Who should do the cleanup depends.  Consider the size of the mold problem.  If the moldy area is less than about 10 square feet (less than a 3 ft. by 3 ft. patch) you may be able to handle the job, following some guidelines below.  

1) If there has been a lot of water damage, and/or mold growth covers more than 10 square feet, consult EPA's Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings.  Although focused on schools and commercial buildings, this document is applicable to other building types.

2) If you decide to hire a contractor to do the cleanup, see if the contractor has experience cleaning up mold.  Check references and ask the contractor to follow the recommendations in EPA's Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings, the guidelines of the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygenists (ACGIH), or other guidelines from professional or government organizations. There are many companies that advertise services.

Your Heating and Air Conditioning Vents and Mold

- If you suspect that the heating/ventilation/air conditioning (HVAC) system may be contaminated with mold (it is part of an identified moisture problem, for instance, or there is mold near the intake to the system), consult EPA's guide Should You Have the Air Ducts in Your Home Cleaned? before taking further action. Do not run the HVAC system if you know or suspect that it is contaminated with mold - it could spread mold throughout the building. NOT ALL COMPANIES WILL DO ALL THE WORK.

Use the search box to find more mold information or a service in your area. Example: Texas Mold Removal or New Jersey Mold

- If the water and/or mold damage was caused by sewage or other contaminated water, then call in a professional who has experience cleaning and fixing buildings damaged by contaminated water.
 
- If you have health concerns, consult a health professional before starting cleanup.

How to Clean-up Mold?

• Fix plumbing leaks and other water problems as soon as possible.  Dry all items completely.
   

• Scrub mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water, and dry completely.
   

• Absorbent or porous materials, such as ceiling tiles and carpet, may have to be thrown away if they become moldy.  Mold can grow on or fill in the empty spaces and crevices of porous materials, so the mold may be difficult or impossible to remove completely.
   

• Avoid exposing yourself or others to mold : What to Wear When Cleaning Moldy Areas and Hidden Mold are both EPA LINKS..
   

• Do not paint or caulk moldy surfaces.  Clean up the mold and dry the surfaces before painting.  Paint applied over moldy surfaces is likely to peel. Mold will still exist and grow. Remove old caulk.
   

• If you are unsure about how to clean an item, or if the item is expensive or of sentimental value, you may wish to consult a specialist.  Specialists in furniture repair, restoration, painting, art restoration and conservation, carpet and rug cleaning, water damage, and fire or water restoration may be found on the Internet. Phone Book or use our Mold Search Tool.  
  Be sure to ask for and check references.  Look for specialists who are affiliated with professional organizations as a guide. 
  
    Search for Mold Professionals on RentLaw.com