It can be rather unsettling to find mold in a home, especially knowing what we do about the dangers of mold exposure. If you have discovered a patch of mold, perhaps you are wondering if it is safe to clean up yourself, or is it better to get a professional to do it for you?
To answer the question of whether or not to clean up the mold yourself you will need to consider several factors. Firstly, you will want to find out the reason mold is growing in your home. There could be an undetected leak that is causing moisture intrusion. If this is the case, you will need to address this problem, otherwise, the mold will just keep coming back.
Next, how big of an area does the mold cover? If the patch of mold is no bigger than 10 square feet then it should be okay to take care of yourself. However, you will still need to be very careful when cleaning it. Before you begin, make sure you are dressed in protective clothing and have a respirator mask on, you do not want to breathe in any hazardous mold spores. You can use water and detergent to scrub the mold patch but be certain that the area is thoroughly clean, dry, and mold-free before repainting or recaulking the area.
If the mold has affected soft furnishings like curtains and cushions, etc. you can try to clean them, but, it can be extremely difficult to remove the stains that mold and mildew leave behind. If you are determined to keep them, you may find it best to consult a professional for advice.