Tips for Removing Mold from Walls
Removing mold from walls can be a very frustrating task! Just when it seems like you've got the situation under control, the black and/or green fuzzies start spreading over the walls again. This article is going to provide you with a couple of tips to help you gain the upper hand and finally win the battle against the age-old struggle against wall mold.
This first tip for removing mold from walls is one that you might have heard of before. It calls for mixing half a cup of chlorine bleach with one third cup of laundry detergent (the powdered kind), and one gallon of hot water. Many people leave out the laundry detergent or don't add enough bleach to the mixture, which might help the problem for a bit but doesn't quite nix it. What you'll want to do is grab a pair of thick rubber gloves--the yellow kind favored for dish washing work fine--and invest in a large scrubbing sponge.
If the amount of mold on the wall is quite substantial, throw open the windows before you start so you don't breathe in the harsh and harmful fumes. Pull your gloves on and roll your sleeves up, because this is where the real work starts! Dip the scrubber into the mixture and start gently scrubbing on the affected areas. Take the time to rinse the sponge frequently with fresh water. When the entire area has been treated get a fresh sponge and wipe it down with clean water. Give the wall(s) a chance to dry before repainting (if that is your intention). I highly recommend using a paint that has anti-mildew properties.
If you have recurring mold, the best way to get rid of it for good is to find out the source of the mold and eradicate it from there. There are many reasons why mold may form. Perhaps you simply don't get enough air circulation around your house or maybe the moisture barriers in your walls are old (or non-existent!). Sometimes cracks in the walls, flooring, or ceiling can lead to mold problems, as can condensation buildup in your windows. Other good places to check for mold are the drip pan in your air conditioner as well as your laundry room. If your dryer is not properly venting the air outdoors it could be releasing an overwhelming amount of moisture into the air which then settles in the walls. Sometimes a great deal of repair work is necessary, including drywall replacement and removing siding to fit new moisture barriers into the walls.
Depending on the source of your mold problem, you might be looking at an expensive fix, but don't shrug your shoulders and let the problem go on untreated. Certain types of mold or household mildew in excessive quantities could actually pose a serious threat to your health. Difficulty or pain while breathing, coughing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and general fatigue are just a few of the symptoms that can result from a prolonged exposure to mold.
Once you have discovered and repaired the source of your mold problem, you should make it a point to thoroughly clean the entire area with the bleach/detergent/water mixture provided above. I would even go so far as to clean the surrounding area whether it looks mold-infested or not--just to be on the safe side. The best way to prevent a reoccurrence of mold is to make sure that your house has a good circulation of air that runs throughout and that you leave a little space between large pieces of furniture and the wall. Replace air filters often and have your air conditioning unit serviced regularly. Mold can inhabit the air ducts of your central heat/air, which can be very dangerous for your health.
Although it may feel overwhelming--especially if you have a large quantity of mold on your hands--removing mold from walls isn't usually an impossible scenario. More often than not the problem can be repaired and prevented. Good luck!