Hiring a mould remediator can be a costly, technical, and time-consuming process. To help you prepare, we’ve put together a step-by-step guide on what to expect.
Step 1: Identify the Mould.
Start by completing the UNTOLDMOULD testing process - instructions available here. If your personalised AI report detects high levels of mould, follow the steps below to address the issue.
Step 2: Assess the Extent of Mould Growth
Next, determine how widespread the mould growth is. Some home mould inspectors may be able to assess this, but in most cases, they will refer you to a local environmental consultant or mould remediation specialist.
Mold remediation is often classified into five levels:
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Level 1: Small isolated areas (up to 10 sq ft)
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Level 2: Medium-sized areas (10-30 sq ft)
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Level 3: Large areas (30-100 sq ft)
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Level 4: Extensive growth (over 100 sq ft)
If the affected area is larger than 10 sq ft, it is generally recommended to hire a professional mould remediation company.
Step 3: Contain the Mould
Once mould has been identified and its extent assessed, the first step in remediation is containment. This prevents mould spores from spreading to unaffected areas of your home. Since the remediation process physically disturbs the mould, it can release large amounts of spores into the air.
Common containment methods include:
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Sealing off affected areas with plastic sheeting
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Using negative air pressure machines to prevent spore dispersal
Step 4: Remove the Mould
The remediation process depends on the type of surfaces affected:
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Porous materials (e.g., drywall, carpets, paper) usually need to be removed and replaced.
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Non-porous surfaces (e.g., tiles, glass, metal) can often be thoroughly cleaned.
Your remediator should clearly explain their removal process, expected timeframe, and associated costs.
Step 5: Verify the Remediation
After the mould removal process is complete, your remediator should conduct a final inspection to confirm that the issue has been properly addressed. For added peace of mind, you can re-test using the UNTOLDMOULD kit and compare the results to your initial test.
