Common Questions
Can I clean up mold myself?
Answer
Sometimes. EPA's guidelines treat areas under 10 square feet as small jobs that need, at minimum, an N-95 respirator, gloves and goggles. CDC cautions that larger or flood-related cleanups may be too difficult or dangerous for homeowners and that experienced professionals are the better choice when possible. People with asthma or weakened immune systems should stay away from moldy areas.
If you do it yourself, CDC's steps are: protect your eyes, nose, mouth and skin; dry everything within 24–48 hours if you can; clean with water and detergent and remove all visible mold; don't use fans once mold is growing; don't paint or caulk over mold; and throw away what can't be cleaned and dried.
Our recommendation
In Texas, you don't need a license to work on your own home. Anyone you hire to remediate mold covering 25 contiguous square feet or more must be licensed by TDLR, and a licensed Mold Assessment Consultant should write the plan first.
What the sources say
“SMALL – Total Surface Area Affected Less Than 10 square feet”
“This job may be too difficult or dangerous for you. It may be best to get help from experienced and qualified professionals if you can.”
“Do not use fans if mold has already started to grow, because the fans may spread the mold.”
“Painting or caulking over mold will not prevent mold from growing.”
“A person is not required to be licensed under this chapter to perform mold remediation in an area in which the mold contamination affects a total surface area for the project of less than 25 contiguous square feet.”
“An owner, or a managing agent or employee of an owner, is not required to be licensed under this chapter to perform mold assessment or mold remediation on a residential property owned by that person with fewer than 10 dwelling units.”