How To Remove Mold On Drywall
If you notice mold on a drywall surface in your home, try not to panic. The truth is that mold can happen anywhere and in any home. All it needs to grow is a source of moisture and an organic food source, and drywall can be an all-you-can-eat buffet. Read these steps on how to safely remove mold from your drywall.
Mold spores are everywhere. They float through the air and can settle on any surface. If that surface is damp and theres a food source present, mold will grow.
The paper face on a damp sheet of drywall can be the perfect food source for a spore to dig into. Before long, the mold can multiply and spread across the entire wall and into the wall cavity, feeding on wood framing and flooring.
While its hard not to panic at the thought of a mold problem, you can handle most drywall mold scenarios on your own. According to the EPA, homeowners can remove mold on drywall under 10 square feet. Larger infestations might require a pro.
Mold Removal Using Bleach
Bleach kills virtually every species of indoor mold that it comes into contact with including mold spores which leaves a sanitized surface making it resistant to future mold growth. However, bleach is only effective if the mold is growing on non-porous materials such as tiles, bathrubs, glass and countertops.
Bleach is unable to penetrate into porous materials such as wood and drywall which means it cannot get rid of mold growing beneath the surface of these materials. If you use bleach to kill mold on these surfaces it will only kill the mold above the surface. It will be unable to reach the mold within the material and the mold will soon return.
Bleach is a harsh, corrosive chemical which means it can damage the materials it is used on. It also gives off harsh fumes and produces toxic gases when mixed with ammonia. There are safer alternatives such as borax or vinegar which dont produce the dangerous fumes or leave behind toxic residue.
How to Kill Mold Using Bleach
Common Questions About Odor Control And Air Quality
A: Yes. Mold and bacterial based odors are treated by removing the source. If the mold and bacteria are eliminated, there will not be any new odor generated. Other odors are treated at the source with our odor neutralizer at the molecular level. Our product creates an irreversible bond to the malodor molecules, thereby instantly and permanently changing the particles chemical structure, so they no longer have an odorous property. The result is cleaner, fresher air. Green Home Solutions uses only planet-friendly products so that you will be able to breathe easier.
A: Yes and no. Our odor service can remove the odors in your apartment, but because the odor is emanating from the apartment below, we cannot control the source.
A: We would not recommend any product be applied to areas that contain food. However, if the food was removed, the cabinets could be treated. As with any type of cleaning product, it is always advisable that dishes, glasses, utensils, food prep surfaces and the like be washed and rinsed prior to use.
You May Like: How Long Does It Take For Mold To Go Away
Getting Rid Of Mold With Grapefruit Seed Extract
Grapefruit seed extract is an effective natural mold killer. It has almost no odor and you can buy it from most health food stores. The citric acid from the grapefruit attacks the mold. It also disinfects the area and deodorizes the area.
How To Clean Mold Off Leather
Leather might be a luxury product, but its extremely susceptible to mold growth. However if you discover mold on your recliner or favorite boots, all is not lost. Heres how to clean the mold and stop it from coming back.
Youll need:
Soapy water or leather cleaner
Soft cloth
Method:
Step 1: Place the leather somewhere warm and allow it to dry completely. This will make removing mold easier.
Step 2: Using a damp cloth, wipe down the leather to remove the mold.
Step 3: Clean the leather using a leather cleaner or a mild soap such as baby shampoo.
Step 4: Carry out regular cleaning and maintenance to prevent mold returning.
Mold can quickly take hold of leather products and cause a lot of damage, from discoloration to reducing the leathers lifespan. Adding to the problem, you cannot use detergents or bleach on leather, as they will also cause damage. Therefore treating leather items regularly with specialized cleaners and keeping them dry is the best defence against mold growth.
Pro Tip: If you dont have a leather cleaner on hand, alcohol might help. Surprisingly, alcohol does kill mold and its particularly effective on leather. However, always spot-check any cleaner before you use it!
Also Check: How To Get Rid Of Black Mold In House
Removing Mold Off Painted Walls
This cleaning solution is ideal for cleaning interior walls without damaging the paint surface, and you can also use it for cleaning vinyl siding.
For cleaning mold with vinegar, fill a bottle with vinegar and label it. Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to mask the vinegar smell and make the bathroom smell fresh. Citrus oils or lavender are great choices.
