How do I Clean Mold From a Textured Ceiling?

Mold can be a challenge to remove from a textured ceiling.

Mold is a type of fungus that can grow in damp areas of your house, from the basement to your textured ceilings. It presents a health hazard and is difficult to get rid of. Chlorine bleach and ammonia will only kill the outer layer of the mold and will only work in a wet spray. However, there are new fungicides that will kill mold as they dry, and the fungicides are less toxic than bleach and ammonia.

Things You'll Need

• Spray bottle of mold control fungicide
• Safety glasses
• Gloves
• N-95 respirator
• Step ladder
• Fan
• Paper towels

Instructions

1. Open a window where you will be cleaning the mold from the textured ceiling, and turn on a floor fan. Put on your safety glasses, gloves and N-95 respirator. Place the step ladder below the mold spot to be treated.

2. Climb onto the stepladder and spray the mold spots with the fungicide until the mold spots are evenly wet. Wipe up any excess fungicide with paper towels.

3. Allow all sprayed ceiling surfaces to dry completely.

4. Gently wipe off the mold with paper towels that have been moistened with fungicide. Start with a 2- or 3-inch square area to ensure that the ceiling texture is not brushed off with the mold.

5. Repeat this process for stubborn mold that does not wipe off with the first application of fungicide. Do not rinse or wash the treated area to ensure that the fungicide continues to prevent mold re-growth even after the fungicide dries.

Tips & Warnings

• You can also use a fungicide in a room fogger for larger ceiling areas. Close all windows and do not use a fan. Place the fogger about 2 feet from the ceiling. Wear a respirator, safety glasses and gloves. Fog the moldy areas for 3 to 5 minutes. Leave the room, and leave all doors and windows shut for an hour. Then open all doors and windows, and let the room air out for 1 to 2 hours.

• You can also apply a mold control fungicide to a ceiling with a roller or paintbrush, but these tools may knock the textured material from your ceiling.

References

• Bob Vila: How to Remove Mold
• Verdei International: Concrobium Mold Control Instructions