As a homeowner, is it okay to tackle a mold problem yourself? There is no definite yes or no answer here as the answer depends on a variety of factors. Having said that, if you have recently discovered a small area of mold, covering less than 10 square feet, this should be something you can clean up yourself. To help you do this, here are a few tips;
Why has mold started to grow? Mold requires moisture to be able to develop so there may be a leak or some other type of water-related issue that you are unaware of. It’s important that you discover the source of the problem and fix it quickly, otherwise, you will find the mold keeps on growing back.
Before you begin the task of cleaning up mold, make sure you are equipped with the appropriate protective clothing and wear a respirator mask so that you avoid exposure to dangerous mold spores.
If mold is on a wall, this can be cleaned with water and detergent. You will likely want to repaint a wall that has had mold on it but, before you do this, be certain that there are no traces of mold left and that the area is completely dry. The same applies to areas that require caulking, make sure the surface has no trace of mold on it before applying the caulk.
It is very common to find mold in carpets. Although you can clean them, you may find it is better to replace the carpet altogether as it is very hard to remove mold from carpeting. Soft furnishings that have mold on them can be cleaned but be aware that mold and mildew tend to leave permanent staining on the fabric.
So, in cases where mold is only covering a small area, you can usually clean it up yourself but, it is important to find out the reason the mold is growing in the first place.
