DIY Structural Cleaning Guide

For homeowners who have already completed professional source remediation and prefer to do their own structural cleaning.

This guide teaches you how to perform DIY structural SPC after professional source removal has been completed. It is written to empower you with clear steps, safe practices, and successful outcomes.

  • DIY structural cleaning is appropriate only if source remediation has been completed.

    DIY structural cleaning DOES NOT qualify for the Restored Roots Remediation guarantee, and Restored Roots Remediation DOES NOT provide follow-up services after DIY structural cleaning.

  • DIY structural cleaning DOES NOT involve:

    • removing drywall

    • opening wall, ceiling, or floor cavities

    • disturbing insulation

    • sanding, grinding, or cutting

    • treating visible mold growth

    • handling water-damaged materials

    • altering HVAC systems

    If any of the above are required, seek a professional remediation firm.

  • Approved cleaning solutions

    • EC3 Microbial Solution Cleaner

    • Benefect Decon30

    • Dish soap + water (3–4 drops per quart)

    Tools

    • microfiber cloths

    • spray bottles

    • buckets

    • step ladder

    • mop with clean, microfiber removable heads

    HEPA Vacuum

  • For DIY structural cleaning, we recommend:

    ✅ full-face or half-face respirator
    ✅ P100 or equivalent filters
    ✅ disposable coveralls with hood
    ✅ boot covers
    ✅ nitrile or similar gloves

    For half-face respirators → safety glasses recommended.

  • Air scrubbers are:

    ✅ optional but highly recommended
    ✅ helpful if already owned or rented
    ✅ not required

    If used:

    • place centrally

    • run on low to medium

    • run during and 24 hours after cleaning

    1. Ensure all contents are removed

    2. Have your ducts cleaned by a NADCA certified professional

    3. Turn off HVAC systems

    4. Seal supply vents (unless advised otherwise)

    5. Close windows and exterior doors

    6. Place clean microfiber cloths and supplies centrally

    7. Put on PPE

  • We use affiliate links for certain recommended products. If you purchase through these links, we may receive a small commission, but our recommendations are based solely on product suitability and performance.

    Microfiber Cloths (we recommend disposal of these, as washing microfiber is being shown to cause fibers to end up in waterways): https://amzn.to/43NLt19

    EC3 Microbial Solution Spray (we may be able to get these products for a cheaper rate than shown on the website. If interested, please reach out to info@restoredrootsremediation.com): https://microbalancehealthproducts.com/products/ec3-mold-solution-spray.html

    Benefect Decon 30: https://amzn.to/4p8TVR2

    True HEPA vacuum: https://amzn.to/4ifIHrD

    Microfiber mop: https://amzn.to/49BEJal

    Full face respirator (North 7600, small): https://amzn.to/448V3Mr

    Full face respirator (North 7600, medium/large): https://amzn.to/43LFav0

    Respirator cartridges for North 7600: https://amzn.to/4ptbStB

    Half face respirator (3M 6100, small): https://amzn.to/4rj5nLt

    Half face respirator (3M 6100, medium): https://amzn.to/3LUAsVH

    Half face respirator (3M 6100, large): https://amzn.to/44nI619

    Respirator cartridges for 3M 6100: https://amzn.to/49UjNf5

    Coveralls (6-piece, XL size, make sure to change the quantity and size as needed): https://amzn.to/44uixLQ

    Nitrile gloves (medium, make sure to change the size as needed): https://amzn.to/3KbPXbk

    Air Doctor air purifier: https://amzn.to/4rhiMDL

    Air Doctor air filters: https://amzn.to/44ikmLQ

    IQ Air air purifier: https://amzn.to/44leAcl

    IQ Air air filters: https://amzn.to/49CtUov

Order of Operations

DIY structural cleaning follows a top-down, back-to-exit sequence.

    • HEPA vacuum

    • damp wipe with approved solution on a microfiber headed mop in an S pattern, overlapping each pass with the one before

    • dry wipe with a microfiber cloth

    After each stage of wiping, the cloth should be clean. This may mean repeating the wet wiping and/or dry wiping.

    Note: no additional HEPA vacuuming should happen once the wiping has begun.

    • HEPA vacuum all edges and profiles

    • damp wipe with approved solution on a disposable microfiber cloth

    • dry wipe with a microfiber cloth

    After each stage of wiping, the cloth should be clean. This may mean repeating the wet wiping and/or dry wiping.

    Note: no additional HEPA vacuuming should happen once the wiping has begun.

    • HEPA vacuum

    • damp wipe with approved solution on a microfiber headed mop in an S pattern, overlapping each pass with the one before

    • dry wipe with a microfiber cloth

    After each stage of wiping, the cloth should be clean. This may mean repeating the wet wiping and/or dry wiping.

    Note: no additional HEPA vacuuming should happen once the wiping has begun.

    • HEPA vacuum all edges and profiles

    • damp wipe with approved solution on a disposable microfiber cloth

    • dry wipe with a microfiber cloth

    After each stage of wiping, the cloth should be clean. This may mean repeating the wet wiping and/or dry wiping.

    Note: no additional HEPA vacuuming should happen once the wiping has begun.

    • HEPA vacuum all edges and profiles

    • damp wipe with glass cleaner on a disposable microfiber cloth

    • dry wipe with a microfiber cloth

    After each stage of wiping, the cloth should be clean. This may mean repeating the wet wiping and/or dry wiping.

    Note: no additional HEPA vacuuming should happen once the wiping has begun.

    • Remove drawers

    • HEPA vacuum the entire interior of cabinets and drawer housing, as well as interior and exterior of drawers themselves

    • damp wipe with approved solution on a disposable microfiber cloths in an S pattern, overlapping each pass with the one before

    • dry wipe with a microfiber cloth

    After each stage of wiping, the cloth should be clean. This may mean repeating the wet wiping and/or dry wiping.

    Note: no additional HEPA vacuuming should happen once the wiping has begun.

    • HEPA vacuum

    • damp wipe with approved solution on a microfiber headed mop in an S pattern, overlapping each pass with the one before

    • dry wipe with a microfiber cloth

    After each stage of wiping, the cloth should be clean. This may mean repeating the wet wiping and/or dry wiping.

    Note: no additional HEPA vacuuming should happen once the wiping has begun.

Room-by-Room Checklist

  • ✔ ceilings

    ✔ light fixtures

    ✔ walls

    ✔ cabinets inside & out

    ✔ drawers

    ✔ hardware

    ✔ appliances exterior

    ✔ floors

  • ✔ ceilings

    ✔ exhaust fans exterior

    ✔ walls

    ✔ mirrors and glass

    ✔ tile

    ✔ cabinets and drawers

    ✔ floors

  • ✔ ceilings

    ✔ fans and fixtures

    ✔ walls

    ✔ trim

    ✔ shelving

    ✔ closets (empty)

    ✔ floors

  • ✔ ceilings

    ✔ fans and fixtures

    ✔ walls

    ✔ mantels and shelving

    ✔ handrails

    ✔ built-ins

    ✔ floors

  • ✔ ceilings

    ✔ walls

    ✔ doors

    ✔ light switches

    ✔ trim

    ✔ flooring