Do you need a professional to remove mold?

Author: Daryl Witting  |  Last update: Saturday, August 9, 2025

If the moldy area is less than about 10 square feet (less than roughly a 3 ft. by 3 ft. patch), in most cases, you can handle the job yourself, follow the Mold Cleanup Tips and Techniques.

Can you remove mold without a professional?

Many types of mold can be killed just by scrubbing the area with a solution of hot water and borax. Other potential mold-killing substances include tea tree oil, baking soda, vinegar, or hydrogen peroxide.

Should you call a professional to get rid of mold?

They have vast knowledge and experience in removing mold from homes and can track the source of moisture and fix the issue to stop excess moisture from building up in your home. You should also call a mold remediation specialist if you have tried to take care of the problem yourself, but mold keeps coming back.

Is it safe to remove mold yourself?

Removing mold growth yourself could potentially cause health problems for you and other inhabitants. The process of effective mold removal can be both tedious and dangerous. It can even become more dangerous when not handled with the right equipment and protective gears.

How much does it cost to get rid of mold?

Most mold removal professionals charge around $10 to $25 per square foot. So, if you're removing mold from a 100-square-foot area, you can expect to pay around $1,000 to $2,500. But factors like where the growth is and the mold type can affect how much it costs to remove it.

DIY Mold Remediation - What to Do If You Find MOLD and When You Should Call a Professional

Can a house with mold be saved?

Indoor mold growth can and should be prevented or controlled by controlling moisture indoors. If there is mold growth in your home, you must clean up the mold and fix the water problem. If you clean up the mold, but don't fix the water problem, then, most likely, the mold problem will come back.

Is professional mold removal worth it?

Mold remediation is definitely worth it. By addressing mold issues, you can improve the health of your home and the well-being of its occupants. Mold can cause respiratory issues and allergic reactions, so it's important to take action to prevent further health complications.

What kills 100% of mold?

Hydrogen peroxide, commonly used to disinfect wounds, is active against a wide variety of micro-organisms including mold. It acts by releasing oxygen at a rapid rate, which kills mold by oxidizing the surface and breaking down proteins and DNA.

What are signs of mold sickness?

Although symptoms can vary, the most common symptoms seen in people exposed to mold indoors include:
  • Nasal and sinus congestion.
  • Eye irritation, such as itchy, red, watery eyes.
  • Wheezing and difficulty breathing.
  • Cough.
  • Throat irritation.
  • Skin irritation, such as a rash.
  • Headache.

Does homeowners insurance cover mold?

Homeowners insurance doesn't usually cover mold damage or removal unless it's the result of a covered peril. If the mold in your residence was caused by something sudden or accidental, such as a bursting pipe or some other covered incident on your policy, you may be protected.

When should I hire a professional for mold?

Now, for mold issues that are bigger than 10 square feet or are located in challenging areas such as attics or crawlspaces, we do recommend hiring a professional. But the majority of mold problems are small ones that could be handled by a handy homeowner.

Can you hire someone to clean mold?

One way to reduce the time and work involved in removing bathroom mold on tile is to hire a mold removers company to get rid of mold in the bathroom for you in a professional way.

Can you stay in house during mold removal?

It's possible, though experts advise finding another place to stay since crews will need to make adjustments to your living space. The remediation process will affect not only your health but also your comfort level. HVAC equipment like heaters, air ducts, and air conditioners may have mold growing within them.

How long does it take to professionally remove mold?

When addressing common questions about how long mold remediation takes, it's important to understand that the duration of the mold remediation process can significantly vary. Generally, you can expect a standard mold remediation process to last anywhere from one to five days.

How to get rid of mold behind drywall?

How to Remove Mold from Inside Walls
  1. Contain Your Work Area. Before you start work, protect the other areas of your home. ...
  2. Remove the Affected Drywall. ...
  3. Remove the Insulation. ...
  4. Dry Out the Area. ...
  5. Vacuum the Space. ...
  6. Kill the Mold. ...
  7. Contain and Encapsulate the Mold. ...
  8. Close and Rebuild the Wall.

Can mold behind walls make you sick?

It irritates the nose and throat, which can lead to both sneezing and coughing as your body tries to get rid of the irritant. Inhaling mold spores can also trigger coughing in people with allergies or an asthma attack, for those with asthma.

Can you go to urgent care for mold exposure?

Once the source of mold is uncovered and cleaned, you should seek medical treatment– whether or not you have begun to develop symptoms. If your symptoms are mild to moderate, visiting an urgent care center is a great option to receive same-day diagnosis and care.

How to get rid of mold on walls permanently?

The only effective way to permanently get rid of mould problems is by reducing the build-up of moisture in your home. This can only be achieved through better ventilation.

Do it yourself mold removal at home?

Chemical or Natural Mold Cleaners
  1. Use undiluted white vinegar on hard surfaces in kitchens and baths. Apply it directly to the mold.
  2. Make a bleach solution to kill mold. Mix one cup of bleach in a gallon of water. ...
  3. Mix a 50/50 solution of ammonia and water. Spray on the surface.

Who pays for mold remediation?

If there is a covered condition that the homeowner's insurance policy covers that causes mold, then the insurance company will cover mold remediation. Excess water from a natural cause like a roof leaking after a rain storm is usually covered by a homeowners insurance policy.

What degrees kills mold?

Most yeasts and molds are heat-sensitive and destroyed by heat treatments at temperatures of 140-160°F (60-71°C). Some molds make heat-resistant spores, however, and can survive heat treatments in pickled vegetable products. These molds, however, require oxygen to grow.

Will insurance cover mold removal?

Does home insurance cover mold? Homeowners insurance generally covers mold only when it's caused by a "covered peril" — an event your homeowners insurance policy will pay for, such as accidental water damage. These events must be sudden and accidental.

When to call a professional for mold?

Mold remediation is a necessity once mold covers a surface area larger than 10 square feet. Mold in hidden areas like HVAC systems, behind walls, or caused by significant water damage should also receive a professional evaluation.

Can a handyman do mold remediation?

A handyman may have the tools necessary to remove mold growth in your home, but this approach will only be temporarily effective, unlike the job guarantee that a mold removal expert will often bring to the table. It's unlikely that your local handyman has the same knowledge that a mold removal expert does.

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