Found black mold — do this first
- Don’t panic, and don’t disturb it. Scrubbing or tearing at it dry releases spores into the air.
- Find the moisture. Mold always has a water source — a leak, condensation, or past water damage.
- Estimate the size. Roughly under 10 square feet is generally manageable by a homeowner on hard surfaces; larger areas call for a professional (EPA guidance).
- Keep sensitive people away — anyone with asthma, allergies, or a weakened immune system. See mold health effects.
- Call Vault at (385) 250-2825 for anything larger, inside a wall, or recurring.
What “black mold” actually means
“Black mold” is usually used to mean Stachybotrys chartarum, a mold that grows on wet cellulose material like drywall paper. But many common molds look black or dark green, and you can’t tell the species by color. The CDC and EPA both advise that any visible mold growth indoors should be removed, regardless of type — so the practical question isn’t “what species is it?” but “how much is there, and why is it wet?”
When DIY is reasonable
- Small area (roughly under 10 sq ft)
- Hard, non-porous surface — tile, glass, sealed wood, metal
- The moisture source is known and fixed
- Nobody in the home has health concerns
Wear an N95 respirator, gloves, and goggles. Clean with detergent and water, scrub, then dry completely. Bag and discard cleaning rags. See mold vs mildew.
When to call a professional
- More than about 10 square feet
- Growth on drywall, insulation, carpet, or other porous material
- Mold inside walls, HVAC ducts, attics, or crawlspaces
- It followed sewage or floodwater
- It keeps coming back
- You’re buying or selling the home and need documentation
What not to do
- Don’t rely on bleach on porous surfaces. It can lighten the stain without addressing growth in the material.
- Don’t paint over it. Mold grows back through paint.
- Don’t run the HVAC if the mold is in or near ductwork.
- Don’t buy a DIY test kit expecting answers. Visible mold already tells you it needs removing. See do I need mold testing?
How Vault remediates
- Inspection and moisture mapping
- Sealed containment with HEPA negative air and zipper entry
- Removal of affected porous materials
- HEPA vacuuming and cleaning of structural surfaces
- Drying to standard
- Post-remediation clearance, with air samples analyzed by an independent lab
Vault’s mold work comes with a 90-day mold warranty from post-remediation clearance.
Found mold in your home?
Call (385) 250-2825. Inspections start at $99.
Mold remediation services · Mold remediation cost · How to tell if you have mold
More guides: Post-remediation clearance · Negative air containment
Need help with mold in Provo? Our Provo mold remediation crew is AMRT-certified, and remediation jobs start at $500. Call (385) 250-2825.