Mold can grow anywhere at your home, including on the drywall. Cold weather and humid environment also improve the chance of mold infestation on the wall.
Before it spreads larger and damages your health, you need to know how to remove mold from drywall, depending on the condition of the wall itself.
A. How does black mold look like on drywall?
Drywall carries the risk of mold growth because of its porous construction on the inside. Mold on drywall usually starts to appear on the side part.
In the early infestation, the colony of molds looks like random dots or patches in black, green, or grey color. However, they can spread quickly into a larger area and cover most parts of the wall.
Mold can also show up in the bathroom. High level of moisture and humidity is the major reason for rapid mold development. Mold in bathroom drywall commonly appears as muddy and spongy patches.
Besides drywall, this toxic organism can grow in other parts of the bathroom, including floors, ceiling, and shower stall.
Read also: How to Spot Signs of Mold
B. Health problems caused by mold
Mold infestation at home may put you and your family at risk. Its presence is often linked to several health problems, especially respiratory diseases and allergic symptoms. Black mold, in particular, is considered the most harmful type due to its active production of mycotoxins.
Sneezing, coughing, and sore throat are some early signs of health problems caused by mold. It can be worsened by some allergic symptoms, including rashes and hives on the skin as well as itchy and watery eyes. In more serious cases, other respiratory problems such as asthma, pneumonia, bronchitis, and sinus infection may also appear.
Moreover, the infestation of black mold on walls for a long period may damage the internal organs and suppress the immune system. If you have pets at home, this health danger can happen to your pet as well.
Read also: How Do You Know You Have Mold exposure
C. What can you use to kill mold on drywall?
Several mold cleaning agents can be used to kill this annoying organism. In addition to mold removal products, you can use some other alternatives in either natural or chemical substances.
Natural solutions are useful for treating light mold infestation. Meanwhile, if your drywall has been infected by a heavy dose of mold, removal product containing strong chemical substances are more advisable.
Regarding natural solutions, vinegar and baking soda have been known as an effective cleaning agent to get rid of mold. Those substances are safe to use, even in a home environment with children and pets. You can mix them both with water or separate them in a different solution.
Other cleaning agents that are not less effective are borax, detergents, bleach, and hydrogen peroxide. Alternatively, if you are looking for practical mold killing agents, you can purchase some products of mold control spray which are largely available in the market.
Besides using the cleaning agents or solutions, mold on drywall can be removed by using High-Efficiency Particular Air Vacuum (HEPA Vacuum). During the cleaning process, mold spores are often released into the air and fly around the surrounding area.
This tool will come in handy when you have to deal with such a situation. However, if the HEPA Vacuum is hard to get, you can always use the regular one, though it is considered less effective.
D. How to remove mold from drywall
When talking about how to treat mold on drywall, the treatment is divided into two different methods. It depends on the condition of the wall itself; whether it has been painted or coated, or unpainted at all.
1. Removing mold from painted drywall
Before conducting the removal procedure, the first thing you need to do is choosing one type of mold killing agent. Pour that particular solution into a spray bottle to make you easier when using it. Then, follow the instructions below to clean your drywall from mold infestation.
- Ventilate the room by opening all the windows. By doing so, you can minimize the chance of inhaling the mold spores or the cleaning agent.
- Protect the surrounding area of the room. Therefore, the cleaners you use will not spill on the floor or damage any furniture and decoration. You can cover the floor with a plastic cloth and move the furniture to into another room.
- Now it’s time for you to kill the mold on drywall. Shake the spray bottle before you spray the solution into the wall. Be sure to cover all the infected area with the solution.
- Scrub the wall using a sponge or a soft bristle brush. This is intended to remove any visible mold.
- Let the wall dry for a while. You can dry the wall by using an electric fan to speed up the drying process.
Sometimes, the cleaning process leaves stains on the drywall which cannot be removed. When this happens, you can give the wall a coat of stain-blocking paint.
2. Removing mold from unpainted drywall
Getting rid of mold on unpainted drywall does not require any cleaning agent. Instead, use the HEPA Vacuum to clean mold spores on the wall and its surrounding area.
However, you still need to protect the flooring in the room to prevent the spores from growing on the floor. Here are the cleaning procedures you should follow.
- Before you remove mold from walls, mark the visible molds using a pencil. Draw some lines around the infected area. C
- Cut out the marked area with a utility knife, then dispose of it carefully into a plastic bag.
- Clean the room using the vacuum. Make sure you remove any remaining mold spore as well.
- Measure the hole on the drywall to get the same size of the wall replacement.
- Fit the new and fresh piece of drywall into the hole. Secure it with screws and joint compound. You can also use sander or sandpaper to smoothen the wall.
- Vacuum the area once again to remove the spores completely.
Whether it is painted or not, drywall that has been infected by mold should be cleaned immediately. Quick treatment can prevent you from changing the entire drywall at home. Besides, it will save you and other family members from serious health dangers caused by this toxic organism.
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How do you treat mold on unpainted drywall?
To treat mold on unpainted drywall, mix a solution of water and bleach or white vinegar and water, and apply it to the affected area. Use a scrub brush or sponge to remove mold, let the solution sit for 10-15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with water. Address the source of moisture and allow the affected area to dry completely. Consider hiring a professional if concerned or unable to remove it yourself.
Does drywall with mold need to be replaced?
Drywall with mold may need to be replaced if the mold has extensively damaged the surface. If the mold can be removed and the source of moisture addressed, the drywall can often be cleaned and saved. If you are unable to remove the mold or have concerns about the extent of the damage, it’s best to consult with a professional to assess the situation and make recommendations for the best course of action.
Can drywall with mold be saved?
Drywall with mold can often be saved if the mold can be removed and the source of moisture addressed. If the mold is extensive or has damaged the surface, it may need to be replaced. It’s best to consult with a professional if you have concerns about the extent of the damage or are unable to remove the mold yourself.
Is drywall mold toxic?
Some types of mold growing on drywall can produce toxic substances called mycotoxins, which can be harmful if they are inhaled or come into contact with skin. Exposure to mold can cause symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, headaches, skin irritation, and other health problems, especially in people with weakened immune systems or respiratory conditions.
What does toxic mold look like on walls?
Toxic mold on walls can look like any other type of mold and can range in color from black to green to white to yellow. The appearance of mold on walls can be powdery, furry, slimy, or even resemble discolored spots. The appearance of mold alone cannot determine if it is toxic or not. It’s best to consult with a mold professional who can conduct air and surface tests to determine the type of mold and its potential toxicity.
