Clear loose items from the rooms being treated, take down curtains and blinds near the work, switch off TVs and computers but leave the main power on, and tell the team about babies, pets or anyone sensitive before the visit. If ULV fogging is part of the job, plan to be out for at least two hours afterwards. Your written quote sets the areas, the work and the dates.
Before the visit: tell the team who lives there
Mention babies, pregnancy, pets or health sensitivities before booking, so the method, products and timing can be planned around them. Questions worth asking: which products will be used in each room, how long people and pets should stay out, and how the room should be ventilated afterwards. Our low chemical mould removal page explains the options.
Clear the treatment area
Four's terms and conditions make this the client's job: "All loose items should be kept in cabinets or removed." Pack ornaments, toys, food, clothes and bedding away from the rooms being treated.
If you ask the team to help move furniture, the terms say Four is not liable for any damage, and no discount applies if an area is left untreated because it was blocked. If the wall behind a wardrobe or bed is hard to reach, say so when you book.
Curtains, blinds and electronics
- Take down curtains and blinds near the treatment area before the visit. If they are built in, the team works carefully around them, but the terms accept no liability for staining or incidental damage.
- Switch off TVs, computers and audio equipment in the treatment areas.
- Do not switch off the main power. The team's equipment needs it.
Wardrobes and hidden areas
Mould inside wall cavities, behind false ceiling panels or behind permanent fixtures is not part of a standard job unless your quote includes it. Ask whether built in wardrobes and cabinets need emptying, and which surfaces inside them will be treated.
On the day
Furniture, flooring and surrounding areas are protected before work begins. Customers describe the same:
“house items are properly covered before anti mould chemical & paint works.”
Tian Yang Chua, Google review · July 2026
“They helped to put the plastics for our furnitures and floor to minimise any mess or damage to our furniture.”
Suraiyah Parveen, Google review · May 2021
After the treatment or fogging, surfaces may feel slippery or carry a light residue for a while. The terms say this can be wiped clean.
If nobody can be home, agree the key handover early. One customer on shift work described the team collecting the house keys early in the morning:
“...to get my house keys very early in the morning on 2 of the 3 days that I was on morning shift.”
Nadiah Rashid, Google review · June 2026
Do you need to move out?
For most surface treatments you do not. ULV fogging is an optional add on, and Four's terms say clients must vacate the premises for at least 2 hours afterwards so the treatment can settle. Some families choose to stay elsewhere for longer while treatment and repainting are done:
“My family moved out for a week.”
Perry, Google review · January 2024
How long it takes
Most residential jobs are completed in a single visit. Larger or more severe cases may need more time or a follow up. Customers' jobs have varied:
“...treating hidden mold in our apartment through a three day remediation.”
Dea, Google review · August 2026
“...a tiring 3 step process which took an entire day, 12 hours odd, to be exact.”
Sharon Ler, Google review · June 2020, a booklice job across ceilings and walls
Your quote should state the dates for your job.
Rain and rescheduling
Four's terms list weather among the things that can delay a job, and customers have seen it happen:
“Had to reschedule twice due to rain but the follow up and friendliness was tip top.”
Kamariah Yahya, Google review · July 2025
“It rained heavily that week and we were concerned the chemical solution wouldn’t dry in time for painting and so on.”
Perry, Google review · January 2024
If you need to move the date yourself, tell the team early. The terms deduct a $100 administrative fee for rescheduling with less than 24 hours' notice.
What the painting prep covers
Anti mould paint goes onto the existing surface after the mould is removed. The terms say minor hairline cracks and nail holes are patched as standard prep, the paint will not fix underlying structural imperfections, and extensive replastering is charged separately, typically $80 to $150 per affected area. The default is a Nippon odourless anti mould paint in white. Other brands, tinting and a sealer can cost extra. The anti mould paint guide explains what the paint can and cannot do.
After the work
Mould can return if the damp stays. The terms exclude warranty cover for leaks, high condensation, moisture readings above 16%, and repainting or tampering with the treated surface, so leave treated walls as they are.
Checklist
- Tell the team who lives there.
- Clear loose items; ask about wardrobes.
- Take down curtains and blinds near the work.
- Switch off electronics; keep the main power on.
- Arrange keys and access.
- Check the quote for areas, dates and paint.
Send your questions on WhatsApp before the day, or see how mould removal works.
Message Four Solutions on WhatsApp with your questions before the visit.
Quotes are copied from Google reviews; an ellipsis marks where a review was shortened. Your own scope and schedule are set by your written quote.
Preparing for mould removal FAQs
Do I need to move out for mould removal?
For most surface treatments, no. If ULV fogging is used, Four's terms ask you to vacate the premises for at least 2 hours afterwards.
Should I clean the mould before the team arrives?
No. Do not touch or scrub growth or a damaged surface yourself. The team needs to see it to plan the treatment.
What if it rains on the day?
Weather is one of the reasons the terms give for a possible delay. The team will contact you if your date needs to move.