DIY vs. Professional Mold Removal Services: What’s the Safest Choice?

Did you know that approximately 70% of homes in the United States have some form of mold? 

If you’ve discovered mold in your home, you might be wondering: Should I tackle this myself or call in the professionals? 

While the DIY approach can be tempting, especially for minor issues, mold remediation is a task that carries significant health and safety risks if not handled correctly. 

In this article, we’ll explore the dangers associated with DIY mold removal and explain why professional services are often the safer and more effective choice.

The risks associated with mold 

Mold loves moisture, and the spores thrive in damp environments. When the spores spread, they can penetrate your walls, flooring, and ceiling, making it even harder to deal with. Unfortunately, mold can also cause a range of health issues, including: 

• Respiratory Issues: Mold spores can cause respiratory problems, and people with existing conditions might notice that their symptoms worsen. 
• Allergic Reactions: You might also experience allergic reactions ranging from watering eyes and itchy skin to more severe symptoms. 
• Stomach Upsets: Some types of mold can also cause issues such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. 

It’s also important to remember that mold will also damage your building, weakening the materials over time and compromising its structural integrity. 

To DIY or not to DIY?

DIY mold removal might seem like the easiest solution, and it can definitely save money initially – but there are some negative aspects to tackling mold alone. Understanding the pros and cons of DIY mold removal is vital before potentially putting your home at risk.

Pros: 

• Affordable: The potential savings are probably the biggest reason people choose the DIY route. You can use commercial cleaning products and order protective equipment, but this is best for minor issues where the mold is visible.
• Speed: Addressing mold damage yourself also means you can tackle the issue immediately instead of waiting for a professional service. 
• Minor Mold Damage: Mold growth limited to small areas is usually manageable with DIY methods. 

Cons: 

• Health Risks: Attempting to deal with mold could lead to severe reactions and health issues. 
• Short-Term Fix: While standard cleaning products might treat the surface problem of mold, they won’t necessarily stop new spores from spreading or address the cause of the infestation.
• Hidden Damage: Mold can penetrate all areas of your building, and the spores aren’t always visible. You might think you’ve fixed the issue, but the mold could still hide beneath the surface. 
• Long-Term Costs: If you don’t remove the mold correctly, you’ll need professional support in the future. When the damage worsens and impacts your property’s structural elements, it will cost a lot more to fix. 

Calling in the professionals

Professional mold remediation services do cost money, but the initial expense of treating a mild to moderate infestation is negligible compared to how much you’ll spend repairing extensive structural damage. 

Here are the pros and cons of using a professional service. 

Pros: 

• Full Inspections: Mold remediation services will complete inspections of your property, enabling them to identify the type of mold you’re dealing with and whether it’s toxic. They’ll also locate the root cause. 
• Specialist Technicians: Mold remediation companies use certified technicians who have access to advanced equipment, including HEPA vacuums, dehumidifiers, and air scrubbers, which can eliminate mold spores and prevent them from returning. 
• Full-Service Solution: If your mold was caused by water damage, a professional service will be able to treat the entire property, saving money and returning it to its pre-damage condition. 
• Health and Safety: Any reputable remediation service has strict health and safety protocols in place and will advise you on whether it’s best to remove humans and pets from the property.
• Compliance: If you own a commercial building or rent apartments, you might need to use a professional service due to health and safety regulations. 

Cons: 

• Initial Cost: Working with certified technicians can be more expensive, but your insurance coverage might pay for some or all of the repairs.
• Disruption: A professional service might recommend moving out of the property, which can be inconvenient. 

So, is DIY or professional mold removal best? 

When choosing between DIY and professional mold removal, it’s important to consider your experience and assess which option is best for your unique situation. While opting for the DIY route might seem tempting, it’s typically best when the following apply: 

• You’re treating a small area (less than 10 square feet). 
• The mold occurred due to a minor leak or a small amount of condensation.
• It’s a non-porous surface, like glass, metal, or tiles. 
• You have protective equipment.

When to choose a professional mold removal service 

Opting for a professional mold removal surface gives you peace of mind and ensures the infestation won’t return. If any of the following apply, it’s best to seek specialist help: 

• You don’t know which type of mold you’re dealing with. Some mold types, such as black and orange mold, can cause severe reactions when mishandled. 
• You’re dealing with large-scale mold damage across an entire or multiple rooms. It’s also important to remember that the mold spores might be hiding. 
• After treating visible mold, you still notice a musty smell and are experiencing reactions. It usually means the problem is still there. 
• Other building occupants have weakened immunity, allergies, or respiratory conditions like asthma. 
• You cannot access specialist equipment, like strong gloves, face masks, and cleaning supplies. 

Get 24/7 support for mold damage 

When you experience mold damage, your safety should be your priority. Sure, it can seem like tackling the spores yourself will save money and inconvenience, but a professional mold remediation service can eradicate it from your property for good. 

Manhattan Flood Restoration offers a 24/7 emergency helpline, enabling us to treat your property for mold immediately. Our certified technicians will also work with your insurance company to ensure you receive the payment you’re entitled to.