Not all mould situations require professional intervention. Small patches of surface mould on non-porous materials can often be safely cleaned yourself – if you follow proper safety protocols. This guide teaches you when and how to tackle mould safely.
When DIY Is Appropriate
You can consider DIY mould removal when:
- Affected area is less than 1 square meter (about 3x3 feet)
- Mould is on non-porous surfaces (tiles, glass, metal, sealed wood)
- There's no water damage or ongoing moisture problem
- No one in the household has severe allergies, asthma, or compromised immunity
- The mould isn't in the HVAC system
- Mould covers more than 1 square meter
- There's a musty smell but you can't see mould
- Mould keeps returning after cleaning
- Someone in your home has health symptoms
- You suspect mould in walls or HVAC systems
Essential Safety Equipment
Never attempt mould removal without proper protection:
Minimum Requirements
- N95 Respirator: Filters mould spores from the air you breathe
- Rubber Gloves: Long gloves that extend to mid-forearm
- Safety Goggles: Without ventilation holes to prevent spore contact with eyes
- Old Clothing: Long sleeves and pants that can be washed immediately or discarded
Recommended Additions
- Disposable shoe covers
- Plastic sheeting to isolate the work area
- Fan positioned to blow air out of the work area
Step-by-Step Cleaning Process
Step 1: Prepare the Area
- Open windows for ventilation
- Close doors to other rooms
- Cover furniture and items you want to protect
- Turn off aircon to prevent spore spread
- Put on all protective equipment
Step 2: Prepare Cleaning Solution
Choose one:
- Bleach solution: 1 part bleach to 10 parts water
- White vinegar: Use undiluted
- Commercial anti-mould cleaner: Follow label instructions
Never mix bleach with other cleaners – toxic fumes result.
Step 3: Clean the Mould
- Spray solution directly onto mouldy surface
- Let sit for 10-15 minutes
- Scrub with a brush (don't dry brush as this spreads spores)
- Wipe with clean, damp cloth
- Repeat if mould remains
Step 4: Dry Thoroughly
- Wipe surfaces completely dry
- Use fans or dehumidifier to dry the area
- Ensure no moisture remains
Step 5: Clean Up Properly
- Bag all cleaning materials in plastic
- Dispose of bags in outdoor bin
- Wash clothing immediately in hot water
- Shower to remove any spores from skin and hair
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to remove mould myself?
Small areas (under 1 square meter) can typically be cleaned safely with proper protective equipment. Larger areas, mould in HVAC systems, or situations involving immunocompromised individuals require professional remediation.
What cleaning products work best for mould removal?
For hard surfaces, diluted bleach (1:10 ratio), white vinegar, or commercial anti-mould cleaners work well. For porous surfaces, you may need specialized products or professional treatment. Never mix bleach with other cleaners.
Should I use bleach to kill mould?
Bleach is effective on non-porous surfaces like tiles and glass but less effective on porous materials like wood and drywall where it can't penetrate to kill mould roots. Use proper dilution and ensure good ventilation.
What protective equipment do I need for DIY mould removal?
At minimum: N95 mask or respirator, rubber gloves, safety goggles without ventilation holes, and old clothes that can be washed immediately or discarded. For larger jobs, consider a full face respirator and protective suit.
How do I prevent mould from coming back after cleaning?
Address the moisture source that caused the mould, maintain humidity below 60%, ensure good ventilation, apply anti-mould paint or treatments to affected areas, and clean susceptible areas regularly with anti-mould solutions.