When you notice mold, acting quickly to protect your health and property is important. Some mold spores can cause allergies in susceptible people, especially those with respiratory conditions like asthma.
A professional will inspect the affected area and remove any contaminated materials, such as drywall or carpets. Then, they’ll spray the area with a biocide to prevent mold growth. Click https://acemoldspecialist.com/ to learn more.
Mold grows easily in areas where there is high humidity, condensation or leaking water. If left untreated, the fungus can damage the wall and even the structure of your home. It is essential to identify and correct the moisture triggers to prevent further growth and keep your family safe. Whether you are dealing with porous surfaces or non-porous ones like drywall, there are many ways to clean and remove mold from walls.
The first step is to put on protective gear and make sure the area is well-ventilated. It is also recommended to use a HEPA air filtration system in the affected room to catch mold spores and minimize exposure to cleaning chemicals.
Chlorine bleach is one of the most effective products for killing mold spores and removing dark stains from drywall. Apply the solution with a brush or sponge, scrub, and then rinse the wall surface. Repeat as necessary to completely remove the mold and lighten the staining.
If you are looking for a more natural way to remove mold, try a homemade cleaning solution made from household ingredients. Vinegar or hydrogen peroxide will kill the mold and lighten stains, as will baking soda. A commercial mildew remover spray will also work, but it is recommended that you test any cleaning product on a small, inconspicuous area of the wall before using it over a larger surface area.
Borax, or baking soda with laundry detergent, is another natural mold remover that is gentle on the environment. Mix equal parts of the borax solution with warm water and apply to the affected area with a brush or sponge, scrub and rinse.
Tea tree oil is another natural product that can be used to kill mold and lighten stains. It can be applied by spray, towel or sponge, but it is best to use a small amount since the oil is strong and may irritate skin. It is important to clean the contaminated area thoroughly after each application to remove the spores and prevent them from returning. Once you have removed the mold and lightened stains, it is important to dry the surface of the wall thoroughly, using fans and dehumidifiers if necessary. If the mold has damaged rafters or other structural components of your home, you should contact a professional for advice and a remediation service.
Natural Ways to Clean Mold Off Walls
While the most common cleaning method for mold on walls involves a commercial cleaner, there are some natural alternatives that can be just as effective. However, before any cleaning solution is used on a moldy wall it is important to identify and fix the source of moisture that is causing the mold growth. This could be a water leak, elevated indoor humidity, or condensation from cold surfaces meeting warm air.
The first step in any mold remediation is to remove the moldy drywall and other materials from the wall. This must be done quickly to prevent the mold from spreading to other areas of the house or becoming a health hazard for your family.
Once the moldy drywall is removed, it must be disposed of properly. This is usually a difficult task and requires the use of large contractor bags.
The next step is to kill the mold spores that remain on the wall. There are a few ways to do this, but one of the most effective is to spray the area with a liquid biocide. Alternatively, simply exposing the mold to light and air for long enough will also kill it.
Standard, household vinegar is a powerful killer of mold, but it must be allowed to soak into the affected surface for a few hours before scrubbing and rinsing. It is important to wear PPE when using this method, including a mask, gloves and eye protection.
Other natural cleaners for removing mold include tea tree oil and grapefruit seed extract. The latter is a very strong antifungal agent that will kill the mold and keep it from growing back.
Another effective method for removing mold is to make your own cleaner using orange peels. To do this, simply saturate the peels in vinegar and leave them on the moldy surface for a few minutes. Then wipe the surface with a clean cloth and rinse. This is a great alternative to using bleach, as it is natural and will not contaminate the surrounding environment.
Natural Ways to Remove Mold on Drywall
Getting rid of mold on drywall is a little more complicated than simply cleaning the wall itself. This is because the spores can spread to other parts of the house if they are airborne, and also because if the mold on the drywall is very extensive, it may need to be replaced, especially if it’s in areas that receive a lot of moisture. However, if the mold is only a few spots and the drywall is still intact, it can usually be cleaned with a natural cleaner like baking soda or even bleach.
Before you do anything to the affected drywall, though, it’s best to check to see if it is structurally sound. If it is crumbling or bowed out or covered in black or bluish splotches, then it’s probably time to replace it. If the drywall is intact but has been compromised by water damage, you can usually clean it with a combination of natural cleaning ingredients and some old-fashioned hard scrubbing.
If the drywall is painted, it can be cleaned by spraying the surface with a mold-killing solution and then scrubbing it down with a brush. Make sure to work in a well-ventilated area and use a fan to speed up the drying process. You can use a mixture of equal parts water and bleach or one of the more mildew-fighting commercial products available at your local hardware store.
If you are dealing with unpainted drywall that is very moldy, it will most likely need to be cut out and replaced. Be careful not to disturb the underlying wood framing, as this can lead to serious problems with your home’s structure and foundation. If you do need to remove the drywall, first make sure to shut off the electric service at any circuits that run through the wall and turn off the water in the house’s main line. You’ll also need a stud finder and utility knife to locate the wooden supports behind the wall.
It’s best to replace the drywall in areas that receive a lot of moisture because these are more prone to mold infestation. If you live in a humid climate or have had previous issues with moisture in the home, be proactive and do regular inspections of your drywall.
Natural Ways to Remove Mold on Wood
If mold is growing on your wooden furniture, a few natural home remedies can help. First, vacuum the area with a HEPA filter to remove loose spores. Then, use a non-toxic solution of three percent hydrogen peroxide and water in a spray bottle to clean the surface of the wood. Let the solution sit for up to 10 minutes and scrub thoroughly. Rinse and dry the wood with a cloth to prevent future mold growth.
Vinegar is another natural mold remover, which penetrates deep into the grain of wood and destroys the membrane that supports mold growth. It’s preferable to bleaches and other consumer options, which trigger a flight response and penetrate deeper into the moldy layer, potentially causing further damage to the wood. Combine equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and apply to the affected areas. Allow to sit for up to an hour, then scrub and rinse.
Lemon juice is also a good natural mold remover. It’s an effective alternative to bleach and can be mixed with water in a spray bottle. Apply to the affected areas and let it sit for up to an hour. Use a brush to scrub and rinse the area. Then, rub with a towel to remove any remaining mold.
Finally, a little sanding may be necessary for stubborn mold on wood. Before sanding, though, make sure that the area is well-ventilated. The spores released during this process can be irritating to the nose, eyes and skin. In addition to wearing gloves and safety goggles, you should use a mask or respirator if possible.
Although professional mold removal is always a safe option, it can be expensive and inconvenient. By identifying the source of the problem and taking prompt action, you can save your wood furniture. In addition, minimizing moisture and humidity is one of the best ways to prevent mold from growing in the first place. Cate Geiger Kalus is a producer and style director at Country Living magazine. She covers stories related to homes, markets and style, and she styles creative content for various Hearst brands.