Governmental Guidelines for Household Mold

Self-Cleaning vs. Contractor

• Particularly if the mold affects only a small area, the EPA endorses homeowners cleaning up mold themselves. If the area exceeds 10 square feet -- more than 3 feet per side -- cleanup can be trickier, and you might want to consider hiring a contractor. Professionals should also assist with cleaning HVAC systems or removing mold caused by contaminated water, such as sewage.

Choosing a Contractor

• Choose a contractor with experience and references demonstrating experience with cleaning up mold. Contractors should follow mold remediation guidelines set forth by the EPA. Mold remediation should include removing the mold and fixing any problems causing excessive moisture or humidity. The contractor should use appropriate personal protective equipment, which may include gloves, goggles, respirators and coveralls. The contractor should contain and remove the mold in a way that poses minimal risk of contamination of residents or other living spaces. Any areas cleaned must be fully dried once finished.

  When more than one person will assist with remediation, the EPA recommends appointing one person to act as a remediation manager, to ensure that all steps are properly undertaken and that the safety of the residents and remediators remains top priority.

Cleaning Up Mold

• If the mold problem is small and accessible, you can clean it yourself. The EPA recommends wearing an N-95 respirator, rubber gloves and protective goggles to minimize contact with the mold. Before cleaning up existing mold, make any necessary repairs to stop the entry of water or humidity that's causing the problem. Using detergent and water, scrub mold off any hard, nonporous surfaces. If you use a harsher chemical, such as chlorine bleach, make sure that you wear appropriate protective clothing. After cleaning the surface, allow it to dry completely.

  You may not be able to remove mold from porous surfaces like carpet, and valuables may require cleaning by a restoration specialist. Never paint or caulk over mold; the mold problem will persist, and the paint will eventually peel away. (See References 2)

Preventing Mold

• To prevent mold from occurring in your home, fix any leaks, foundation cracks or other causes of excessive moisture immediately. Appliances that generate moisture should vent outside. Keep your home well ventilated and the humidity low. To drain rainwater away from your home's foundation, slope the soil away from the foundation to prevent water from pooling there.