Work through these in order

If any answer points to a professional, that outweighs the others.

  • IfThe water involved was sewage or flood waterThenHire professionals. Contaminated water adds health risks beyond mold.
  • IfGrowth is in or around HVAC equipment or ductsThenDo not run the system; have an HVAC professional and a remediation contractor evaluate it.
  • IfSomeone in the house has asthma, severe allergies or a weakened immune systemThenHave someone else do the work, and consider professional containment even for modest areas.
  • IfThe affected area is larger than roughly 10 square feetThenEPA guidance suggests professional remediation for larger areas.
  • IfThe mold is on drywall, insulation or carpet rather than a hard surfaceThenPorous materials usually need removal, which is better done under containment.
  • IfA small area on a hard, nonporous surface, the moisture source is fixed and everyone is healthyThenCareful homeowner cleanup is often reasonable.

What each path involves

Homeowner cleanup

  • Gloves, goggles and an N95 respirator at minimum
  • Scrub hard surfaces with detergent and water, then dry completely
  • Bag and discard sponges and rags
  • Keep the door closed and avoid spreading dust

Professional remediation

  • Containment with plastic and negative air pressure
  • Removal of porous materials under controlled conditions
  • HEPA vacuuming and cleaning of structural surfaces
  • Drying to measured targets and documentation

If you clean a small area yourself

  • Fix the moisture source first.
  • Wear an N95 respirator, gloves and eye protection.
  • Mist the surface lightly to keep spores from becoming airborne before scrubbing.
  • Clean with detergent and water; bleach is not necessary and does not fix porous materials.
  • Dry the area thoroughly and watch it for regrowth over the next weeks.
  • Stop if you find the growth continues behind the surface.

In a large home, think about the location too

A small patch in an unfinished storage room is a different matter from the same size patch behind a custom wine rack or inside a built-in. Removing finishes to reach growth can expose more than expected, and specialty materials are expensive to replace if damaged during cleanup. When the area is hard to reach or the finishes are valuable, a professional assessment is often worth it even if the visible growth is small.

Common questions

Is an N95 mask really necessary for a small cleanup?
EPA guidance recommends at least an N95 respirator when cleaning mold, along with gloves and goggles. A loose dust mask does not seal well enough to be a substitute.

General information for Cherry Hills Village, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.