Education

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.


BEFORE YOU BEGIN

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.

What DIY structural cleaning DOES NOT include

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.

Required supplies

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

PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)

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 scrubber guidance

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

How to set up before 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

Resources

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