Mold Testing or Mold Removal? What EPA Says, and How to Hire a Mold Cleanup Company

When Mold Testing Makes Sense

If you see mold growing, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says that sampling for mold is usually not necessary. There are no federal limits for mold or mold spores, so testing cannot check if your home meets federal mold standards. Instead, if you see mold, the focus should be on cleaning it up and fixing the moisture problem that caused it.

Mold sampling can be useful in specific situations. For example, surface sampling can help find out if an area has been cleaned enough after mold removal. If you suspect hidden mold, but can’t see it, sampling might be part of an investigation. The EPA says that sampling for mold should be done by professionals who are experienced in planning how to sample, collecting samples, and understanding the results.

You might suspect hidden mold if you smell a musty odor but don’t see any mold. Another sign could be if you know there was water damage and people in your home are experiencing health problems. Mold can hide behind drywall, wallpaper, or paneling, under carpets, or inside walls around leaky pipes. Be careful when looking for hidden mold, as disturbing areas where mold might be growing, like removing wallpaper, can release many mold spores. If you think you have hidden mold, the EPA suggests hiring an experienced professional.

Steps for Mold Removal

The most important step for controlling mold is to control moisture. Mold spores are always in the air, but mold will not grow without water or moisture. You can’t get rid of all mold spores indoors. If mold is growing in your home, you must clean up the mold and fix the water problem. If you clean the mold but don’t fix the water problem, the mold will most likely come back. The EPA advises fixing plumbing leaks and other water problems quickly and drying all items completely.

When cleaning up mold, scrub hard surfaces with detergent and water, then dry them completely. Materials that soak up water, like ceiling tiles and carpet, may need to be thrown away if they get moldy. This is because mold can grow deep into these materials and be very hard or impossible to remove completely. Do not paint or caulk over moldy surfaces. Clean the mold and dry the surfaces first. Mold can cause stains and cosmetic damage, so some items may not look like new after cleaning.

Killing mold with chemicals or biocides, like chlorine bleach, is not a routine practice the EPA recommends for mold cleanup. Even dead mold can still cause allergic reactions, so it must be removed, not just killed. Professional cleaners may use different methods than those covered in basic guides.

Safety Warning: Never mix chlorine bleach with ammonia or other cleaning products. This can create dangerous fumes.

When to Call a Professional for Mold Cleanup

Sometimes, a mold problem is too big or complex to handle yourself. The EPA suggests getting professional help in these situations:

• When the moldy area is larger than about 10 square feet. This is roughly a patch about 3 feet by 3 feet.
• When there is extensive water damage.
• When sewage or other contaminated water is involved. This type of water can contain harmful bacteria and viruses.
• When your heating and cooling system (HVAC) may be contaminated with mold.

If you suspect hidden mold, especially if it requires opening walls or disturbing other surfaces, the EPA also advises considering an experienced professional.

How to Hire a Mold Cleanup Company

If you decide to hire a contractor or other professional to clean up mold, the EPA recommends ensuring they have experience with mold cleanup. Here are steps to take:

• Check Experience: Ask how long they have been cleaning mold and what training their staff has.
• Ask for References: Speak to past customers to learn about their experience with the company.
• Follow Guidelines: Ask the contractor to follow recommendations from the EPA’s “Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings” guide or other guidelines from professional or government groups.
• Check Licensing and Insurance: The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) advises considering only contractors who are licensed and insured. You can confirm a contractor’s license with your state or local government. Ask the contractor for proof of insurance. Keep in mind that not every state specifically licenses companies for mold cleanup.
• Special Situations: If the water or mold damage was caused by sewage or other contaminated water, the EPA says to hire a professional with experience cleaning and fixing buildings damaged by such water.

How to Know the Cleanup is Finished

After mold cleanup, how do you know the job is done? The EPA says the water or moisture problem must be completely fixed. If the moisture problem isn’t solved, the mold will likely return. Here are other signs the cleanup is finished:

• There should be no visible mold.
• There should be no moldy odors.
• When you check the area shortly after cleanup, there should be no new signs of water damage or mold growth.
• People should be able to be in the area without new health complaints or physical symptoms.

The EPA notes that deciding if a cleanup is truly finished can be a judgment call, and there isn’t always an easy answer.

When this advice may not fit

This advice is for typical mold situations. You should get help from a qualified professional if:

• The mold is on a gas line, electrical panel, roof, or structural parts of your home. These areas require specialized knowledge and safety precautions.
• You suspect other hazardous materials like lead paint or asbestos might be present with the mold. Professionals are needed for safe removal.
• The moldy area is larger than about 10 square feet, or if there is extensive water damage. The EPA suggests professional help for these larger jobs.
• The mold is due to sewage or other contaminated water. This requires specific cleanup methods to protect your health.
• You suspect hidden mold that requires opening walls or disturbing other parts of your home. A professional can assess and safely handle this.
• Your heating and cooling system (HVAC) is contaminated with mold. Professionals are needed to clean these complex systems.

For widespread damage, especially if it’s sudden or severe, contact your insurer right away. To verify a contractor’s license, contact your state or county government.