Clean Walls Clean Home
If you notice signs of mold growth on the walls of your home, youll need to take action before it spreads. It can potentially cause health and structural problems to your property.
The most important thing to do is fix the problems source to prevent mold growth. Then, depending on the size of the affected area, you can either clean the mold yourself or hire a professional.
Removing small patches of mold yourself is relatively easy. You can use readily available products such as borax, vinegar, baking soda, tea tree oil, bleach, and hydrogen peroxide. But, if mold covers a substantial area of a wall, you should seek expert help immediately.
Keep Mold Off Household Plants
Treehugger / Christian Yonkers
They’re beautiful and help keep your indoor air clean and mold loves them. The moist soil in indoor plants is a perfect breeding ground for mold, which may then spread to other areas of your house. Instead of getting rid of your plants, try adding a bit of Taheebo tea to the water you give to your houseplants. The oil of this tree, which withstands fungi even in rain forests, helps hinder mold growth in plant soil and can be found at natural food stores.
How To Remove Mold From Concrete Walls
- Fill a bucket with 1-gallon of warm water and add ½ cup of liquid laundry detergent.
- Dip a scrub brush or a push broom into the cleaning solution and scrub the concrete to remove it.
- Rinse the concrete wall with a garden hose and allow it to air dry.
- Empty the bucket and fill with a mixture of 1-gallon warm water and ¼ cup of bleach.
- Apply to the concrete with a sponge or sponge mop and allow to sit for 20-30 minutes.
- Rinse completely and allow to air dry.
Don’t Miss: Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Mold In Crawl Space
How Do You Get Rid Of Mold In The Bathroom With Vinegar
To do this, fill a spray bottle with white vinegar, spray the areas that are covered with mildew and let the white vinegar sit for a few hours. Once the vinegar has sat for a couple of hours, use a moist cloth to scrub the mildew off of broad areas and a toothbrush to remove it from hard-to-reach spaces like corners.
Is This Part Of A Home Sale
Homebuyers who request that the seller remediate the mold prior to purchasing the home usually want to see professional work. Equally importantly, they want to see an invoice reflecting that the work has been done. If you do the work yourself and it doesn’t pass the second inspection, the home sale comes to a halt until the work is complete.
You May Like: How To Remove Mold From Plastic Cutting Board
Removing Mold From Different Rooms
Some rooms are more prone to mold than others. Bathrooms are notorious for mold growth because they harbor damp, humid environments that mold loves. Less frequented rooms such as basements and attics can also suffer from mold, which can go unchecked for a long time before being noticed. Heres how to prevent mold from taking hold in each room of your property.
How To Remove Mold From Plaster
- Use a non-ammonia based soap, mixed with water
- Dip a stiff bristle brush or push broom into the cleaning solution and scrub the plaster, using a âWâ motion .
- Using a garden hose for large exterior walls or a sponge for smaller interior walls, thoroughly rinse the wall.
- Allow exterior walls to air dry and use a large bath towel to dry interior walls.
Recommended Reading: How To Remove Mold From Wood Walls
Hiring A Mold Removal Expert
The EPA advises that if you have significant mold on the walls of your home, you should hire an expert to remove it. However, they state that you must ensure the contractor is certified, insured, and trained specifically in mold remediation.
Mold removal professionals will follow a remediation procedure. Typically, theyll start by identifying the mold by collecting samples and testing it. They will then assess the extent of your issue and create a plan to remove mold from your property completely.
Next, theyll begin the mold removal process. Finally, they will carry out tests and issue a clearance report.
Preventing Moisture In Homes Causing Mold
Now you know that condensation in the home is what is causing mold to form on your walls.
But, how do you prevent that moisture in your home and the mold from forming?
The best way to prevent that moisture on interior walls is to stop the outdoor temperature from meeting your indoor air. You can do this by adding insulation in your walls that acts as an air barrier.
Creating an air seal in your exterior walls, like with injection foam insulation, will stop air movement into and out of your home. It will prevent the extreme hot or cold outdoor temperatures from meeting with your conditioned air in the wall cavity and forming condensation.
Think of a pop can when you pull it out of a cooler on a hot summer day. The can starts to sweat because the soda inside is cold and the air outside is hot. This is essentially what happens in your walls when those two temperatures meet.
When the condensation starts to form, it clings to your drywall and the old traditional insulation you may have in the wall cavity. This becomes a breeding ground for the mold.
Creating the air barrier I mentioned above prevents this from happening, keeping your home happy and healthy.
You May Like: Is It Bad To Breathe In Mold
How Do You Know If You Have Mold Inside Walls
You should suspect mold in your walls if:
- There is a significant amount of wall mold on the outside of your walls.
- There has been flooding or other significant water damage in the home.
- You smell a definite musty odor in the room but cant see any mold .
The only way to know for sure if there is mold in walls is to look. Cut 12 inch by 12 inch inspection holes with a drywall saw every four feet, remove any insulation, and use a mirror and flashlight to inspect the inside of the walls.