Liberally spray the moldy area on the wall and grout. Use a scrub brush to remove the mold from the wall and a toothbrush to clean the grout.
For stubborn mold or to clean paint off vinyl siding, try applying some baking soda or Borax to the stain while scrubbing. Clean the spot thoroughly with fresh water and dry with a towel.
Vinegar can also be beneficial for removing wallpaper glue from plaster walls.
Hire A Regular Cleaning Service
Regular cleaning helps prevent a buildup of stubborn mold and other stains. Signature Maids offers affordable cleaning services for your home or office. Our deep cleaning helps to prevent the development of mold, allergens and other toxic intruders. Contact us today to learn more and receive a free quote.
Recent Posts
You May Like: Does Black Mold Give You Headaches
Is It Bad To Have Mold On Walls
Some surface mold can be easily cleaned but it is important to identify the cause of the problem and to act fast as mold on the walls isn’t good for your health or your home. Matt Kunz, President of Five Star Painting , a Neighborly company Kunz also recommends calling in a professional if you’re dealing with an area larger than 10 square feet.
Mason comments, ‘If you have a black mold problem, you need to hire a professional who can test what you’re dealing with. If the mold is black and it’s toxic, you’ll need to remove everything that was affected, including drywall.’
Otero adds, ‘If you believe that there might be black mold on your walls or ceilings, its important to check for signs of discoloration, moisture issues, and other changes in the structure of surfaces before taking any action. Have a restoration specialist come in and inspect the situation. If you have mold, it could be that water has come into the building, which could have come from a small leak in the wall, or the floor where water has migrated up the wall. You could also have a small roof leak, and when there is moisture and drywall, the potential for microbial growth life can exist. It is recommended to get an inspection as soon as possible,’
How To Get Rid Of And Prevent Bathroom Mold
Learn how to remove and prevent mold from growing in your bathroom in the future.
Mold is infamous for producing spores that, when inhaled, can cause anything from rashes to headaches to respiratory problems. At-risk groups such as the very young or old and people with compromised immune systems, mold sensitivities and allergies, or asthma can have serious reactions to mold.
Don’t Miss: How To Remove Mold From Cabinets
When To Consult A Mold Remediation Expert
Most types of mold spores multiply within 48 to 72 hours of moisture, and black mold becomes more of a possibility the longer water damage remains, usually after 7 to 10 days. So, if you have an area that has been damp or wet for a period of more than a few days, itâs best to consult with an expert in mold remediation for professional services. You should also call mold remediation experts if the mold covers areas of 10 square feet or more, if it is in hard to reach places or reappears after your cleaning efforts.
Removing Mold From Finished Walls
Also Check: How To Treat Mold In The Body
Gather Equipment And Prep For Safety
Your cleaning and safety gear should be gathered first.
Those who are sensitive to mold may get asthma and other allergic symptoms as a result of exposure. Avoiding this activity is preferable for those persons.
Protective Gear
Gloves, a N95 dust mask, and safety glasses are all necessary pieces of safety gear.
Mold spores can get on your clothing, so wear a Tyvex suit to keep them from contaminating your clothing.
The Equipment Youll Need to Remove Mold
- A scrub brush is used to remove dirt and grime
- The best spray bottle for the job.
- Dishwashing liquid from Dawn
- RMR-86, OxiClean, or Hydrogen peroxide sanitizers, for example
- shop vacuum with a HEPA filtration system
The mold can be cleaned with a variety of different products.
When it comes to general cleaning, hydrogen peroxide or OxiClean can be used. Use a scrub brush to get the dirt out of the carpet.
If you want a thorough cleaning, you can use the same products that the pros use. This formula does not need to be scrubbed.
The RMR-86 spray bottle can be used for tiny moldy areas.
The 2.5 gallon quantity can be used with a garden pump sprayer or a professional spray bottle for large moldy areas.
How To Clean Mold And Mildew Off Painted Walls
Related Articles
Mold and mildew – a form of mold in its early stages – grow easily in damp, warm and humid or water-damaged areas. Not only are mold and mildew unsightly, but certain strains can cause allergies and serious respiratory conditions along with the damage they can cause to your walls. Safely clean and disinfect painted walls with common household supplies such as detergent and bleach.
