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Updated Jul 15, 2022

What you SHOULD look for in a mold removal company

Consult with several firms before hiring a mold removal company. Even if your mold problem is urgent, take the time to identify a company that meets minimum standards.

If you determine you want to control a mold problem yourself, see How to Get Rid of Mold for detailed information, including safety precautions.

Qualifications

  • Experience fixing water and mold damage
  • Training for mold remediation
  • Insurance that covers you, your property, and their employees

Look for Reputable Companies

  • Ask people with experience hiring or working with mold removal companies.
  • Consider contacting the Better Business Bureau  to request information about a specific company.
  • Ask the firm to provide references. Call the references they provide.

Value

  • Get estimates from more than one company. Compare their rates and services.
  • Be wary of long-term contracts. Do you need ongoing help?
  • Does the company provide a guarantee for their work? What are the terms?

Safety

  • Ask how they minimize human and environmental risks.    
  • Do they wear protective equipment when needed?     
  • What measures will they take to prevent unnecessary exposures and accidents?
  • Are there preparations you need to make before their treatment?
  • Are there any precautions you need to take?

Keep Records about Mold Removal Services

  • Contact information for the company
  • Names of the employees who perform the work
  • Time, date, and details of inspections and treatments
  • The names and EPA registration numbers of the products used

FEATURES OF Successful Mold Removal Services

  • Successful mold removal requires communication between you and the company.
  • Ask questions: What is the treatment process? What are the expected results? Reduction or elimination? How long will it take?
  • Know  your responsibilities in making the treatment a success.

FOR Questions ABOUT mold removal products

The National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC)  can answer questions about mold control chemicals.
 1-800-858-7378 or npic@ace.orst.edu  

HOW TO GET RID OF MOLD

Content provided by Weston Miller and Kaci Buhl.

 Peer reviewed by OSU Department of Horticulture.

Photo of Weston Miller

Weston Miller

Project Founder and Content Writer

Weston Miller served as Community and Urban Horticulture faculty for Oregon State University Extension Service for Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington Counties. Weston is an author for content for this website. He developed funding partnerships with Portland area agencies to initiate and build out the Solve Pest Problems website focused on this goals:

Photo of Kaci Buhl

Kaci Buhl

At the state level, I lead the Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP). The program hosts live recertification events around the state, serving over 1,000 licensed pesticide applicators each year. We also produce web-based training modules and license-preparation study manuals. Special training for unlicensed pesticide applicators is also available through a grant from the USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. The PSEP at OSU works closely with the Oregon Department of Agriculture's Pesticides Division.

MOLD REFERENCES

Mold  
US Environmental Protection Agency

Facts about Stachybotrys chartarum  
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Mold  
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Moisture Control and Mold  
National Pesticide Information Center