Cleaning limits
Lead dust and mold: where a cleaner's job stops
Some messes are not a regular cleaning job. I sort out two before I book: dust from renovation in an older home, and mold.
Renovation dust in a pre-1978 home
Washington's lead-safe renovation rules cover target housing: homes built before 1978, except housing for older adults or people with disabilities and 0-bedroom units, unless a child under six lives or is expected to live there. (WAC 365-230-020, read Oct 19, 2026)
A firm paid to renovate that housing must be certified by the state first, and the firm certification lasts five years. (WAC 365-230-360, read Oct 19, 2026)
The renovation firm contains the dust. Inside, it covers the floor six feet past the work area or farther, and its warning signs stay up until cleaning verification is done. (WAC 365-230-330, read Oct 19, 2026)
So post-construction dust in a pre-1978 home is the renovator's job first. I book my cleaner for after the firm finishes cleaning verification. (WAC 365-230-330, read Oct 19, 2026)
Mold
The state health department says to consider a cleaning professional for more than ten square feet of mold, and to hire a professional when the mold was touched by sewage or sits in hidden places. (WA Department of Health, read Oct 19, 2026)
If any of those apply, I say so before the visit and book a mold professional instead of a regular cleaning.
What I check before I book
- Was the home built before 1978, and was there recent renovation? (WAC 365-230-020, read Oct 19, 2026)
- Has the renovation firm finished its cleaning verification?
- Is there mold over ten square feet, near sewage, or in hidden spots?
Next
For the interview, use questions to ask a house cleaner.
Sources
We read each source on October 19, 2026. Rules and prices change, so check the linked page before you rely on a number.
Written by the Puget Sound Residential Cleaners team. We list businesses; we do not employ, bond or insure them. Spot a mistake? Use the claim page to tell us.