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Mold & Indoor Air Quality Library

Water Damage & Prevention

Can I clean it up myself?

Best practice Sources: CDC Mold Cleanup Guide, EPA 402-K-01-001, EPA 402-K-02-003

In plain English

Small, surface mold on hard materials — under about 10 square feet, from clean water, with no one in the home who has asthma or a weak immune system — is usually a job you can do yourself with an N-95, gloves and goggles, detergent and water.

Call a professional when the area is larger, when the water was sewage or flood water, when the mold is inside walls or the HVAC system, or when anyone's health is a concern. In Texas, once remediation reaches 25 contiguous square feet, it is licensed work (the owner exemption has limits).

After you leave a moldy area, shower and change clothes so you don't carry spores into the rest of the house.

Key points

  • Small and on hard surfaces: often DIY.
  • Large, hidden, sewage, HVAC or health concerns: call a pro.
  • Children and people with breathing problems stay away from cleanup.
  • Don't paint over mold; fix the water first.

Official text

CDC Mold Cleanup Guide — Should I do this myself? Best practice

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. Hire a mold inspection or remediation professional affiliated with or certified by the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA), the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA), the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), or American Council for Accredited Certification (ACAC) to inspect, repair, and restore the damaged parts of your home. Your state also may regulate mold remediation.

Sampling for mold is not usually recommended. Understanding the results can be difficult, and no matter what kind of mold is in your home, you need to clean it up and fix the moisture problem.

Citation: CDC Mold Cleanup Guide, Should I do this myself?.

Read on the official site ↗ See it in the full CDC Mold Cleanup Guide

CDC Mold Cleanup Guide — Before you enter any moldy site Best practice
  • Protect yourself and loved ones against hazards. People with breathing problems like asthma or who have weakened immune systems should stay away from moldy sites. Children should not take part in disaster cleanup work. Check for loose power lines or gas leaks. Make sure the electricity and gas are turned off. Look for sagging ceilings or floors or other structural problems. Watch out for wet, muddy, or slippery floors.
  • Protect your mouth and nose against breathing in mold: wear at least an N-95 respirator. If you plan to spend a lot of time removing moldy belongings or doing work like ripping out moldy drywall, wear a half-face or full-face respirator.
  • Protect your skin. Wear protective gloves (non-latex, vinyl, nitrile, or rubber). Do not touch mold or moldy items with bare hands.
  • Protect your eyes. Wear goggles that provide complete eye protection. Choose goggles designed to keep out dust and small particles. Safety glasses or goggles that have open vent holes will not protect you against dust and small particles.

After you leave a mold site:

  • Shower and change your clothes. This will help you avoid carrying mold and other hazards back to your current living quarters.

Citation: CDC Mold Cleanup Guide, Before you enter any moldy site.

Read on the official site ↗ See it in the full CDC Mold Cleanup Guide

Citations