to determine the root cause and location. Professionals will conduct a thorough inspection of the home to determine the source of the mold and the best process for removal.

Access to Proper Equipment

Removing mold is not like other typical home cleaning processes and involves using proper professional equipment to ensure it is completely removed.

Mold remediation requires expert equipment to remove the mold all the way to the source. Since proper equipment can become costly, it is best to leave it to the professionals to ensure the mold is removed effectively.

Dangers of Mold

Mold growth can affect more than just the cosmetics of the house or building. It can also be incredibly dangerous to your health! Molds can produce toxins, cause allergies, or create bad air quality. 

If you attempt to clean mold yourself, you increase the risk of breathing in mold spores which could cause an allergic reaction or difficulty breathing. If you or a loved one has asthma, disturbing the mold spores could also increase the risk of having an asthma attack.

A professional mold remediation team will prevent mold spread by sealing off the area where the mold is present. This helps to reduce the risk of mold spreading, regrowing, and affecting the health of others.

Expert Help

Mold remediation is an extensive job that involves a detailed, thorough approach to ensure the mold is properly removed and will not return.

If you are located in the northern Virginia and Maryland region, we at Coventry Services have you covered from start to finish when it comes to mold removal services!

At Coventry Services, we provide professional mold remediation and mold testing so you can ensure a safe environment for your family or employees. Our team of IICRC-certified technicians can help eliminate the mold growth from the source and restore healthier air quality to your home or business.

If you currently have mold in your home, request our mold removal services by contacting us to schedule your service today!