How to Get Rid of Black Mold on Walls
Since black mold can trigger respiratory issues, it’s important to wear a mask, rubber gloves and eye protection when handling or cleaning the spores. You should also open venting fans and windows to improve ventilation while working.
If you notice black mold on walls, take action immediately. The longer the spores remain, the more they spread. Disinfect the affected surfaces using distilled white vinegar, hydrogen peroxide or bleach.
Remove the Stains
Drywall and wood are the most common areas of black mold growth. When drywall or wood gets wet, mold spores are immediately present and start growing. Before you know it, the affected wall is covered with visible splotches of black mold.
Homeowners can often remove surface mold from drywall or wood with a bit of elbow grease and a good mold stain cleaner. For example, a solution of one part bleach and three parts water works well to scrub away surface mold.
If you see a lot of black mold in a small area or the affected drywall is crumbling or bowed, it’s best to call in a professional mold remediation service. They can cut out the contaminated drywall and inspect the back to make sure no mold is in the wall framing.
If there is, they can treat and rebuild the area with new drywall, insulation, and a fungicidal primer to prevent mold from returning. They can also make sure that the underlying problem—like a leaking ceiling or elevated indoor humidity—is fixed to prevent future mold problems.
Clean the Surface
It’s important to wear a face mask and rubber gloves when working with bleach or commercial mold-killing chemicals. You also need to improve ventilation by opening windows and using a circulating fan in the room where you’re cleaning. It’s best to work on a section of the wall at a time, starting from the bottom and working your way up, so you don’t oversaturate the drywall and create more problems.
If you don’t want to use harsh chemicals, you can try a variety of homemade cleaners. Vinegar, for example, will remove the stain from a black mold wall and kill surface spores. If your mold growth is caused by water damage, you can even find fungicidal primers that will create a protective coating and prevent further recurrence. But before you start cleaning, find out why your drywall is wet and address the problem. Otherwise, the mold will just grow back. Fortunately, it’s easy to spot a black mold infestation by observing surface staining and the musty smell.
Let the Surface Dry
Although some people paint over mold spots, this isn’t a good idea. Once the spores penetrate the surface of your walls and absorb into the porous materials that make up drywall, they’ll continue to grow even after you remove the spot.
Once you’ve removed the contaminated drywall, it’s important to let your home’s surfaces dry completely. This will prevent mold from returning to your walls and help the structure of your home remain sound.
Depending on the type of mold you’re dealing with, you may need to use dehumidifiers and fans in order to get your home completely dry. Once you’ve inspected the walls and determined that they are dry, repaint the surface with a mildew-resistant paint like Kilz. This will also help stop future stains from occurring. Be sure to use a mold-resistant primer to ensure that your paint won’t support the growth of new mold spots.
Inspect for Further Stains
If black mold spores come into contact with damp walls, they can start to grow within 24 hours. After a few days the spores become visible and can be seen as dark spots or patches. These spots are a good indicator that there is a larger problem. Other indicators include musty odors, sneezing and itchy eyes.
Mold spores can also make you feel sick, especially if your immune system is weakened. If you have allergies, asthma or other respiratory conditions, it’s a good idea to hire a professional for mold remediation.
To clean a wall with black mold stains, first protect yourself from the spores by wearing a mask, goggles and rubber gloves that extend to your elbow. Next, cover any vents in the room and direct fans at the affected area to help the wall dry quickly. Finally, scrub the surface using a nontoxic cleaning solution. Home improvement expert Bob Vila recommends a mix of five parts distilled white vinegar to one part water and baking soda.
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