Recommended Reading: How To Become Certified In Mold Remediation
Is Cleaning Mold Dangerous
The majority of mold growing in a house with damp issues will be black mold. Whilst black mold itself is not toxic, it may produce mycotoxins which can be harmful when breathed in.
If the area is damp and cold rather than damp and warm, like a basement, then you are likely to see white mold. Blue and green mold can occur in warm damp corners, such as a bathroom where the steam builds up but has no means to escape.
When you clean mold, you have to disturb it by scrubbing it. This means that it is broken into smaller particles and can easily be inhaled. You could end up feeling unwell if you dont take the necessary precautions.
Try to ventilate the area that you are cleaning by opening a window. You should also wear a mask if possible, to reduce the number of mold particles that you are breathing in as you clean.
What Is Black Mold
Black mold is often found inside houses with excessive moisture damage to wallboard and other surfaces. Much is made of this type of molds toxicity but the mold itself isnt harmful. It does however have the potential to produce mycotoxins that can cause harm to people and pets, depending on the particular species of mold. A rule of thumb should be use caution when removing all molds, especially when in abundance.
Recommended Reading: How Can Mold Affect Your Health
Is It Mold Or Mildew
Mold and mildew are fungi that thrive in humid conditions with poor ventilation. The most common causes of mold and mildew on walls are condensation, humidity, and water leaks.
Mildew is gray or white with a powdery texture. You can find it lying on flat surfaces in moist areas. As mildew is a surface mold, it wont damage your propertys structure .
Mold is a fungus that spreads from airborne spores. It is usually black, yellow, or green and has a fuzzy or slimy texture. Mold can cause structural issues in your home, as well as health issues.
How To Clean Mold From Bathroom Tiles
Scrubbing with vinegar or a borax solution is a great way to clean mold from bathroom tile. For small applications, mix 2 tablespoons borax into 2 cups warm water and funnel into a spray bottle. Spray the solution on tiles and let it sit for a few minutes. As noted earlier, you can also make a large-batch tile cleaning solution with 1 cup borax and 1 gallon of warm water. Use a mop or sponge to scrub away the mold. Whether you use vinegar or borax, there is no need to rinse the solution. However, you will want to dry the floor so the moisture doesn’t encourage the mold to return.
To clean mold from bathroom tile grout, use the same borax or vinegar solution as before. Apply it directly to grout lines and let it sit. Use a toothbrush or another small bristle brush to clean mold from bathroom tile grout. For hard-to-remove stains, mix two parts baking soda with one part vinegar to form a paste. Apply it to the grout and let it sit a few minutes before scrubbing away mold. If desired, you can also use a commercial grout cleaner.
Editor’s Tip: Check your tile material before using one of these solutions. Vinegar can be damaging to some tile materials avoid if you have marble, slate, granite, or stone tiles.
Don’t Miss: How To Find Out If You Have Black Mold
Benefits Of Hiring Professional Mold Remediators
- They discover all of the mold in your place visible and hidden mold
- They have the proper equipment to remove all of the mold and mold spores in a speedy and efficient manner.
- They can find and eliminate the source of mold even in porous materials.
- They can make sure the future growth of mold is prevented.
- They repair any damage and thoroughly clean the contaminated space.
- They are quick and efficient they can also save you time and money but making sure all of the mold is removed the first time
If you have mold in your home and dont want to take the time to try and do it yourself or simply want to make sure it is done correctly the first time, give Home Healthy Homes a call for your mold remediation needs.
How To Remove Mold From Walls Using Steam
Steam can be a powerful cleaner and if often used to tackle dirty carpets and upholstery. Kaärcher boasts some of the best steam cleaners on the market and UK Retail Assistant Product Manager, James Mokler notes how ‘Steam can be used to remove mould from interior walls, however this is all very dependent on the surface itself some painted surfaces can be more sensitive than others. We’d recommend testing a small area of the wall on a low steam pressure utilising a microfiber cloth first to understand the sensitivity of the wall. After this more pressure and agitation can be used using our various accessories. Mould can easily be removed from tile grouting within the shower utilising the small bristle brush accessory.’
You May Like: How To Clean Mold From Leather Jacket
