The short answer
Small Spots You Can Handle
For a small patch of mold, usually a spot no bigger than a dinner plate, you can often clean it yourself. The key is that the surface must be non-porous, like a bathroom tile, a glass shower door, or a sealed countertop. Use a mild detergent and water, or a store-bought mold cleaner, and scrub the area thoroughly. Wear gloves, goggles, and a mask to avoid breathing in spores.
After cleaning, dry the area completely. Mold needs moisture to grow, so if you leave the spot damp, it will likely come back. If the mold returns within a few weeks, that suggests a hidden moisture problem, and you may need to look deeper. Keep an eye on the spot and the surrounding area for any signs of regrowth.
- Small patch under 10 square feet
- Non-porous surface like tile or glass
- You can see the full extent of the mold
- No hidden water source behind walls or under floors
- You have proper safety gear like gloves and a mask
Signs You Should Stop
If the mold covers more than 10 square feet, or if you cannot see the full extent of it, that is a clear sign to stop. Mold can hide behind drywall, under carpet, or inside wall cavities. Scrubbing the visible part might disturb the mold and release more spores into the air, which can be harmful to breathe.
Also, if you notice a musty odor that you cannot locate, or if you have had a recent water leak, flood, or high humidity, the mold may be more widespread than it looks. In those cases, DIY cleaning is not enough. The pros have the equipment to find hidden mold and to remove it safely without spreading spores throughout your home.
Health and Safety First
Mold can trigger allergic reactions, asthma attacks, and other respiratory issues. If you or anyone in your home feels unwell, such as coughing, sneezing, or having trouble breathing, see a doctor. It is especially important to protect children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems. If anyone in your home has a health condition, it is safer to let the pros handle even small mold problems.
When you clean mold, always wear an N95 mask, gloves, and goggles. Open windows to ventilate the area, but close doors to other rooms to keep spores from spreading. Never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaners, as that can create toxic fumes. If you feel dizzy or nauseous while cleaning, stop and get fresh air immediately.
When to Call the Pros
If the mold is large, hidden, or caused by contaminated water, such as from a sewage backup or floodwater, you should not attempt to clean it yourself. Floodwater can carry bacteria and other pathogens, and mold growth on porous materials like drywall and insulation often means those materials need to be removed. The pros can assess the situation and determine what needs to be discarded and what can be cleaned.
Also, if you have had a water leak that has soaked into walls or flooring, mold can develop behind the surface without you seeing it. In that case, a professional inspection is the right way to know the true extent. If you live in Daytona Beach, where humidity is high, mold can grow quickly after any water intrusion, so acting fast is important.
What the Pros Usually Do
The pros start by inspecting the area to find the source of moisture and to determine how far the mold has spread. They may use moisture meters and other tools to check behind walls and under floors. Then they set up containment to prevent spores from moving to other parts of your home. The work typically involves removing damaged materials, cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, and drying the area thoroughly.
For porous materials like drywall, carpet, and insulation, removal is often necessary. For non-porous surfaces, they can clean and disinfect. After the cleanup, they address the moisture problem, whether that is a leaky pipe, a roof leak, or poor ventilation. The goal is to remove the mold and to fix the conditions that allowed it to grow in the first place.
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Call Now (386) 272-5697Frequently asked questions
Can I clean mold on drywall myself?
Small patches on painted drywall can sometimes be cleaned with a mild detergent, but if the drywall is soft, crumbly, or has been soaked, it likely needs to be removed. The pros can assess the damage and replace the affected sections.
What if I can see mold but not the source of moisture?
If you cannot find the source, such as a leak or condensation, the mold will likely return. A professional inspection can locate hidden moisture using specialized tools and help you fix the underlying issue.
Is it safe to use bleach on mold?
Bleach can work on non-porous surfaces, but it is not effective on porous materials like wood or drywall, and it can release harmful fumes. Use a mild detergent and water for small areas, and always ventilate the space.