Basement mold removal: Can I do it myself?

"I have a moldy basement. Can I fix that myself?"

Mold in a basement is a common problem, especially in warm, humid, and wet climates. Whether you can tackle it yourself depends on how much mold you're dealing with and what caused it. 

Note: Mold is dangerous, and if you are not confident in handling it or do not have the proper PPE, mold remediation should be left to the professionals.

The basement mold removal you can do yourself

The EPA draws a clear line: if the affected area is smaller than 10 square feet, and the water source was clean (a slow pipe drip or condensation), most homeowners can handle it themselves. Here's what that involves:

• Track down the water source first. Scrubbing mold off a wall won't do much if the wall stays damp. Look for leaking pipes, poor drainage around the foundation, or condensation from temperature differences between the basement air and cold surfaces.
• Protect yourself before you start. Basements tend to be enclosed and poorly ventilated. Wear an N95 respirator, rubber gloves, goggles, and clothing you can wash separately afterward.
• Match your method to the material. Hard surfaces like concrete can be scrubbed with detergent and water, then dried thoroughly. Porous materials (drywall, carpet, ceiling tiles) that show significant growth usually need to be removed entirely rather than cleaned in place.
• Keep humidity down long-term. Mold needs moisture to survive. Running a dehumidifier and keeping indoor humidity below 60% goes a long way toward stopping it from coming back.

DIY basement mold cleanup is possible if the area is small. If you’re not confident in removing mold and fixing moisture issues, then it’s best left to the professionals.

When to step back and call a professional

Some situations go beyond what a homeowner should take on. If the moldy basement covers more than 10 square feet, involves your HVAC system, or follows a flood or sewage backup, professional basement mold remediation is the safer route. The same applies if the mold keeps returning after cleaning, or if anyone in your household has respiratory sensitivities.

Damp and moldy basements are also a draw for pests. Our moisture control services can help you get on top of the conditions that make your basement hospitable to both.