How to Kill Mold on a Wall & Paint It

Killing mold on a wall and then prepping it for paint can be a difficult task. There are safety precautions to take when dealing with mold. Identifying the source of moisture that caused the mold is imperative to prevent its return. After the mold is gone, prepping and painting the walls can be done. The task of removing the mold and repainting requires a good deal of knowledge and patience. Large areas of mold infestation should be treated and removed by professionals.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Gloves
• Mask
• Eye protection
• Old clothes or protective suit
• Drop cloths
• Sponges
• Buckets
• Hot water
• Antibacterial soap
• Vinegar
• Primer
• Paint
• Mold inhibitor for paint
• Paintbrushes

1. Put on protective gear. Make sure that you are well protected from contact with mold. Place drop cloths to protect floors and furniture. Turn off all fans and central AC/heat units. Close windows. It is imperative to prevent the spread of mold spores.

2. Prepare to kill and clean the mold. Add 1 tbsp. of antibacterial dish soap and 1 tbsp. of white vinegar to a 1 quart bucket of hot water. Mix well.

3. Start at the top of the wall and clean it completely. Soak a sponge with the cleaning mixture, wring it out, and cover the wall completely with the soap, physically removing all visible mold. Allow to sit for five minutes. If any mold or streaking is visible, clean and dry again before proceeding to paint.

4. Rinse off soap with a clean sponge and hot water. Allow to dry thoroughly.

5. Remove all drop cloths and discard in plastic trash bags. Discard all sponges in plastic trash bags. Pour used water into an empty sink or toilet. Clean buckets. Discard all old clothes, gloves, and protective suits. Remove all garbage bags from the home.

6. Place new drop cloths to protect floors and furniture. Add mold inhibitor to primer before painting. Prime walls for painting with a stain-resistant primer such as Kilz. Allow to dry completely. If mold stains show through, repeat this step.

7. Add mold inhibitor to paint. Mix well. Paint walls with desired color. Allow to dry. If a second coat is required, paint again. Clean up work area.

Tips & Warnings

• An old toothbrush is handy for cleaning mold in tight corners.
• It is important not to spread mold spores to other areas of the home.

Resources

• EPA Guide to Mold, Moisture and your Home