If you’ve recently discovered a mold problem in your home through a professional home inspection, at-home mold test kit, or by visually spotting mold growing in your home, you are probably feeling overwhelmed about what to do next. Don’t stress out and know that you are not alone-most homeowners don’t know where to start when facing an intimidating and scary mold problem. You’re probably asking yourself: Should I hire a professional company? Can I fix the problem myself? If so, where do I begin? What materials will I need?
This guide will tell you everything you need to know about mold remediation.
Mold contamination is categorized into 5 levels based on the size and severity of infestation. Before you begin any mold remediation projects, it is important to understand what level of mold contamination you are dealing with, so you can make an informed decision on how to tackle the problem.
Please note: it is recommended that you hire a professional remediation company no matter what level of mold infestation you’re dealing with, especially if you suffer from allergies, asthma, or any autoimmune illnesses. Make sure you remove all children from the premises during the entire remediation process.
Keep reading for everything you need to know if you choose to tackle your mold remediation project yourself.
Level 1: Small infestations of 10sqft. or Less
These infestations are usually found on ceilings, windows, and baseboards, and can often be cleaned without professional help.
- Protective Gloves
- Protective eye goggles that don’t have vent holes
- N-95 face mask
- Pro Tip: You can find these items sold as a bundle set like this one from BioCide Labs: Mold Safety Kit
1. First, you need to find and completely fix the source of water damage.
2. Completely dry the water-damaged area and any items affected.
3. Using a mold scrubber brush, clean all items and surfaces with a professional-grade mold removal biocide, and dry completely.
4. Wash any contaminated cloth or laundry items with an industrial-grade mold-removal laundry detergent to disinfect and remove mold from items.
5. If you have any absorbent or porous materials that cannot be cleaned, you will need to remove them from your home and throw them away.
Pro Tip: Be sure to place them in thick garbage bags & tie them tightly to prevent cross-contamination.
6. Make sure all areas are dry and mold-free.
7. Invest in a professional-grade air scrubber that will filter out mold spores, fine and ultra-fine particulates, some disease-causing bacteria, pollen, dust, insulation fragments, and other harmful VOCs in your home.
8. Once finished, have your home tested once more to ensure the mold has been successfully remediated.
Level 2: Infestations that are 10-30sqft.
These infestations typically occur on one wall panel, and this usually indicates a long-term issue such as condensation, humidity, or water leaks/drips. Depending on skill level, you can still remediate a level 2 infestation without hiring a professional, even though it is not recommended.
Protective gear required for level 2 mold remediation:
- Protective Gloves
- Protective eye goggles that don’t have vent holes
- Half or full-face air-purifying respirator (APRs) equipped with P100 filter cartridges and inhalation/exhalation valve that ensure filtered air is free from mold particles.
- Disposable clothes such as paper overalls or a full-body suit.
- Pro Tip: To save money, purchase these items together as a Protective Gear Safety Kit.
1. First, vacate anyone not involved with the remediation from the home until the mold removal is completed successfully.
2. Then, you need to find and fix the source of water damage.
3. Completely dry the water-damaged area and any items affected.
4. Make sure you cover the mold-infested materials with plastic sheets and tightly seal them with duct tape to prevent cross-contamination.
5. Remove wall panels and any other materials infested with mold, keeping them tightly
6. Once moldy material has been removed, you will then need to vacuum the area with a high-powered HEPA vacuum.
• When shopping for a HEPA vacuum, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that a true HEPA filtration system should be able to capture at least 99.97% of dust, pollen, mold, bacteria, and other airborne particles with a size of .3 microns.
7. After you have removed all mold-contaminated materials and vacuumed the area thoroughly, use a mold scrubber brush or damp rag to clean all items and surfaces with an industrial-grade biocide mold cleaner, and dry completely.
8. Invest in a professional-grade air scrubber that will filter out mold spores, fine and ultra-fine particulates, some disease-causing bacteria, pollen, dust, insulation fragments, and other harmful VOCs in your home.
9. After remediation is finished, have your home tested once more, to ensure the mold has been successfully remediated.
Level 3: Infestations that are 30-100sqft.
These infestations have spread to more than one wall panel and are a much more serious matter. For this type of mold problem, you will need to have your home and property thoroughly inspected and tested to see if there are any other areas of mold infestation that may have occurred. Level 3 remediation projects typically last longer than one day. Again, it is recommended that you hire a professional remediation company.
Protective gear required for level 3 mold remediation:
- Protective Gloves
- Protective eye goggles that don’t have vent holes
- Half or full-face air-purifying respirator (APRs) equipped with P100 filter cartridges and inhalation/exhalation valve that ensure filtered air is free from mold particles.
- Full-body suit with all gaps, (i.e. ankles, wrists…) sealed with duct tape.
