Mold removal services

Mold is very common in buildings and houses. Mold exposure can increase the risk of health problems such as asthma and respiratory allergies and looks gross. No matter what type of mold you have, you should remove it, according to the CDC.

Here’s what you need to know about mold removal services, including when it might be better to hire a specialist to get the job done safely and effectively.

What are mold removal services?

A mold removal service removes and kills mold and mold spores with professional-grade products. While homeowners can use bleach and a little elbow grease to remove surface mold, mold removal services identify the source. It’ll remove the fungus and ensure that it doesn’t come back.

What does a mold removal service do?

A mold removal company can remove mold from various surfaces, including plasterboard walls and ceilings and particleboard. While some services simply treat the mold problem, others also offer additional restoration services. Here’s what a mold removal service might do:

How do I hire a mold removal service?

You can find a mold removal specialist online by searching directly on Google or an online platform like HomeAdvisor to find a business near you.

It’s a good idea to read customer reviews and get a quote from a few companies to help you choose the right service. The company may send a specialist to inspect and assess the area to provide the most accurate estimate.

How much does a mold removal service cost?

The cost to remove mold might run anywhere between $10 to $25 per square foot, on average. The price primarily depends on a few factors, including the type of mold, the size of the infected area and how difficult it is to access.

Here is a snapshot of how much mold removal might cost for a specific project:

You’ll also want to budget for repairs if the mold has damaged parts of your home and if the service needs special cleaning equipment to remove airborne spores. For black mold removal, you’ll likely see higher rates because it’s the most dangerous type of mold, which requires isolation and precise, meticulous removal.

Pros and cons

Here’s why you should opt for a professional and its limitations.

What to consider when hiring mold removal services

For small mold infestations measuring less than 10 square feet, you might be able to handle the job yourself, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). For larger projects, areas with a lot of water damage, or if you’re unsure or have health concerns, you may want to call a professional.

Here are a few things to weigh when comparing mold removal services:

• Experience. Find a provider that knows how to safely and effectively remove different types of mold, such as mold damage caused by sewage or contaminated water.
• Testing. A professional service may test for mold before and after mold remediation.
• Pricing. Contact a few providers to assess the mold damage and get a quote.
• Reviews. Be sure that your company has a history of happy customers. Read reviews to see if the company did a thorough job and if customers saw their mold problem return.
• Insurance. Use a mold remediation service that has insurance in case something goes wrong during the removal.

How should I prepare for mold removal?

The most important thing to know is that you should resist the temptation to clean the surface mold yourself. Once you’ve committed to professional mold removal, it’s best to let the specialists handle everything.

Don’t wipe down or move anything from the affected area. Moving things around can kick up mold spores, contaminate new areas and make it harder to trace the mold.

How long does a mold removal take?

Most mold removal treatments can be performed in one day, which means you can likely return to your property that evening.

In some cases, if the mold problem is severe or extensive, you may need to crash somewhere else for a few nights. The company should inform you if the removal process will take more than one business day during your initial inspection.

Do I need to be home for a mold removal service?

You should be home to show your mold removal company the infected area. But once they’re ready to go, it’s best that you, your family and pets spend the day somewhere else.

For smaller treatments, you might be able to stay at home in an area that is not contaminated after speaking to the mold technicians.

Bottom Line

Mold only grows over time. The sooner the mold is removed, the cheaper and easier it’ll be to address. While you might be able to handle smaller mold problems, you might want to hire a professional who may be better equipped to remove the mold and accompanying spores safely and effectively. Learn more about house cleaning services in our detailed guide.

Frequently asked questions

• How do I spot mold at home?

  Mold often starts as small little black dots or white specks on walls, furniture and ceilings. You can usually find mold in poorly ventilated areas, humid and dark spaces.

• Can I clean mold myself?

  Maybe. If you have all the supplies for mold cleanup and the area is less than 10 square feet, you might be able to remove the mold yourself. Be sure to follow CDC and EPA guidelines on mold removal.

• Is mold dangerous?

  Yes. Mold produces allergens and irritants, which can trigger allergic reactions in some people. And some types of mold are toxic.