Mold is a common problem in many homes, and it can be difficult to get rid of. If you're dealing with a mold problem on your walls, you may be wondering what the best way to remove it is. Fortunately, there are several methods you can use to get rid of mold from walls. According to Sherwin-Williams, the best way to remove mold from walls is to use a mixture of one part bleach and three parts water.
If you don't want to use bleach, vinegar, borax, or branded products from a hardware store or home center can also be effective. For surface stains, bleach is the best option, but if you need to clean more deeply, white vinegar is the best choice. You can also find commercial cleaners with ingredients such as bleach, ammonia, and borax. Be sure to follow the instructions on the package carefully to control fumes and exposure. While it's natural to panic at the thought of a mold problem, most cases of mold on drywall can be solved without professional help.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), homeowners can remove mold from drywall under 10 square feet. Larger infestations may require professional assistance. Contrary to popular belief, bleach isn't always effective at killing mold. It can kill surface spores, but it won't attack the roots much. Once the spores have been removed and the residue removed, the next step is to let the wall dry.
Install a box fan and point it directly at the wall and let it run for 24 hours to ensure that the wall dries completely. After 24 hours, you may notice some discoloration on the drywall. Most of the time, this discoloration is simply a stain that is easy to handle, not one that will reform the mold. To prevent this from happening again, you can use an anti-mold primer like Zinsser's product. These primers create a protective fungicidal layer that can cover stains and kill stubborn spores. Whenever you see any sign of mold stains, take action immediately.
If test results are positive for mold growth, follow the methods described above to get rid of mold stains and mildew on walls. If you decide to remove mold from drywall yourself, you'll first have to handle the spores on the surface. You can remove mold from surfaces and keep it away forever with removal and prevention measures such as those described above. In some cases, it may be necessary to remove the drywall, remove the mold from the lower frame, let it dry and start from scratch. After cleaning the mold, you can apply mildew-resistant paint but simply painting over the mold won't get rid of it. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), black mold requires consistent moisture to grow, not just intermittent moisture from showers or other sources.
Shower tiles and grout can be difficult areas to keep free from mold because of their humid and warm conditions. You can use products like bleach or vinegar to remove mold from walls without damaging washable paint or wallpaper, textured ceilings, carpets and washable fabrics. If a home inspector finds a mold problem, the seller must have it removed or grant a credit on the price of the home. Learn about the signs of mold growth and get rid of it with homemade mold sprays that you can prepare with common household ingredients. It's also best to use eye protection such as protective goggles when removing mold from ceilings or elevated areas. If you live in a motorhome or other small space where moisture accumulates easily, keep an eye out for signs of mold growth in closets or other areas where items are stored against walls. Keeping rooms in your home such as bathrooms dry and cool can help prevent mold growth but despite your best efforts, it may still appear in unwanted places. Following these steps will help you get rid of mold from drywall surfaces and prevent it from growing back.
With proper removal and prevention measures in place, you can keep your home free from unwanted mold.
