Mould Removal Services

Having mould in your home is perfectly normal. But when things start to get out of hand, you'll want to consider getting a professional involved.

Here's everything you need to know about mould removal cleaning services in Australia, including why it may be best to leave your handyman hat off and hire a cleaner to get the job done properly.

What are mould removal cleaning services?

A mould removal cleaner removes and kills mould and mould spores with professional-grade products. The affected area is often treated with a fog to kill any existing mould spores and mould mites.

Prolonged exposure to mould can increase the risk of health problems such as asthma and allergies, not to mention its unsightly appearance putting a damper on your otherwise tidy space.

What does a mould removal cleaner do?

A mould removal cleaner can remove mould from a variety of surfaces including:

• Plasterboard walls and ceilings
• Textured ceilings
• Particleboard
• Timber panels
• Pine
• Hardwood
• Glass
• Aluminium frames

How do I hire a mould removal cleaner?

For a technical job like mould removal, it's best to hire a specialist. You can use online marketplaces such as Oneflare or Airtasker to find an expert in mould removal cleaning. You can post your job for free, get offers from professionals and choose the best one for the job.

How much does a mould removal cleaner cost?

Generally, you can expect to pay $20-$30 per hour for mould removal cleaning. The cost depends on the type of mould, the size of the infected area and how difficult it is to access.

Small spaces like a bathroom could cost from $50 while an entire house can be between $500 to $6,000.

How do I compare mould removal cleaners?

For the sake of your health, you should choose a professional with a number of years' experience treating different types of mould. You can ask for reviews from friends or read verified customer reviews on online marketplaces.

The best mould removal cleaners will charge reasonable prices, can clearly explain what work is needed, will use professional equipment and practices and have years of experience.

How should I prepare for a mould removal clean?

The most important thing to know is that you should resist the temptation to clean the surface mould yourself. Once you've committed to professional mould removal, it's best to let them sort it out. Certain types of mould can be identified by what's found on the surface and if you wipe this away, you'll make identification more difficult.

Additionally, don't move anything from around the affected area. Moving things around can cause spores to spread and you never know what actually needs to be cleaned.

How long does a mould removal cleaner take?

Most mould removal treatments can be performed in a single day which means you can return to your property that evening. In some cases, if the mould problem is severe, you may need to relocate for a night or two but this should be brought up at your initial inspection.

What to consider when hiring a mould removal cleaner?

When hiring a professional for mould removal, here are some questions you might want to ask before they get started.

• Do you provide written estimates? If you feel a quoted price seems high, you may want to shop around for more quotes to compare.
• Do you have a license to operate and are fully insured? You can expect to pay more for a mould professional than, say, a handyman. But a little extra investment up-front could be worth it.
• Are you certified to remove mould? Again, you may want to ask about their specific qualifications if you want added peace of mind.
• How do you dispose of the waste afterwards? You'll want assurance that any contaminated material is safely removed from the work area, such as in a sealed disposal bag or plastic wrapping.
• What products do you use? As well as using an antimicrobial chemical to remove mould, some professionals will use a sealer or encapsulant to ensure the treated areas are more resistant to mould and water damage in the future.

Do I need to be home for a mould removal cleaner?

You will need to let your mould removal cleaner in and show them around but once they're ready to go, it's best that you find somewhere for you, your family and pets to spend the day. Smaller treatments might be faster and allow you to stay at home but at a reasonable distance from the affected area.

Pros and Cons of a mould removal cleaner

Pros

• Can be treated in less than a day in many cases
• Specialists are trained to find difficult to spot issues
• Their speciality equipment can reach hard to access places
• Many providers offer some kind of guarantee that mould won't return

Cons

• Can be costly when compared to purchasing cleaning products yourself
• Regular cleaning over time should negate the need for this service

Frequently asked questions

How do I spot mould at home?

Mould often starts as small little black dots or white specks on walls, furniture and contents and usually found in poorly ventilated areas, dark spaces or behind cupboards.

Should I really clean mould myself?

Some moulds can easily be removed with a little bit of elbow grease while other instances require a more skilful touch. If chemicals need to be used, that's when it's best to consult with a professional as some DIY mixtures can be tricky to work with.

Is mould dangerous?

If it's left untreated then, yes, it can be. Mould produces substances that can cause an allergic reaction or asthma attacks. Prolonged exposure can be the cause of reduced lung function.