How to Treat Black Mold on a Wall

Man painting a wall

Black mold, also known as toxic mold, is similar to other types of mold in terms of being a health hazard. Mold can often creep into a house that is left shut up in a humid environment with no air conditioner. It can be difficult to eliminate black mold, so it is best to prevent it. You can treat black mold the same way you would kill other kinds of mold. Using common household products, you can remove black mold on walls and prevent the illnesses that are associated with mold inhalation.

Things You'll Need

• Face mask
• Gloves
• Hand saw
• Flashlight
• Borax
• Water
• Empty spray bottle
• Scrub brush
• Spackling paste
• Putty knife
• Paint

Instructions

1. Don a face mask and rubber gloves. Open all the windows.

2. Using a hand saw, cut a tiny piece of the wall out and peek inside with a strong flashlight. If you see a lot of black mold growing on the wall, you will have to knock down all the drywall and replace it.

3. Inspect the piece of wall you cut out with the saw for depth of mold damage. If the mold is deeper than surface layer, you need to cut out the drywall and replace it.

4. Mix together a half cup of borax and one gallon of water. This solution will kill black mold quickly.

5. Pour the mixture into an empty, new spray bottle.

6. Spray the walls that have a shallow layer of mold on them and let it sit for a minute. Use plenty of spray to saturate the wall.

7. Scrub the wall with a brush while simultaneously spraying a new layer of solution. Always keep the wall damp while you are scrubbing so you don't release dry mold spores into the air.

8. Spray a final layer of solution on the wall after you have removed all the visible mold. Do not wipe it off.

9. Using a putty knife, spread a smooth layer of spackling paste on the walls to trap any leftover mold. Let it dry for 24 hours and paint over it with paint specifically made to kill mold.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep a source of clean water nearby in case you get the solution on your skin or eyes.

• Never scrub or scrape mold from a dry wall.

• Remove your clothes immediately after treating the walls and wash them thoroughly.

References

• Ecology Center: Homemade Cleaning Recipes
• Mold Detect: Mold Tips