How to Remove Mold From Drywall

Steps to how to properly remove mold from drywall like a trained professional

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 2 sets of latex gloves
• respirator mask
• hepa vacuum
• air scrubber
• drywall knife or razor blade
• 6mm plastic sheeting
• tyvek suit
• duct tape
• goggles
• spray adhesive

1. 1. Mold needs moisture to grow. Stop the moisture before removal can take place.

2. Assess the situation. If mold is larger than 10 sq. ft., it is advisable to consult a certified professional. If the mold is in an obvious location that can be contained, proceed. Also, use best judgement to determine if mold is on the surface (i.e. bathorrom shower steam can cause surface mold on paint which can be safely scrubbed off with a mild detergent like borax...do NOT use bleach) or if the mold might be through the surface (i.e. caused by a leaky pipe). If through the surface, follow proceeding steps.

3. 

   Wear appropriate respirator mask with dual filters commonly found at home depot or lowes for $30.00. Goggles should be also worn. Wear two sets of latex gloves and tyvek suit if area is large enough to warrant such action.

4. 

   Seal off area with plastic to contain area and prevent mold spore dispersal. Spray adhesives and duct tape work as great combinations to prevent containment from falling.

5. 

   Place air scrubber inside containment to filter air as you work to prevent broad contamination. While normal equipment that would be used in extensive contamination would easily pass thousands of dollars, a smaller air scrubber from home depot or lowes will work relatively well. Again size the situation and act accordingly.

6. After containment is set up, hepa vacuum surface of drywall to remove the mycelium, possible mycotoxins and mold spores. This will prevent large amounts of mold from being released.

7. This is called a "glove box" removal method. Cut a box of 6 mm plastic 4 " wider and 4" longer than moldy area.

8. Spray "spray adhesive" to plastic and wait 30 seconds for plastic to become tacky.

9. Place 6 mm plastic box over moldy area. This will prevent the mold from dispering into air when you cut the drywall.

10. Take drywall knife or razor knife and cut the plastic sealed moldy area from the wall and carefully place inside a garbage bag. Duct tape air tight.

11. Damp wipe benefect antimicrobial on uncontaminated drywall and hepa vacuum uncontaminated drywall to remove any remaining mold spores.

12. Hepa vacuum containment and take down plastic and throw away in a 6mm plastic bag.

13. Dry area out as thoroughly as possible.

Tips & Warnings

• If the area is larger than 10 sq. ft., hire a professional. While not every mold is toxic, it is impossible to tell what kind is without laboratory testing which your home depot testing kit is not exactly science proof. Cultures, swab testing, and air sampling are the most common used methods.
• If consulting a professional, check credentials and references, and call the references!
• If you have been feeling ill, have allergy or respiratory problems, or "just have a feeling" that it could be a big problem...stop. Consult a professional before proceeding. Ripping out drywall can "open up a big can of worms", so be cautious.

Resources

• mold
• drywall