I Have Mold on My Walls, Now What?

No homeowner wants to come across the unsightly issue of mold growth on the walls of their home. Unfortunately, it’s a common occurrence in residences because of how easy mold colonies can develop.

Mold spores are naturally present in the air, so it’s possible for mold colonies to form at any moment so long as they have the proper conditions. For mold to grow, its spores need an organic food source and a moisture source — though moisture is the key ingredient in the process.

Oftentimes, mold uses cellulose as a food source, and the substance is found in popular building materials such as wood and drywall. This is why mold growth is so common in the aftermath of water damage.

If you come across mold on your walls, then do not hesitate to address the problem. The situation will only get worse with time, so it is imperative that you respond to the issue immediately.

Continue reading to learn about what to do when there is mold on your walls.

Prioritize Your Safety

Whenever dealing with mold, the safety of yourself and others must be prioritized.

Mold can do more than cause property damage. Mold colonies will release more spores into the air, which can then affect people’s health. People who are exposed to mold spores can experience allergy-like symptoms such as coughing and nasal congestion, but problems worsen with prolonged exposure. For example, prolonged exposure to mold can result in respiratory infections.

Because of this, be careful when cleaning mold. Protect yourself by wearing the necessary gear including eye protection, rubber gloves, and a face mask. This will limit the potential for inhaling mold spores. Additionally, consider covering your limbs in their entirety to prevent direct contact with the mold growth.

Gather the Necessary Cleaning Materials

If you’d like, there are numerous commercial cleaning products available for purchase that are designed specifically to kill mold. However, some people prefer to not use such products because of the abundance of chemicals used to create the cleaning solution. Bleach on its own can be enough to clean mold, so it isn’t necessary to use specialized products if you don’t want to.

In addition to a cleaner or bleach, you also need a sponge or scrubbing brush and a clean towel.

Clean the Affected Walls

If mold has grown on your drywall or on painted walls, then you first need to evaluate the harm. This will determine whether the mold can be cleaned or if the wall needs to be replaced. If the structure of the wall has been compromised, it needs to be removed and replaced. For example, structurally unsound walls may be bowing or have bulges. Any drywall that has mold growth directly on it will need replacement.

If the wall is still stable, then either use the commercial mold cleaner as instructed or create a bleach-based solution to use. Combine three parts water with one part bleach, and apply the solution to the affected area. Transferring the solution to a spray bottle is an easy way to apply the solution where it’s needed. Let it sit for a few minutes. From there, use a sponge or brush to thoroughly scrub the moldy area until the section is clean.

Afterwards, use a towel to pat dry the area you just worked on.

For painted walls, consider adding a layer of mold resistant paint to prevent future instances of surface mold growth.

How to Prevent Mold on Walls

The key to preventing mold growth is to control moisture. If you can control moisture in your property, then you can prevent mold from growing. This is because of how essential moisture is to mold growth.

That said, take the actions needed to prevent excess moisture from accumulating in your home. For example, clean up spills and any excess water as you come across them. When you take showers, be sure to run the exhaust fan during your shower and for at least 20 minutes after. If you have a dehumidifier, use it on especially humid days to limit the moisture in your home.

Professional Mold Remediation Services

While there are do-it-yourself methods you can use to remove mold growth from your walls, there are various instances in which it is best to leave the mold removal and cleaning to the professionals. Mold that affects areas greater than 10 square feet especially should be handled by qualified individuals. But simply wanting to limit your exposure to the mold is more than enough to seek professional help.

ServiceMaster Fire and Water Restoration provides professional mold remediation services and we are available on a 24/7 basis in the Denver, CO, metro area and the neighboring areas in Elbert County.

Within these mold remediation services, our professional technicians will assess the mold on your walls and contain the mold to prevent it from spreading. We use the information from the evaluation to develop a mold remediation plan, and then we will move forward with mold removal and cleaning.

These services will leave your walls free of mold and your home safe and comfortable.