Mould removal cost: What you'll pay based on service

Hidden mould in your home can quietly harm your air quality and cause breathing problems that get worse over time. This is why getting help from experts early is recommended. They can catch not just the mould you can see but also find hidden dampness that DIY cleaning often misses. 

While cleaning mould yourself might seem cheaper at first, professionals use special cleaning equipment and treatments that actually save you money by stopping damage to your home and keeping health problems from coming back. 

In Australia, mould and mildew removal costs can range from $20 to $30 per hour. However, the price varies depending on the type of mould in your home, the size, and the difficulty of accessing the mould. Consider the factors and average service costs in this guide to prepare your budget effectively.

A professional removing mould from the wall. (Source: iStock)

Mould removal costs for different types of services

Mould removal is different from your usual cleaning service. Depending on the size and type of mould present in the property, it can cost $50 to $6,000 to remove it. On average, it costs $300 per room.

Average cost of mould removal based on location

Mould removal prices vary depending on your location in Australia. Typically, larger populated cities have cheaper rates for mould removal. But again, it depends on the amount of mould and the type of mildew or spore found. The rates are listed below: 

These rates are based on an hourly basis, which won’t suit or apply to some specialists. It’s important to have these figures on hand just in case, but every mildew removalist has rates and regulations that they like to work with. Most removalists will add fees with the following inclusions:

• Travel expenses
• Mould disposal
• Mould testing/analysing
• Location of mould

Average hourly rate for mould experts in Australia

Whether the mould removalist you hire is professionally trained or not, the hourly rate can vary. Fair Work Australia has set the Cleaning Service Award Pay Guide for cleaners at the following rates:

Other types of services from mould removal professionals

Once the specialist removalist has rid your building materials of mould, there are many other tasks that they can do for you. These may include:

• Flooding 

• Mould prevention

• Air conditioning cleaning

• Mould inspections and reports

• Structure drying

If your home has been flooded, you can get your entire home-dried. This is ideal for carpeted homes that are susceptible to mould. Structure drying is highly recommended as it helps prevent mould and further damage to household items. Prices vary for structure drying, depending on the size of the flooded area and the level of damage. 

Typically, structure drying costs $1000. This price varies depending on the size of the flooded area and the level of damage created by the water. 

Mould inspection cost 

Sometimes, you can’t see mould, but you can feel it. When this situation occurs, it’s best to hire a professional to inspect your property to determine where the mould is and the level of damage it’s caused. Mould inspection costs around $150 to $350. Mould removal professionals tend to provide discounts for mould and mildew analysis. 

There are specific mould issues that can determine the type of inspection you require. If you’re not sure what inspection you require, take a look at the following checklist:

Air samples (No visible mould)

• Closed circulation office building

• Post-remediation clearance 

One area spot check (Visible mould)

• Attic mould

• Crawlspace

• Mould on external walls

• Windows

• Previously flooded areas

Full environmental inspection (Mould inspections)

• Health concerns of occupants

• Real estate transactions

• Grow op clearances

• Legal action

• Areas with public access or employees

• Musty odours

What factors affect the cost of mould removal services?

Mould removal can be a long-winded process. Many factors can affect the pricing of the service. Some of these include the following:

• Size of the mould that is present
• The location of the fungus
• The type of mould or mildew
• Air sampling
• Mould inspection
• Mould prevention 
• Mould fogging

A pair of gloves and two chemical compounds for removing moulds. (Source: iStock)

Do I need to remove mould from my building?

Yes, mould removal is essential for both health and property protection. Even small amounts of mould can cause respiratory problems, allergic reactions, and more serious conditions like pulmonary fibrosis with prolonged exposure.

Mould thrives in warm, damp environments and can grow virtually anywhere in your building:

• Bathrooms - showers, tubs, sinks, toilets
• Kitchen areas - refrigerators, pantries, microwaves
• Living spaces - mattresses, couches, curtains, windowsills
• Hidden areas - air ducts, vents, insulation, chimneys
• Decorative elements - indoor plants, damp furnishings

Health symptoms from mould exposure—including congestion, coughing, and sore throat—are frequently mistaken for common colds. However, these persistent symptoms often indicate a mould problem requiring attention.

Regular maintenance by professional housekeepers and periodic high-pressure cleaning services are crucial preventive measures against mould growth. These professionals can access hard-to-reach areas and apply specialized techniques to eliminate mould and prevent future outbreaks.

Questions to ask before hiring a mould removal professional

When it comes to hiring a professional for mould remediation and removal services, there are some questions you should ask before they get started:

• Are they licensed mould remediation contractors?

• Are they certified to remove mould?

• Are they insured?

• Do they provide written estimates?

• Where do they put the waste?

• What products do you use?

Be sure to find out if they’re specialised, as they have the necessary training and expertise to remove the fungi from your home or workplace. It also guarantees that they are trained in removing and identifying any health risks. 

Getting ready to hire a mould removalist

Don't let mould compromise your health and home any longer. With Airtasker, finding qualified specialists is simple and convenient—just post your job, compare offers, and choose a verified professional who meets your needs and budget. 

Take the first step toward a healthier living environment today by booking a mould removal service through Airtasker’s trusted platform.