Despite all your efforts to keep your home clean and dry, it is surprising to see moldy areas such as on your ceiling and walls. Most affected areas include bathrooms, laundry rooms, and kitchens where water is commonly used. Mold usually loves to thrive in warm, moist environments, and if neglected, it will promote future mold growth. In addition, mold spores are easily spread through the air and contribute to several respiratory issues and allergic reactions.

“How to get rid of mold on walls?”. This is often asked by many homeowners who would want to remove minor mold issues on their own. This will give them ideas on how to prevent damage to the structural integrity of their homes and preserve their health. For major mold issues, it is best to consult mold professionals.

Spot the Signs of Mold on Your Walls

Detecting the presence of mold in your home earlier will save you from a bigger mess. However, hiring a mold remediation team is necessary if mold has badly affected your home. Inspect and check your property for water damage. Then, look for these signs;

• Cracked/ peeling/sagging paint
• Discoloration
• Recurrent mold stains like black dots, streaks, or specks
• Bulging
• A musty, damp odor

A Few Safety Reminders

When removing mold from your walls in whichever way you choose, safety must always be on top of your priority. A few tips include:

• Using masks, rubber gloves, and goggles.
• Keeping the environment well-ventilated. Open windows and doors to prevent the gases from the products’ chemical reactions with spores from poisoning anyone.
• Testing the substance on a small piece of the wall before applying it to the entire surface. This allows you to see if the chemical will damage the paint.

Mold Technique for Each Type of Wall

Each type of wall has a slightly different technique for mold removal: 

1. Wallpaper

1. The best solutions for mold on the wallpaper are white vinegar, tea tree oil, or grapefruit seed extract.
2. Dip a sponge in the solution, squeeze, and test a part of the moldy area. This will avoid damaging the wallpaper.
3. Rub gently in circles to get rid of mold. Then, clean it with warm water.
4. Avoid soaking the wallpaper.

 2. Drywall

1. Though you can see surface mold only on the drywall, it has likely threaded below the surface since the drywall is porous. Avoid using bleach in porous materials because the chlorine will stay on the surface. Furthermore, the water in bleach solutions will sink in and can lead to mold growing again.
2. Try using a vinegar solution. Acidic or alkaline cleaning products that get absorbed are more effective.
3. Pour full-strength vinegar into a spray bottle and directly apply it to growing molds on walls.
4. Leave vinegar for two hours, then scrub the area with a stiff-bristled brush.
5. You can use this in black mold or any mold.
6. If the mold returns and it’s deeply rooted, consider replacing the drywall. Fortunately, mold-resistant drywall is now available.

3. Cinder Blocks

1. You must clean the wall first, then apply the cleaning solution.
2. Wipe away mold residue.
3. Apply more solution and let it sit for up to 20 minutes.
4. Make sure to dry the wall completely.

 4. Concrete

1. Both concrete and brick are porous. So vinegar or hydrogen peroxide is the best solution to kill molds, even at the roots.
2. Use a brush to scrub, and make sure to clean all of the molds.

How To Get Rid of Mold on Walls

Removing mold behind walls resembles mold treatment on wood studs and surfaces. Here are some points to remember in DiY mold removal:

• A cleaning solution must be prepared. You can get rid of molds with natural mold remover:

-white vinegar

-hydrogen peroxide
-grapefruit seed extract

-baking soda
-lemon -essential oils such as tea tree oil

***Chlorine bleach with water effectively removes mold, especially on tiled walls. However, it is a harsh product, so not everyone likes to use it.

• Use your chosen cleaner, then scrub the mold off.
• Dry the area using fans, open doors, and windows to allow air circulation.
• Use a dehumidifier to reduce moisture problems and prevent mold from coming back.
• If the mold infestation is inside the walls, you will need to hire a reputable mold remediation team, as there’s a need to knock down the walls and replace them if necessary.

Prevent Mold Regrowth

Now that you know how to remove mold on walls, it is important to learn how to prevent it from returning. Remember that the fungus can also appear in other places or anywhere.

1. Always keep the ventilation to supply air in the rooms.
2. Ensure that curtains, rugs, and other clothes are always dry and clean.
3. Do not wet furniture and walls; avoid storing moist or damp objects.
4. Keep your house always clean, reaching the least visible places.
5. Repair water leaks as soon as you identify them
6. Invest in waterproofing methods.
7. Consider using a dehumidifier.
8. Seals pipes well, such as air conditioning.
9. Perform cleaning as soon as you notice the first signs to prevent mold from spreading.
10. Do not attempt to deal with toxic black mold, especially if you have experienced extensive water damage. This will require professional treatment.

Deal With Mold Right Away

If mold has affected your home seriously and spreads over large areas such as over 10 square feet, you may need professional help like Superior Flood and Fire. The mold remediation process will be efficient, fast, and make the living environment in your home safe and fresh once again. 

For your questions, concerns, and service requests, please contact Water Damage San Jacinto. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We also offer water and fire or smoke damage cleanup and restoration services.