How to Get Mold Off of a Painted Bathroom Wall
Getting mold off a painted bathroom wall is not difficult. Keeping it off--and keeping your home healthy and mold-free--takes a little more work. Understand that unsightly and unhealthful as mold is, simply removing it will not resolve the underlying problem. Mold is a symptom of high humidity and inadequate ventilation. If you have visible mold on painted surfaces, you probably have invisible mold spores in your basement, attic, underneath flooring, or within walls. If allowed to flourish, mold can damage building materials and can cause health problems, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA.) Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Protective eyewear
- Rubber gloves
- Bucket
- Spray bottle
- Bleach
- Clean towel
Instructions
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Mix household bleach with water at a ratio of 1 part bleach to 4 parts water in a clean bucket or spray bottle.. Wear gloves and protective eye wear, because handling bleach can cause chemical burns to skin and eyes.
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Spray or sponge the bleach mixture onto the mold. It should start to lighten immediately. Allow it to remain on the surface for 10 to 15 minutes, then rinse off with fresh water.
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Buff the wall with a clean, dry towel. Bleach usually will not harm a painted wall.
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Find the source of the moisture that is causing the mold, because unless this is addressed, the mold will come back. Check for leaking pipes within the walls, look in the attic for evidence of a leaking roof and check gutters for clogs.
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Make sure you have a working fan in the bathroom. If there is no fan, open windows as often as possible, or put a small dehumidifier in the room.
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Tips & Warnings
If you suspect you have extensive mold in your home, call a mold remediation company. They can locate trouble spots that are causing the mold growth, and will give you strategies to fix problem.
Never mix bleach with household cleaners containing ammonia. This creates toxic chlorine gas, which can damage lung tissue.
