Removing mold after a water leak requires professional remediation: containment of the affected area, removal of mold-colonized porous materials, cleaning and sanitizing of non-porous surfaces, and antimicrobial treatment. The underlying moisture source must also be resolved — mold will return if moisture remains. DIY mold removal is not recommended for significant growth.
What you need to know
Professional remediation: containment, material removal, cleaning, antimicrobial treatment, and fixing the moisture source.
In detail
Effective mold removal is a multi-step remediation process. First, the affected area is contained to prevent mold spores from spreading to other parts of the property during remediation. This often involves negative air pressure and physical barriers.
Porous materials that have mold growth — drywall, insulation, carpet, and framing with deep colonization — are typically removed and disposed of, as surface cleaning cannot fully remove mold from porous surfaces. Non-porous surfaces are thoroughly cleaned with appropriate agents and treated with antimicrobial products. The area is then dried completely.
Critically, the underlying moisture source must be resolved. If the leak, humidity, or water intrusion that caused the mold is not fixed, mold will return even after remediation. This is why mold remediation is often paired with water damage restoration — the moisture problem and the mold problem must both be addressed.
What not to do
- Do not attempt DIY removal of significant mold growth.
- Do not bleach-paint over mold — it does not remove it and can return.
- Do not ignore the underlying moisture source — mold will return.
Related service
This answer relates to our Mold Remediation page.
Mold RemediationRelated questions
Last reviewed: September 2026