You can also call in a certified mold tester to inspect your home and test different areas for the presence of mold. Certified mold testers are usually engineers and they know how and where to look for mold. They will make sure you dont overlook any hidden mold in the home. To find certified mold testers in your area, follow the link.
Vinegar Is Less Harsh Than Bleach
Bleach is caustic and can cause eye, skin and respiratory irritation, even when diluted. Vinegar is a mild solution of acetic acid in water that is less likely to cause irritation or wear down wall surfaces.
Vinegar has a pungent sour odor immediately after application. If you want to mask the smell of vinegar, consider adding a few drops of essential oil to a cleaning solution. Many people prefer to use citrus essential oils for this purpose.
You should still wear personal protective equipment, such as gloves, when working with vinegar. A mold-rated mask or respirator can also provide protection from fumes as well as spores, microbial volatile organic compounds and mycotoxins.
Keep in mind that any cleaning solution can cause a chemical reaction that discolors or causes the premature wear of wall finishes. For this reason, you may want to test full-strength or diluted vinegar cleaning solutions in a small area that is unlikely to draw notice. If vinegar kills the mold to which it is applied while preserving the appearance of the wall underneath, it should be effective for a full mold cleanup.
Should full-strength white vinegar also be too harsh for cleaning certain wall materials, consider a diluted mixture of one part vinegar to two parts water, a solution of one cup of Borax or baking soda dissolved in one gallon of water or a mixture of one part hydrogen peroxide to two parts water.
Also Check: How To Determine If You Have Black Mold
Equip Your Home With Mold
Building a new home or renovating an old one? Use mold-resistant products like mold-resistant drywall or mold-resistant Sheetrock, and mold inhibitors for paints. Traditional drywall is composed of a gypsum plaster core pressed between plies of paper. Mold-resistant drywall is paperless the gypsum core is covered in fiberglass, making the surface highly water-resistant. Moisture-resistant drywall is especially valuable in areas prone to wetness, such as bathrooms, laundry rooms, basements, and kitchens. Not only is traditional drywall more susceptible to mold than the paperless kind, but it is also difficult to rid of mold, and removal and replacement can be expensive. Mold-resistant gypsum board is also available the core of the drywall is developed in such a way to prevent moisture absorption, and thus prevent mold growth.
Limit Your Exposure To Mold
Its important to limit your exposure to mold and mold spores. Keep them out of your eyes and try not to inhale any.
- Wear a mask or an N-95 respirator to avoid inhaling mold.
- Wear gloves that extend to the middle of your forearm. If youre just using water and a mild detergent, household rubber gloves work fine.
- Wear goggles that dont have ventilation holes to avoid getting mold or spores in your eyes.
Recommended Reading: How To Clean Mold Off Wood Floor
Can You Get Rid Of Mold
Mix two parts of baking soda with one part of white vinegar with water to remove the Mold effectively. Combine the ingredients in a large mixing bowl and stir until thick paste forms. Allow drying after carefully applying the mixture to the surface. Wipe away black Mold and spots using a damp cloth. Many choose vinegar over bleach or other chemicals because it is 100% natural and safe.
How To Clean Mold From Front Load Washer Gasket
Your washing machine can be a haven for mold, and the front load gasket is usually the first place it appears. Prevention is better than cure, so try to reduce the risk of mold by wiping the gasket between loads to keep it clean and dry. Use a 50/50 solution of white vinegar and hydrogen peroxide to clean the gasket on a regular basis to remove mold and prevent it from returning.
Related: How to clean your washing machine
Read Also: How To Test For Mold Illness
How To Get Rid Of Mold In A Basement
Mold needs damp surfaces and organic matter two things most basements have in abundance. If your basement isnt finished, or is rarely used, mold can be especially problematic. The first thing you should do is try to remove as much moisture as possible and prevent it from building up again. That means checking on seals, insulating pipes, and fixing leaks. Consider running a dehumidifier or fan on a regular basis to keep the air moving and prevent condensation from forming, and dont overlook the importance of knowing whats going on. Checking on the condition of a basement and looking for mold growth, especially in the corners of the walls and floor, will help you stay on top of any problems.
How To Remove Mold From Painted Walls With Or Without Bleach
Some swear by bleach for many cleaning jobs around the home including mold removal but where possible we try to keep things as natural as possible. Otero suggests using a regular household detergent instead:
‘Dry the affected surface and scrub the walls using a mixture of household detergent and water , and then dry the surface as thoroughly as possible try not to leave any moisture behind.’
Pace recommends bleach for a quicker option but says you can still use detergent if you prefer, ‘It’s best to take down the paint, although if you have an acrylic wall, you can place a solution of bleach and water over it to kill the mold. You can also use a mixture of detergent with water to remove mold from painted walls, although it might take more time.’
