Table of Contents
Working time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 to 7 days
Skill level: Intermediate
Project cost: $2,300
Mold is always an unwelcome sight—and smell. After discovering mold in your home, it’s best to take swift action to banish it. The best way to remove mold safely depends on the affected surface and the extent of the mold. In many cases, this can be a DIY job. However, due to the potential health effects of mold, especially among sensitive groups of people, it’s worthwhile to consider hiring a professional.
What Is Mold?
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), there are mold spores in the air all around us. Mildew is a type of mold that remains on the surface of something, such as plants or crops. Other types of mold can penetrate surfaces and are more difficult to remove.
Mold spores in the air are often harmless—and can even be helpful. However, a problem can occur when the spores land on areas with moisture such as the bathroom or kitchen. This allows the mold or mildew patches to grow, which can potentially damage structures and cause health problems, such as headaches, allergies, asthma episodes and so on. To protect your home from mold, quickly address any areas of water damage and consider using dehumidifiers.
How to Tell if You Have Mold
You may be alerted to the presence of mold through sight or smell. In most cases, mold gives off a distinct musty, rotten scent. Upon examination, if you see a fluffy or powdery fungus on a surface like tile, that is mildew. If you see a slimy or fuzzy fungus that is white, brown, black or green and seems to penetrate the surface, that is mold.
The EPA notes that you do not need to perform an additional mold test if you see mold. However, if you only suspect there is mold, but aren’t able to pinpoint where it is, then a home mold test may help.
How to Get Rid of Mildew
Mildew can be easily removed using basic cleaning supplies and techniques. Because mildew only lives on the surface and doesn’t compromise the integrity of the material it is on, you can salvage the affected area. Effective DIY mildew removal products include chlorine bleach, hydrogen peroxide and distilled white vinegar. Other cleaning products created specifically for mildew from brands like Clorox and Lysol can also help remove mildew stains.
How to Get Rid of Mold
Mold that affects porous materials—such as drywall, subfloor or carpet—requires a more aggressive approach. Because mold is able to penetrate structures, it can compromise the integrity of your floors or walls. Not to mention that lingering mold can resume spreading if not completely eradicated, especially if the moisture problem that allowed the mold to grow in the first place is not addressed. If the affected area is disintegrating, or feels spongy to the touch, you likely need to replace the surface.
If you catch mold early on while it is still in a small patch, you should be able to spot treat it without replacing the affected area. For example, if you discover mold on a small portion of the wall where there was known water damage, you may be able to kill the mold on your own.
Tools
- Air-filtration mask
- Rubber gloves
- Scrub brush
- Vacuum with HEPA filter
- Two spray bottles
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
Materials
- Paper towels
- Dishwashing detergent
- Chlorine bleach
- Distilled white vinegar
Mold Removal Instructions
1. Prepare Yourself and Supplies
Put on protective gear, including long sleeves and pants. In one spray bottle, mix one tablespoon of dishwashing detergent with half a cup of chlorine bleach and one cup of warm water. Add vinegar to the second spray bottle.
2. Remove Surface Mold
Using the brush attachment of your vacuum, remove as much mold as possible from the surface. Immediately dump the contents of the vacuum and clean the canister to prevent mold from spreading in your vacuum.
3. Spray With Vinegar
Mist the affected area with vinegar and allow it to dry. After one hour, use the scrub brush or paper towels to clean the area. If it appears that the mold is gone, and no deeper damage was done, you’re finished.
4. Treat Deeper Mold
If mold remains or there are stains from the mold, move on to using the spray bottle with the bleach solution. Spray the affected area, and allow it to dry. Use the scrub brush followed by the paper towels to clean the area. Repeat as needed.
5. Consider Replacing the Affected Area
If your attempts at getting rid of mold aren’t entirely successful, you may need to patch the affected area. Also, be sure to address the moisture problem so that you don’t find yourself in the same position again.
When to Call a Professional
There are two compelling reasons to call a professional to get rid of mold: First, mold can have adverse health effects, especially among people with compromised immune systems, respiratory ailments or mold allergies. Professionals have better safety gear and training to treat mold. Second, if the mold problem is extensive, a professional is better qualified to fully remediate the problem and should also be able to suggest ways to mitigate the risk of mold returning.
