Mold in your home: clean it yourself or hire a pro?

Fix the water first

The EPA says the key to mold control is moisture control. Fix leaks as soon as possible, and dry water-damaged areas and items within 24 to 48 hours to help prevent mold (EPA). Other EPA tips:

• Keep indoor humidity below 60%, ideally between 30% and 50%.
• Keep AC drip pans clean and drain lines flowing.
• Make sure the ground slopes away from your foundation, and keep gutters clean.
• Vent dryers outside and run bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans.

If you clean it yourself

From the EPA’s mold guide:

• Scrub mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water, then dry completely.
• Porous materials like ceiling tiles and carpet may need to be thrown away if they get moldy.
• Don’t paint or caulk over mold. Clean and dry first.
• Wear gloves and goggles, and consider an N-95 respirator.
• Never mix bleach with cleaners that contain ammonia, because it can make toxic fumes.

Do you need mold testing?

Often not. The EPA says that in most cases, if you can see mold, sampling is unnecessary, and there are no EPA or federal limits for mold to test against. Testing can help in some cases, such as a musty smell with no visible source, and it should be done by someone experienced (EPA). Be wary of anyone who pushes costly tests before looking for the water problem.

Will insurance pay for mold?

MegaSavings is not an insurance agent or broker, doesn’t sell insurance and can’t tell you which policy to buy. Coverage depends on your policy, so read it and ask your insurer or a licensed agent.

The Illinois Department of Insurance says it depends on what caused the mold:

• Standard homeowners policies generally don’t cover water damage from maintenance problems like repeated leaks, humidity or drainage, or from floods. Mold from those causes probably isn’t covered.
• Some sudden and accidental water damage, like a burst pipe, may be covered, but some insurers exclude or limit mold that results, for example with a dollar cap or an extra-cost endorsement.
• In Illinois, mold that results from water damage after a covered fire or lightning loss is covered, subject to the full policy limit.

Take photos, and call your insurer before you throw things out. Many standard policies don’t cover sewer or drain backup unless you add it (Insurance Information Institute).

Hiring a mold or water damage company

• The EPA says to choose a contractor with mold cleanup experience, check references, and ask them to follow the EPA remediation guide (EPA).
• Get written estimates from more than one company. Illinois law requires a written contract with the total price for home repair work over $1,000 (815 ILCS 513).
• After storms and floods, watch for people who show up uninvited or want full payment up front (FTC).
• Renters: report leaks and moisture to your landlord right away. The EPA says you can contact local or state health or housing authorities if problems aren’t fixed.