Do the words mold removal and mold remediation confuse you? Or are you wondering which is the right solution to your mold problems? Well, you have come to the right place where we have the answer.

This article will provide you with a clear difference between mold removal and mold remediation and help you make the best decision for your home or office.

Immediately one notices mold in your home; removing it is what first comes to mind. However, it can be quite a task knowing what to do or whom to call, especially with the confusing list of services offered by various restoration companies. You may even think of trying a method or two yourself, but think again when you decide to treat mold yourself. It is not as easy and safe as it may sound.

The terms mold removal, mold mitigation, mold abatement and mold remediation are often used interchangeably, which invariably means to get rid of mold or successfully treat mold. However, the main difference among these terminologies is in the process involved in eliminating mold. Does the process address the root cause, is what one has to consider.

So, let’s start !

What is mold removal?

In simple terms, the process of ‘removing the mold’ is called mold removal. As simple as it sounds, but there is more to it. “Removing” might sometimes indicate mere cleaning, without addressing the core problem, that is, identifying the source for the occurrence of mold.

While molds are a natural part of our ecosystem, one cannot completely eliminate it. Mold spores are typically inherent in all indoor and outdoor spaces, so technically, it is impossible to completely eradicate all molds – but the key is to control it’s growth.

Mold spores are generally harmless until they settle on a damp spot and begin to grow into active mold. When you have mold growing in your home, removal becomes imminent. A simple mold removal process is never enough to solve mold problems in your home, unless the infected area is too small.

Is mold removal important?

Yes, it is! You might be wondering why mold removal is important if it would not entirely solve the problem. The reason is not farfetched.

Many restoration companies use the term ‘mold removal’ because it is what many homeowners can best relate with and find easily recognizable. Mold removal is important because prolonged exposure to any kind of mold will have adverse effects on your health and well being. So, if you are concerned about your family, or have a vulnerable member who is prone to mold allergies, then it is wise to have it fixed, right away!

Do you need mold removal?

If you are experiencing mold growth on your property, the answer to this question is straight and simple; yes, you do. When you detect mold growth in your home or office, you immediately want to have it removed. You either look for natural ways to get rid of mold, or search for a company that offers professional service.

Nonetheless, it is important to note that removal is only a part of the process of combating mold problems. Having mentioned that, complete mold removal is impossible and mostly undesirable, the next best thing is to remediate mold. The process of mold remediation involves removing mold to a level that is safe for your health and your premise. This level is known as the point of normal or healthy fungal ecology.

What is a mold remediation?

You might have wondered: What does mold remediation mean and what is involved?

Mold remediation is the term used to describe all the processes involved in eliminating harmful mold growth. It includes mold testing, removal, demolition, sanitizing, containment, and mold cleaning, depending on the type and location. A professional restoration company that understands mold growth’s critical nature will offer remediation to get the mold levels in your home back to a harmless point rather than a false promise of complete mold removal.

The mold remediation process

The mold remediation procedure is unique to each mold growth scenario. Different cases will usually require other solutions. However, the fundamental mold remediation procedure covers:

Mold inspection and assessment: A careful inspection of the property is done to identify mold growth type and source. This is very important in determining the best approach for remediation.

Containment: Molds produce spores when they are triggered. These spores move in the air and can settle on other surfaces while they are being removed. As a result, expert mold remediation involves isolation of contaminated areas before cleaning or removal.

Cleanup and air filtration: Mold cleaning approach depends on its location. Molds on non-porous or semi-porous materials are often cleaned through a safe process that prevents spores’ release into the air.

Disposal or removal: The type of material on which the mold grows will determine if the disposal is required. When mold grows on porous material, removal is usually the chosen course of action.

Sanitization: Removal of mold-infested materials is often followed by thorough cleaning of all items affected, such as furniture, curtains, floors, walls, etc. This will also include deodorization and elimination of odors with the use of fogging equipment.

Preventative Recommendations: The final step in the mold remediation exercise is the preventive recommendation. These are steps suggested by the professionals to homeowners for the prevention of mold regrowth.

Mold remediation is incomplete without the recommendations from mold professionals on how mold problems will not reoccur in the future.

Post remediation inspection: after the remediation process has been concluded, a post clean up inspection is carried out to confirm the remediation’s success and verify the cleanup effect.

At EcoFMR, we use a combination of safe techniques and equipment to remediate active mold growth without causing the further spread of spores or compromising air quality. Our processes include HEPA vacuuming, antimicrobial application, air scrubbing, mold root removal, and mold-proof coating.

When is mold remediation necessary?

You will usually require an expert mold remediation service when you have a mold outbreak that covers over 10 square feet of your property.

However, if someone in your home is exhibiting sudden mold allergy symptoms such as coughing or wheezing, that may also be a sign of mold infestation.

There are chances such people may have other allergies, so it is essential to check if symptoms disappear outside your home. If this happens, it is more likely that you’re battling mold growth in your home, and you should seriously consider a professional mold remediation service.

Another common indicator of mold growth in homes is a lingering and unpleasant musty odor. Most mold growths appear as discoloration and are usually black, green, blue, or white.

Ultimately, it is vital to inspect your home for any sign of mold infestation routinely.

Can mold come back after remediation?

Mold growths are mostly due to moisture from water faults or high humidity levels. Also, water from floods or leaks can result in active mold growth in just a few days.

Before you hire a mold remediation service, it is crucial to address any water or moisture problem in the house to avoid mold regrowth after remediation. Leaks such as those from faucets or ceilings should be fixed, and groundwater intrusion should be thoroughly cleaned and dried.

Also, taking the advice of mold professionals for preventing mold growth will help you avoid mold recurrence after remediation.

Can you do mold remediation yourself?

In many cases, mold growth occurs as just a random discoloration on the wall or any material and usually appears harmless. In such situations, most homeowners resort to cleaning the visible part of the stain.

However, it is possible to have a potentially dangerous mold problem beneath what looks like just an unsightly mold stain. While property owners may combat small mold problems on their own, large mold infestations require professional assistance.

When to call a mold remediation specialist?

Attempting to remove mold by yourself without proper containment will trigger mold spores and cross-contaminate clean, unaffected areas.

For inhabitants’ safety, it is advised that you leave the handling of mold contamination to experts. Experienced mold remediation experts will conduct a safe process that preserves your property’s structural integrity without jeopardizing the health of its occupants.

Mold remediation standards

There are strict regulations guiding mold removal technicians in the remediation process. These include using appropriate personal protective equipment, containment of affected areas, maintaining indoor air quality, and protecting unaffected property parts.

Finally, the difference between mold removal and mold remediation?

Within the industry and among mold professionals, mold removal, mold mitigation, mold abatement and mold remediation are often used interchangeably along with other terms such as mold cleaning and mold restoration. The significant difference is in the procedure.

While mold removal is the process of removing the mold, it does not address identifying the source. However, mold remediation centers on all actions taken to combat mold infestation and return mold level to the point that is not dangerous to the health of inhabitants and the building’s structure. Mold remediation will identify the cause of active mold growth and controlling how much mold is present.

While some degree of mold removal is included in the mold remediation process, mold remediation is an extensive process that focuses on problematic areas of infestation. The series of actions involved in remediation effectively return mold levels to a natural point that is safe for both the structure and its occupants.

A complete mold remediation procedure is what keeps potentially harmful mold problems away.


This article was originally published in Dec-2020 and was last updated in Oct-2021.

Author: Kenny