You can usually clean mold yourself if the area is smaller than about 10 square feet and the moisture problem is fixed. For larger areas, mold after heavy water damage, or mold in walls and ductwork, the EPA suggests an experienced professional.
DIY or professional? A quick decision table
| Situation | DIY reasonable? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Under about 10 sq ft on a hard surface | Usually yes | EPA says small areas can usually be cleaned yourself. |
| Over about 10 sq ft | No | EPA suggests an experienced professional. |
| After a lot of water damage | No | EPA points to professional guidance for heavy water damage. |
| Inside walls, insulation or ducts | No | Hidden growth needs containment and removal of materials. |
| Moldy carpet or ceiling tiles | Replace | EPA says absorbent materials may need to be thrown away. |
| Health concerns in the home | Talk to a doctor first | EPA suggests consulting a health professional before cleanup. |
How do I clean a small area safely?
- Fix the water problem first.
- Wear gloves, eye protection and an N-95 respirator.
- Scrub hard surfaces with detergent and water, then dry them completely.
- Bag and discard moldy porous items you can’t clean.
- Don’t paint or caulk over mold. Clean and dry it first.
- Never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaners.
When should I stop and call a company?
- The mold comes back after cleaning.
- You find more mold once you start.
- The area smells musty but you can’t find the source.
- Water came from sewage or floodwater.
How getting help works
SEPA Mold Removal is a free referral service, not a mold company. You describe the problem in the form, and independent local mold companies contact you to set up an inspection or a quote.
Questions to ask the company that comes out
- What is your Pennsylvania Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration number?
- Which mold certifications does your crew hold, such as IICRC AMRT or ACAC?
- Will I get a written scope covering containment, HEPA filtration and how the moisture source gets fixed?
- Is the inspection or testing done by an independent assessor, separate from the company doing the removal?
- How will you confirm the job is finished? Ask about post-remediation verification or clearance testing.
- Can you send a certificate of insurance and your warranty terms in writing?
DIY mold questions
The EPA says areas smaller than about 10 square feet can usually be cleaned yourself.
No. The CDC says you don’t need to know the type of mold before removing it.
Detergent and water work on hard surfaces. If you use bleach, never mix it with ammonia or other cleaners.
The EPA recommends below 60 percent, ideally 30 to 50 percent.
Get matched with a local mold company
Tell us what you’re seeing and where. The service is free. Most property owners hear from a local mold company in 24 hours or less.
SEPA Mold Removal is a free referral service. Your request goes to independent local companies through a partner network. See our Privacy Policy.
Sources
- EPA: Mold Cleanup in Your Home
- EPA: A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home
- CDC: About Mold and Your Health
Last reviewed: October 2026