Mold & Mildew Cleanup in Medina, WA

Medina at a glance

Medina is a mostly residential city on the Eastside, about 4 miles from Seattle across the SR 520 Evergreen Point Floating Bridge, bordered by Clyde Hill and Hunts Point and surrounded by Lake Washington on every side but the east. The city's shoreline rules also cover creeks, streams and wetlands within its limits. Homes with several bathrooms, guest rooms that sit closed for weeks, and lower-level storage rooms all give mildew quiet places to start during the wet months.

Steps to take now

1. Look for the water. Common sources are steamy bathrooms without strong fans, cold window glass, a slow leak under a sink, or a closed room with no airflow.
2. Gauge the size. EPA treats under about 10 square feet as a job most homeowners can handle.
3. Clean hard surfaces with detergent and water, then dry them. Use gloves and eye protection and don't mix cleaners.
4. Be cautious with fine finishes. Painted millwork, natural stone and wood floors can be damaged by harsh products, so stop and ask a professional.
5. Run fans and keep heat steady in rooms that sit unused, aiming for humidity under 60 percent.
6. Don't run a forced-air system you suspect is contaminated; EPA says it can spread mold.

What you see and the likely cause

What affects cost

Angi's Seattle cost guide lists bathroom mold remediation at $425 to $825 and most work at $10 to $25 a square foot. Costs rise with the amount of area, the need to protect high-end finishes and contents, containment across large open floor plans, and replacement of drywall or trim. Building permits and building code compliance reviews go through the City of Medina Development Services Department, whose director serves as the Building Official.