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Seeing mold growth on the walls in your home can be disturbing. Most homeowners worry that the mold infestation could affect their health or cause structural damage, which certainly may be true depending on what type of mold it is, but that’s not always the case.
In many cases, you can kill mold on drywall and other surfaces yourself, and it’s important to do so as quickly as possible, as mold spores can cause skin and eye irritation and respiratory problems.
The only way to identify the type of mold is to have a professional restoration contractor test it. Some forms of mold are toxic, some are more aggressive than others and some may only cause a cosmetic issue.
The most common types or groups of indoor or outdoor mold — which present varying degrees of residential damage or health-related consequences — include:
When it’s along a wall, mold is most often found either near the ceiling, near the floor or along the baseboards.
The following are some of the steps you should take to kill mold on drywall:
If you are confident that you can clean your walls on your own, you will need the following supplies before you get started:
Begin by ventilating the space by opening windows and/or turning on a fan, and use the tape/plastic sheeting to isolate affected areas as necessary.
Options for solutions to apply to the walls include undiluted white vinegar, mold remover or a water-and-bleach mixture.
If you choose bleach, mix one cup of bleach with one gallon of water. However, bleach will not penetrate the walls to get to the source of the infestation, so the mold may grow again quickly. Vinegar is more likely to get into the walls and kill the source of the mold, while also not damaging your drywall when treated properly.
Once you have chosen a solution, spray it onto the wall and then use a soft brush or sponge to gently scrub the mold off the surface. Be careful not to damage the walls, and don’t touch the mold with bare hands. Avoid touching your eyes or any other area of your face. Be sure to wear a mask as well to prevent inhaling the mold spores.
Then, use the paper towel or dry cloth to dry the area, which is important to prevent damage to the wall and to keep mold from growing back. Couple this with using a fan or dehumidifier afterward to more thoroughly dry the area.
Afterward, you should also vacuum or mop the floors, polish mirrors and clean and sanitize countertops and items on countertops to remove any remaining mold spores.
To prevent future growth, be sure to fix any leaks or water issues promptly and ensure good ventilation in the area. If there are no windows in the room, consider installing an exhaust fan to reduce humidity or a decorative ceiling fan for circulation. You may also wish to invest in a dehumidifier for the home, especially in damp areas such as the basement.
Even if you are confident that you know how to kill mold on drywall, it’s still a messy and potentially dangerous process. You also can’t be sure what type of mold you are dealing with, so it’s important to get it tested. If you have any questions or need our help for mold testing and remediation, contact us by sending us a message through our website or calling 260-217-0295.