When it’s a small area.
In most cases, if the moldy area is less than about 10 square feet (less than roughly a 3 ft. by 3 ft. patch) you can handle the job yourself. But, if you have health concerns, consult a health professional before starting.
If there has been a lot of water damage, and/or mold growth covers more than 10 square feet, consult the EPA’s A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home. n
If you hire someone to do the cleanup, make sure they have experience cleaning up mold.
Inexperience and recklessness can do as much harm as good if mold spores get spread throughout the home (especially if your furnace or air conditioner is running). Check references and ask the contractor to follow the recommendations provided in the EPA’s guide.
If you think there’s mold in your ductwork, read the EPA’s guide Should You Have the Air Ducts in Your Home Cleaned? before trying to clean it.
Again, be sure NOT to run the HVAC system because this will spread the mold all over the house.
Finally, if the water and/or mold damage was caused by raw sewage or other contaminated water, don’t try to do it yourself. Call in a professional who has experience cleaning and fixing buildings damaged by contamination.
