Finding mould in the home can be an uncomfortable experience; especially if you’re not quite sure what to do about it. The first thing that most people do is turn to the internet to research DIY mould removal treatments. These can work for some in the short-term. But in the long-term, the only real way to deal with the problem is to call in the professionals.
Without knowing the cause of the problem, you’ll find yourself in a never-ending circle of treating, scrubbing, drying and repeating. Once people have exhausted DIY treatments, their next questions are typically: “how much does mould removal cost?” And “how do professionals remove it?”.
Today, we’ll answer those questions for you so that you can make a more informed decision about the next steps to take and what to expect. So let’s begin with the main question you all want answers for – how much is this going to cost?
How much does mould remediation cost?
Just as with everything in life, this largely depends on a few different factors. How large is the room being treated? How much mould is there? Are there multiple rooms that need treatment? What types of surfaces are involved? What tools are needed for cleanup? The list goes on and on.
But that doesn’t actually answer the question, so let’s try to give you one. In Australia, the average cost of mould removal in a small room hovers somewhere between $500 – $2,000 (not including the average mould inspection fee of between $150 – $350.) It’s surprising that a simple mop and bucket setup doesn’t offer much in the way of savings too – but could cost more in the long-term.
Many mould removal companies give an initial quote – only to adjust this upwards upon inspection. Upselling can also add on to the overall cost. Basically, when you get a quote and it suddenly changes at the flip of a coin, your suspicions should be aroused. That’s not to say it’s unscrupulous behaviour every time it happens – but pricing should be transparent so you know what to expect.
When getting a quote, finding a professional mould removal specialist that offers a free inspection can help you make some pretty big savings. Price point shouldn’t mean going for the cheapest. But you should also be aware of the average expected costs and weigh these up with the tools, equipment and expertise of the company.
Mould Removal Starts with an Inspection
To be able to effectively remove mould, an in-depth inspection needs to be performed. A typical inspection involves much more than simply looking at the mould growth, sucking air over the teeth and then plucking a random figure it will cost to remove it out of thin air.
The specialist will first try to identify the root of the problem – where the moisture that feeds it is coming from? Is it caused by rising damp? Is there a water leak? Is condensation the cause of the mould? Tools such as moisture meters, particle counters and infrared cameras are used to discover where the problem lies so that it can be fixed before treatment begins. Without resolving this first, all of the solutions in the world won’t stop mould from returning again.
Identifying the type of mould is also an important part of the process, making it easier to minimise accidental spread to other areas. Once the inspection is over, the professionals will know which tools and equipment are needed for a personalised mould remediation treatment specific to the affected area.
The Mould Removal Process
Once the professionals are armed with all of the knowledge that they need, they can ensure a thorough job is performed that is as effective as possible. Depending on the experience of the company and the tools they use, this can be as short as a day to several days.
At Mould Cleaning Australia, we use a one day, two-phase process that first targets mould on hard surfaces, using a purposely formulated solution to physically remove it. This treatment is applied to any visible signs of mould, including walls, ceilings and timbers. The product we use is GM6000, which is designed for use on hard surfaces, helping restore them – often to the point of not needing to be repainted.
The second phase involves removing any airborne mould spores by first filtering the air with advanced filtration systems. This not only helps reduce the number of spores indoors but also improves the overall air quality. Once the filtering is completed, it is finished off with a mould-targeted fogging treatment. This is performed in roof spaces, subfloors and around the interior to help.
Should I try to Remove Mould Myself?
One of the first things people do when finding mould in their home is to try and clean it away themselves. For small, isolated areas of growth, this may be possible if you use the right tools and cleaning agents. However, the problem isn’t so much the discovery of mould, but what is causing it.
Many people find themselves researching DIY mould removal online. Everything from hydrogen peroxide to vinegar is often recommended – but even the most inconspicuous products found around the home can be toxic – especially when being atomised and inhaled during a spraying process. It’s as much about technique as it is about products.
If you are sure you want to try to clear up the problem using the DIY route, check out our guide to the best cleaners for removing mould and mildew yourself. This will give you a better understanding of what to use, what to avoid and the steps to take to prevent further spread and growth in small areas.
When to Call in the Experts?
When it comes to mould removal, the sooner you can have it dealt with, the less likely it is to become an ongoing issue. Trying to self-clean mould might work on smaller areas of less than 1 m2. The problem is that it becomes all too easy to unintentionally make things worse when doing this. It’s important to remember that it requires a multifaceted approach to completely eradicate mould. The fungus you see is only the tip of the iceberg and dealing with the underlying cause should be a top priority.
Calling in the mould removal experts sooner rather than later can help ensure your property experiences as little damage as possible. At Mould Cleaning Australia, we offer a no-pressure, free inspection. Our experienced team have extensive knowledge with mould remediation and use state of the art tools and technology to understand, treat and resolve mould infestations. From bathrooms to bedrooms and residential to commercial properties, no job is too large or small.
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