Though you can’t completely eliminate mold from your home, you can—and should—reduce and control it. Removing known patches of mold is an important first step. Then you must remedy the source of moisture. Without moisture, mold cannot grow.

Small patches of mold can be cleaned up by do-it-yourselfers with detergent and water; areas larger than about 10 square feet or where there has been extensive water damage are best left to professionals.

The use of a chemical or biocide (chlorine bleach, for example) that kills organisms such as mold is not recommended as a routine practice. There may be instances, such as when immune-compromised individuals are in residence, when professional judgment may indicate the use of a biocide.

If you choose to use a biocide, always ventilate the area and exhaust the air to the outdoors. Never mix a chlorine bleach solution with other cleaning solutions or detergents that contain ammonia because toxic fumes can be produced.

If you choose to hire a professional to do the cleanup, make sure the mold removal contractor has experience cleaning up mold. Check references and ask the contractor to follow the recommendations in the EPA’s guide “Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings” or the guidelines set out by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH).

If you suspect that the heating/ventilation/air-conditioning (HVAC) system may be contaminated with mold (it is part of an identified moisture problem, for instance, or there is mold near the intake to the system), consult the EPA’s guide “Should You Have the Air Ducts in Your Home Cleaned?” before taking any action. Do not run the HVAC system if you know or suspect that it is contaminated with mold as this could spread the mold throughout your home.

If the mold was caused by sewage or other contaminated water, call in a professional with experience cleaning and repairing structures damaged by contaminated water.

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