- Pro Tip: To save money, purchase these items together as a Protective Gear Safety Kit.
1. First, vacate anyone not involved with the remediation from the home until the mold removal is completed successfully.
2. Then, you need to find and fix the source of water damage and determine if there are any secondary sources of mold contamination/growth. Seal off all ventilation grills and ducts in the infested area. Seal off all areas adjacent to the infected area with plastic sheets and duct tape.
3. Make sure you cover the mold-infested materials with plastic sheets and tightly seal them with duct tape to prevent cross-contamination.
4. Remove wall panels and any other materials infested with mold, keeping them tightly wrapped and sealed during the removal process.
5. Once moldy material has been removed, you will then need to vacuum the area with a high-powered HEPA vacuum.
• When shopping for a HEPA vacuum, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that a true HEPA filtration system.
6. After you have removed all mold-contaminated materials and vacuumed the area thoroughly, use a mold scrubber brush or damp rag to clean all items and surfaces with an industrial-grade biocide mold cleaner, and dry completely.
7. Invest in a professional-grade air scrubber that will filter out mold spores, fine and ultra-fine particulates, some disease-causing bacteria, pollen, dust, insulation fragments, and other harmful VOCs in your home.
8. After remediation is finished, have your home tested once more, to ensure the mold has been successfully remediated.
Level 4: Infestations Greater than 100sqft.
For areas 100sqft or greater, you will need to hire a professional mold remediation company due to greater biosecurity concerns that require a more intrusive remediation process. At this level, structural damage is possible and you and your family could be at risk for illnesses caused by toxic mold exposure. Before doing a level 4 mold remediation, you will need to be well-trained in handling hazardous materials.
Protective gear required for level 4 mold remediation:
- Protective Gloves
- Full-face, powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR). This respirator uses a blower to force air through a P100 filter, and the filtered air is then supplied to a mask that covers the entire face and head. You must be trained to use this type of respirator before you begin remediation.
- Full-body suit with all gaps, (i.e. ankles, wrists…) sealed with duct tape.
1. First, vacate anyone not involved with the remediation from the home until the mold removal is completed successfully.
2. Then, you need to find and fix the source of water damage and determine if there are any secondary sources of mold contamination/growth.
3. Completely isolate the work area from the rest of the home. Properly seal all types of drills, ducts, fixtures, and any other types of openings with plastic sheets & duct tape
4. Make sure you cover the mold-infested materials with plastic sheets and tightly seal them with duct tape to prevent cross-contamination.
5. Remove wall panels and any other materials infested with mold, keeping them tightly wrapped and sealed during the removal process.
6. Once moldy material has been removed, you will then need to vacuum the area with a high-powered HEPA vacuum.
• When shopping for a HEPA vacuum, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that a true HEPA filtration system should be able to capture at least 99.97% of dust, pollen, mold, bacteria, and other airborne particles.
7. Use a professional-grade mold cleaning application fogger that produces an ultra-fine mist that fully engulfs the environment with anti-microbial disinfectants.
8. After you have removed all mold-contaminated materials and vacuumed the area thoroughly, use a mold scrubber brush or damp rag to clean all items and surfaces with an industrial-grade biocide mold cleaner, and dry completely.
9. Invest in a professional-grade air scrubber that will filter out mold spores, fine and ultra-fine particulates, some disease-causing bacteria, pollen, dust, insulation fragments, and other harmful VOCs in your home.
10. After remediation is finished, have your home tested once more, to ensure the mold has been successfully remediated.
Level 5: Mold in and Around Your HVAC System or Air Conditioner
Even if the infested area is small, you will still need to call a professional to remediate. There are still some steps you need to take if you are dealing with a level 5 mold infestation.
Protective gear required for level 5 mold remediation:
- Protective Gloves
- Full-face, powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR). This respirator uses a blower to force air through a P100 filter, and the filtered air is then supplied to a mask that covers the entire face and head. You must be trained to use this type of respirator before you begin remediation.
- Full-body suit with all gaps, (i.e. ankles, wrists…) sealed with duct tape.
1. Shut down the HVAC system immediately to prevent further contamination.
2. Remove all contaminated materials from the HVAC system. (i.e. paper on the insulation of the interior ducts as well as all filters. Be sure to seal them tightly in plastic bags and secure them with duct tape.
3. After a professional company has successfully cleaned your HVAC system of mold, you should invest in biocide for your HVAC system.
If you have discovered mold in your home, start by determining what level of remediation is required. If you would like to speak with a certified Environmental Specialist, our expert staff is here to help. Give us a call and let us answer any questions you have: 844-930-6653.
Mold Remediation • Mold Removal • Black Mold • Toxic Mold • Mold Testing • Mold Inspection
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