Masson comments, ”The most natural way to remove mold from walls is with a mixture of water and detergent, although if your major goal is to get rid of the mold, bleach will be a more effective weapon because it kills mold. If you have to choose between naturalness and effectiveness, go with the latter.’
If you are using bleach to remove the mold from the walls, wear gloves and a mask if possible. Then start by making a solution of one part bleach to three parts water, or use a household bleach spray. Apply to the mold, scrub with a stiff brush, rinse and dry. Repeat if necessary.
Don’t Miss: How To Clean Mold From Air Conditioner
Will Mold On Walls Just Go Away
According to Otero, ‘One misconception is that mold dies once the structure is dry and goes away.. That is incorrect. When mold growth is dried, it goes into a dormant state. This means that mold goes into a state of just being there, waiting for water or moisture to return. Mold will not just go away on its own thus, it is important to take proper steps by calling in the professionals who will inform you of what kind of mold it is and how to remediate it.’
Mason agrees, ‘Mold on walls isn’t going to go away by itself. You have to remove it if you want to prevent more mold from growing. Even if you have a mold problem in multiple rooms, you need to deal with it in order.’
How To Get Rid Of Mould And Mildew On Walls
Mildew and black mould on walls is not only unsightly â it can also be harmful to your health. Fortunately there are ways to stop mould on walls and keep your home healthy. Read on for handy hints on how to clean mould â and keep it from coming back!
Mould and mildew are the bane of most households, but luckily, itâs possible to use everyday cleaning products to banish and prevent mould from creeping back in again. Mildew, whether on walls or other surfaces, like floors or carpets, is not great news for your health, so itâs also really important to tackle the root cause. Read on for a quick, 3-step guide on how to get rid of mould on walls in your home.
Read Also: How To Clean Mold Off Bathroom Ceiling
How To Prevent Mold From Growing On Walls
The most common causes of mold growing on walls include:
Moreover, we can also thank:
We explained humidity above, so it is time to devote a word or two to other two most common mold causes.
Condensation forms when water vapor in the air meets cold surface and cools to become liquid. With enough moisture and an organic food source, you can see mold developing on your walls. The same goes for water leaks leaking pipes near or inside the wall can lead to excess moisture, which in turn will cause mold to grow.
Signs Of Mold On Walls
Mold can grow anywhere along an interior wall. But youre likely to see it near the ceiling or floor or along the edges of the baseboard trim. Its most common in bathrooms, although it can also affect kitchens, laundry rooms, basements, and other poorly ventilated rooms.
Obvious signs that you have a mold problem in your home include:
- A musty or damp smell.
- Cracked and peeling paint.
- Visible mold growth on your walls or ceiling.
- Allergy symptoms worsened by being indoors.
If you dont remove the mold immediately, it will spread. It can become potentially dangerous to your property and your health.
Studies have shown that mold exposure can cause allergic reactions and poor health. You may experience a runny nose, irritated eyes, and breathing difficulties . Therefore, its essential to take action as soon as you notice any signs of mold.
Also Check: How To Clean Mold On Refrigerator Seal
Use Grapefruit Seed Extract
The grapefruit seed extract is another very effective natural fungicide. The citric acid in grapefruit naturally kills molds. It also acts as a disinfectant and deodorant.
Make a solution in a spray bottle at the rate of 10 drops of grapefruit seed extract in a glass of water. Shake the bottle to mix well and spray on the affected area. After a few minutes, wipe off the Mold and wipe dry with a clean cloth. The contact of the grapefruit seed extract with the Mold will kill it and prevent the Mold from growing back. You can repeat this process every two or three days to keep it from growing back.
Vinegar Kills Mold Growing On Porous Surfaces
Porous building materials, such as drywall and insulation, absorb moisture. When high humidity levels or water from a leak persist, any organic materials, such as built-up dirt and dust or even cellulose used in building materials, can provide mold with the nourishment it needs to grow.
When you bleach porous materials, the chlorine stays on the surface. The water in bleach solutions sinks in and can contribute to regrowth. For this reason, acidic or alkaline cleaning agents that get absorbed are more effective.
Most mold cleaning experts recommend pouring full-strength vinegar into a spray bottle and applying directly to mold growing on walls. Acetic acid will kill mold on the surface and get absorbed into materials to eliminate the mycelium.
Allow vinegar to remain on a moldy wall for two hours before scrubbing the surface with a stiff-bristled brush. Wipe down the wall and wait for it to dry. It may be beneficial to speed up this process by running new fans unexposed to spores or a dehumidifier to draw out moisture. Check treated surfaces over the following days for any traces of recurring growth.
If more bubbling or scrubbing action would be helpful for eradicating stubborn mold, consider following an application of vinegar to walls with a paste of baking soda and water. You can also mix one-half cup of Borax or sodium borate powder with one-half cup of white vinegar and one cup of water.
You May Like: How To Treat Surface Mold On Drywall
