How to Remove Mold & Mildew From Walls

Mold and mildew are fungi, which are simple microscopic organisms that thrive in moist environments. They emit tiny toxic spores that float through the air and take root when the right conditions exist. Walls can become susceptible to mold and mildew if they become damp from plumbing or climate issues. If you discover mold or mildew on your walls, treat them immediately before the mold or mildew multiplies, spreading to other areas of your home.

Things You'll Need

• Old clothes and shoes Protective eyewear Face mask Gloves 1 cup bleach 1 gallon water Bucket Nylon brush Clean cloth Fan

Instructions

1. Control the moisture issue in your home. Identify and eliminate the source of the mold and mildew and fix it, or the mold will return each time you remove it.

2. Wear old clothes and shoes that you can launder or throw away after the mold and mildew cleanup. Put on protective eyewear, a face mask and rubber gloves to protect yourself from touching or inhaling toxic mold or mildew spores.

3. Mist the area with water before cleaning the mold. If the mold is too dry, the mold spores will have a better chance of becoming airborne during the cleaning process.

4. Mix I cup of bleach in 1 gallon of water in a bucket. Saturate a nylon brush in the bleach solution, and scrub the mold and mildew until they are completely removed.

5. Rinse the area with a clean cloth dipped in water. Open windows and fan the area until dry. Remove and properly care for your protective clothes and wear.

Tips & Warnings

• If you discover a huge mold and mildew area, consider hiring a professional mold removal service.

• Ensure proper ventilation while working with bleach. Open up as many doors and windows as possible.

References

• University of Georgia: Mildew Prevention and Removal
• HUD: Mold

Resources

• University of Florida: How to Prevent and Remove Mildew