Mold is an issue that, on the surface, seems like it is something you can tackle on your own. After all, it cleans up easily enough with bleach or vinegar, right? Not necessarily! What most people don’t realize is that there is a lot more that goes into mold remediation than wiping surfaces down with cleaners. Find out the difference in DIY vs. Professional mold removal, as well as the risks and outcomes associated with both.
Risks of DIY Mold Removal | Professional Mold Removal Benefits |
Health Risks: Mold exposure is to blame for many health issues, especially if you suffer with allergies, asthma, or have a weakened immune system. Handling mold without proper protective gear can result in respiratory issues, allergy-like symptoms, skin irritation, and other health problems. | Best Option Restoration professionals have personal protective equipment, or PPE, that prevents inhalation of mold spores or coming in direct contact with mold. Professionals are experienced, highly trained and certified in water and mold remediation. |
Inadequate Removal: Mold and mildew spread quickly through microscopic spores that can easily become airborne during cleaning, which can land anywhere. Under the right conditions, mold begins growing. Without the right equipment to completely remove spores from the air and surfaces, they can easily recontaminate the area. | Best Option Restoration professionals have equipment including HEPA Vacuums, Moisture Meters and Infrared Cameras to look for mold growth and porous materials. Our technicians focus on neutralizing odors caused by mold and apply an antimicrobial treatment to help prevent future outbreaks. In water damage situations, we use thermal drying technology that speeds up the drying process up to 10X, to minimize the chance for mold growth. |
Lack of Expertise: Homeowners lack knowledge or how to recognize the extent of the mold, especially behind walls or under flooring, and may not be able to accurately identify what is, or is not, mold. It’s not always easy to spot mold or mildew. | Best Option Restoration professionals are trained to identify the type of mold and the extent of the infestation. The most common areas to find mold include the bathroom, kitchen, attic, basement, crawlspace and laundry room. |
Cross-Contamination: Improper cleaning can lead to mold spores spreading to other areas of the home, worsening the problem. Regular household cleaners, including bleach, do not kill 100% of the mold and mold spores. | Best Option Restoration professionals create containments and use HEPA air filtration equipment to clean the air and limit the spread of mold throughout the building in order to minimize the exposure of remediators and building occupants to mold. |
Structural Damage: Mold can weaken building materials like drywall, wood, and insulation. Homeowners who are inexperienced with mold may not be able to identify where the structural damage has occurred, or how to properly remove it, while not disturbing the mold in the process. Mildew not only causes an unpleasant odor, but it breaks down fibers and will ruin clothing, linens, and cloth furniture relatively fast. | Best Option Restoration professionals safely remove the damage without disturbing the mold, and prevent further damage to your home’s structure. Contaminated materials are properly disposed of according to EPA and CDC guidelines. |
Underlying Causes: Finding and identifying the source of the moisture is the single most important part of the mold remediation process. Most people aren’t able to locate or identify the source of the moisture, or may fail to complete this step due to inexperience. Without fixing the cause, the mold will likely return. | Best Option Restoration professionals identify and address the root cause of the mold, such as leaks or ventilation issues and properly address to avoid future mold growth caused by this source. |
Mold and Mildew can form quickly. DIY cleaning methods might seem like they’re working initially, but can actually make the problem worse in the long run. Professional mold removal is recommended and can save you money in the long run.
Best Option Restoration of Montgomery County are mold removal experts, and are certified in mold remediation, as well as fully insured. We handle mold issues in all types of settings, including homes, businesses, restaurants, hotels/motels, buildings, State facilities and more. Best Option Restoration of Montgomery County is the premier water damage repair and mold remediation company in the Philadelphia region.
For mold removal services, call us at 267-412-4901.
