Black Mould Removal Methods: Should You DIY or Call a Professional?

A silent invader that can seriously harm a homeowner’s health is Stachybotrys chartarum, also known as black mould. In the past few years, over 30% of renters have reported mould issues, and due to that, health issues like allergies, respiratory problems, infections, fatigue, and other chronic symptoms are commonly observed. 

Now the question is, how is black mould different from any other mould? Here are the common points you can use to identify the mould type:

• Colour: Black mould (Stachybotrys chartarum) can appear dark green to jet black.
• Texture: It has a high moisture level, and due to that, it appears wet or slimy.
• Health Hazards: Respiratory problems, neurological symptoms, and immune system suppression. 

Important! Just because mould appears black doesn’t mean it is Stachybotrys chartarum. Laboratory testing is the only reliable way to confirm the mould species.

Once the mould species is confirmed to be black mould, now what? This is a very common question people ask after identifying the mould type. Should they seek mould professional assistance or try to handle it themselves? If you’re in the same situation, then this blog is for you. 

In this comprehensive guide, we will analyse the minor distinctions between the two approaches and provide a summary of their advantages.

Important! Before starting mould removal methods, it is important to conduct a mould assessment and identify the extent of the black mould infestation. This will help you decide whether to hire professionals or go with the DIY method.

The DIY Dilemma

1. Assessing the Severity of the Mould Problem

• It is simple to understand, if the black mould is limited to small surfaces, then DIY is the best solution. But if it has spread to a large or hidden area, professional help is the safer and more reliable mould remediation option.

2. Common DIY Mould Removal Techniques:

• Vinegar and Baking Soda: While baking soda and vinegar work well against some moulds, black mould spores may survive and have a chance to regrow.
• Bleach: Though bleach is a widely used solution, it has limitations and may not address the root cause of the mould problem.
• Hydrogen Peroxide: This is another home remedy, and depending on the concentration used, different outcomes can be obtained

3. Limitations of DIY Black Mould Removal Methods:

• Inadequate Equipment: The specialised tools required for a thorough black mould removal job may not be available to do-it-yourselfers.
• Surface-Only Treatment: Many do-it-yourself methods miss concealed spores in walls and ceilings and instead focus only on the visible mould. 
• Health Risk: As mould is harmful, it is very important to treat it with proper care. Without personal protective equipment (PPE), there is a risk of inhaling harmful mould spores.

Why Hire a Professional for Black Mould Removal?

1.  Expertise in Black Mould Identification and Treatment:

• A targeted and effective black mould removal process is ensured by skilled specialists who know how to identify the type and extent of the mould infestation.
• With years of experience, black mould remediation specialists can handle challenging circumstances and offer case-specific black mould solutions.

2. Use of Advanced Technology and Equipment:

• Mould removal experts use cutting-edge tools and technology, such as infrared cameras, HEPA vacuums, and air scrubbers, to detect and remove mould in areas that are invisible to the naked eye.
• These tools guarantee complete removal of black mould and prevent its regrowth.

3. Safe, Compliant and Efficient Removal Method:

• Professionals adhere to industry-standard safety protocols, wearing protective gear and implementing containment measures to prevent mould spores from spreading during removal.
• Efficient black mould removal not only removes visible mould, but also addresses underlying moisture issues, thereby preventing future infestation.

4. Full Inspection and Long-Term Prevention:

• Professionals conduct thorough deep mould inspections to determine the root causes of mould growth, allowing them to implement preventative measures that DIY methods frequently overlook.

Important! Hiring a black mould removal professional not only provides a safe solution but also protects home or office properties from further damage. 

After considering the above pointers, there are other factors which help you to decide whether to choose professionals or DIY solutions: 

Health and Safety Concerns

• DIY: DIY attempts might expose humans to harmful mould spores, which can lead to respiratory problems, allergy symptoms, and other health issues. Inadequate personal protective equipment increases the risk of inhalation or skin contact with mould and cleaning agents.
• Professional Health and Safety Measures: To reduce health risks, professionals prioritise safety, use appropriate protective equipment, and follow established guidelines. Their expertise ensures the safety of both the occupants and the black mould removal team.

Is DIY More Affordable?

• DIY: DIY methods may appear to be inexpensive at first glance, but hidden costs can arise, such as the need for specialised cleaning agents, protective gear, and potential health-related costs.
• Professional: While professional services may be more expensive at first, the thorough removal and prevention they provide can result in long-term savings by preventing future mould problems. A professional approach reduces the likelihood of property damage and ensures a more effective, long-term solution.

Effectiveness and Long-Term Results

• DIY: This method can remove black mould from the infected area, but it may sometimes fail to identify and resolve the root cause of moisture, leading to the regrowth of black mould.
• Professional: Hiring a professional black mould remediation team ensures the use of advanced equipment, which helps remove the mould, dry the affected area, and maintain proper moisture levels. This not only prevents further damage to the property but also addresses and repairs the source of leaks and moisture.

Time and Convenience

• DIY: It can be time-consuming, as every new task requires time, effort, and energy. If you’re doing it for the first time, it may involve some trial and error.
• Professional: Specialists have years of experience and are trained to remove mould with proper precautions. They also have access to a wide range of industrial tools, which help them remove and remediate the infected area efficiently.

Conclusion:

In the fight against black mould, deciding between DIY removal methods and professional services is an important decision that can affect the safety and well-being of your home’s occupants.  

While DIY enthusiasts may find temporary relief from common household items, the limitations of these methods become clear when dealing with a widespread mould infestation.