How to Remove Mold on Drywall

Drywall is a porous material that easily absorbs and harbors mold spores. If the drywall has not experienced much contamination, cleaning it is sufficient. If it contains significant mold, it has likely absorbed into the wall and needs replacement. Before beginning removal, check for signs of mold growth beneath the surrounding wall and baseboards of the affected area. Signs of mold growth include discoloration, bulge and cracked paint. When checking to see how far mold has spread, use a black light. If a yellow glow appears, mold growth has begun.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Duct tape
• Plastic tarp
• Air purifier
• Spray bottle
• Antibacterial soap
• Rag
• Sponge
• Paper towels
• Bleach

1. Close all the doors to surrounding rooms and cover openings with plastic and duct tape to prevent mold from spreading. Utilize an air purifier to remove the spores from the air as you clean.

2. Spray the mold with water before attempting to clean it. This will trap many of the spores that, when disturbed, could become airborne and spread to other surfaces.

3. Scrub the the mold-infected surfaces with a rag or sponge and antibacterial soap. Clean all of the surrounding surfaces to remove loose mold spores. Dry the area with paper towels when finished to remove excessive moisture.

4. Remove damaged areas that contain mold or hard-to-clean spots, and dispose of molded rags, paper towels and drywall immediately. Place the materials in an airtight container or bag. Set them outside of the home through a window to avoid contaminating other surfaces until proper disposal.

5. Wash used tools thoroughly, using hot water and antibacterial soap or bleach. Air out the room and use air purifiers to remove built-up odor or loose spores when finished.

Tips & Warnings

• A humidity level of 55 percent or more is the top factor in mold production. Because of indoor cooling and heating, the humidity level is constantly changing inside the home. Using a dehumidifier on a regular basis will drastically cut down the amount of mold found in the home.

• Attend to each room individually and prepare properly. When cleaning, use a face mask, protective goggles and gloves. Wear clothing that you can remove immediately after the cleanup process and sanitize. Clean in short periods, and remove yourself to a mold-free location to take breaks often to minimize exposure.

References

• Toxic Black Mold Information Center: Signs of a Mold Problem
• Toxic Black Mold Information Center: Ways to Prevent Mold Problems
• Toxic Black Mold Information Center: How to Clean Up a Mold Problem