Mould can flourish anywhere there is moisture, which means every home has the potential to develop a mould issue. Tackling mould removal on your own can be tempting, but it is neither a safe nor straightforward process to take on without professional help. Not only does DIY mould removal pose significant health hazards, it also risks making the problem worse by spreading the mould to additional areas in your home or business. Mould cleaning and removal is a task best handled by professional mould removal and remediation experts. Here are the critical reasons why trying to remove mould yourself can often cause more harm than good.
Health Risks Associated with Cleaning Mould
Indoor mould can be a serious health risk for both humans and animals because it releases spores which contain mycotoxins into the air. Mycotoxins can irritate the respiratory system and cause or worsen various other health issues, depending on an individual's sensitivity, as well as the duration and concentration of exposure. Symptoms may include sneezing, coughing, eye and skin irritation, skin rashes, and, in some cases, can cause serious respiratory conditions.
Attempting to clean mould by yourself not only risks your own health but also the health of others around you. Without the proper equipment and methods used by professional mould removal experts, mould spores can easily become airborne and put all occupants at risk for associated health issues. It is always advisable to contact a professional mould removal company to deal with any mould outbreaks in your home or business.
Discovering What is Causing the Mould
The best way to combat indoor mould is to eliminate the moisture that allows it to thrive. Sources of moisture can include excess humidity from leaking pipes or appliances, spills, dampness in bathrooms, basements or other areas, and more. Trying to clean only the symptoms of a mould outbreak does not address the root cause of the problem. Mould remediation experts know how to properly diagnose and eliminate the source of the problem, including locating hidden trouble spots you might easily overlook.
Know What Type of Mould You're Dealing With
There are different types of mould and some are more dangerous and difficult to clean than others. Professional mould removal experts can accurately determine the type of mould and the severity of the problem. You may be able to detect mould growth visually or by its musty aroma, but knowing how to eradicate the problem requires expertise and the proper equipment and products. Not all types of mould react to the same cleaning agents, for example, and for accurate testing, mould spores must be sent to a lab for identification. In the case of a particularly dangerous type, such as toxic black mould, it is critical to avoid exacerbating the problem by failing to adequately get rid of it.
Without Professional Help, You Cannot Completely Eliminate the Problem
Many DIY mould removal methods not only fail to fully eliminate the problem but can make it much worse. Mould will eventually return if it is only painted over, sprayed with bleach or treated with non-commercial mould-killing agents. And the risk of these non-professional approaches is that they have the potential to disturb the mould spores and cause them to become airborne. This in turn can trigger health hazards and cause the mould spread to other areas. Indoor mould is a stubborn invader, which is why contacting a professional mould remediation company is your best defense should a mould outbreak occur in your home or business.
ServiceMaster Restore has over 70 years of experience identifying and eliminating mould in homes and buildings of all sizes. Our teams of mould specialists have the know-how, resources and equipment necessary to tackle even the toughest of mould challenges. If you have a mould problem on your premises, we will create a remediation plan to stop the problem in its tracks, before it gets out of hand. Remember, mould growth can quickly worsen exponentially, and with the potential for associated health risk, mould cleaning and remediation is definitely a job you would be wise to leave to the experts.