When Should I Hire a Professional To Remove Mold if I Have Allergies?

Posted on by Goodyear Office

Mold allergies are relatively common, with an estimated 3% to 10% of people experiencing them. Managing mold allergies typically focuses on preventing mold growth in your home. While regular cleaning and proper air circulation can significantly reduce mold’s spread, many people aren’t sure how to remove it once it appears.

Let’s look at how you can safely remove mold and when it’s time to hire a professional.

Removing Mold on Your Own

Man cleaning his windows with a bucket and a sponge.

When small amounts of mold appear around your windowsills or in your sink, trash can, fridge, basement or bathroom, you can usually clean them up on your own with undiluted white vinegar.

To clean the area, wipe or scrub mold off the surface with the vinegar, rewetting the rag as needed. You can use a cotton swab for hard-to-reach places. For stubborn mold or mold on porous surfaces (drywall, wood, etc.), spray the vinegar on and let it sit for 1 hour. You can follow up with a baking soda scrub for an extra deep clean. Finish with a final spray of vinegar, then let it air dry.

Wear a face mask over your nose and mouth while cleaning, and wash your hands and arms afterward.

If you don’t have white vinegar, bleach can be effective. If you choose to use bleach, take the following precautions:

  • Wear a mask, gloves and goggles
  • Open windows and run a fan to direct air out
  • Never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaners, as the fumes can be poisonous

When To Call a Professional

Here are a few signs you should call a professional for an inspection and mold removal:

  • Your home smells musty
  • Your walls feel damp, even if you don’t see mold
  • You have recent water damage from rain, leaking or burst pipes
  • You’re experiencing dry, itchy eyes, coughing, sneezing or other allergy symptoms
  • Mold keeps coming back, even with proper precautions
  • Mold covers a large area

While many people tend to focus on black mold, it isn’t actually more dangerous than any other type. Professional mold testing is the only way to tell whether the mold in your home contains myotoxins—the toxic byproduct of mold. Because mold can affect people with mold allergies, it’s crucial to find and remove it as soon as possible.

For more information on managing mold allergies, contact Goodyear Office today.