Mold is a naturally occurring substance and its spores can always be found in the air. It does not become a problem until the spores have encountered the proper environment, triggering mold growth.
To grow, mold needs two things: a food source and a moisture source. When mold spores find both, mold will begin to grow. The need for moisture is also why mold growth is so common in the aftermath of water damage.
Because of this, mold commonly grows in damp areas of your home, including bathrooms and kitchens. Simply bathing or showering can make a bathroom damp enough to encourage mold growth. This can cause mold to appear on walls, tiled or not.
When mold has grown in your home, such as on your property’s walls, you should address the situation immediately. If mold has more time to grow, it will cause more problems. Mold eats away at the building materials it grows on, ruining their structure, and can result in health problems to those individuals exposed to it. Because of this, you need to remove any mold growth right away.
Continue reading for some tips on how to remove mold, including black mold, from your walls.
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How to Clean Mold off Tiled Walls
When mold has grown in your home, such as on your property’s walls, you should address the situation immediately.
Tile is one of the easiest places to remove mold, and chlorine bleach is particularly effective at cleaning mold off of tiled walls. There are even specific bleach cleaning products that you can use to combat bathroom mold.
Using Bleach to Remove Mold
You can spray the bleach directly onto the moldy areas of the tiled walls. However, bleach can cause colored grout to become faded, so be wary of that result. After applying the bleach, allow it to sit. After at least 30 minutes, grab a stiff brush to scrub the bleach. Then wash off the cleaner with warm water.
Bleach is a harsh product, so not everyone likes to use it. If you prefer more natural mold removal for tiled walls, distilled vinegar is a great option.
Using Vinegar for Mold Removal
The cleaning process with vinegar is similar to the bleach cleaning directions. You will spray the moldy areas with the vinegar, let it sit, and then scrub it with a brush after 30 minutes at least. However, after scrubbing, you will spray another layer of vinegar onto the affected sections and have it sit for 30 more minutes. Then you finish by rinsing the areas with warm water.
Baking Soda as a Quicker Mold Removal Method
Another more natural cleaning method involves using water and baking soda, and it is a quicker method than the previous ones.
Mix a couple of teaspoons of water with ½ cup of baking soda to create a paste. Apply the pate to the moldy sections, and leave it be for 10 minutes. Use a brush to scrub the affected areas, and then rinse it with water.
How to Clean Mold from Wallpapered or Painted Walls
While a little more challenging to remove than from tile walls, if you discover mold growing on walls that are painted or covered with wallpaper, then you can use natural ingredients to clean the mold off the wall. You will need a bowl, a spray bottle, a brush, water, white vinegar, and borax.
Add two cups of hot water, 2 tablespoons of borax, and ¼ cup of vinegar together in a bowl. Combine the ingredients, and pour the mixture into the spray bottle. Spray a generous amount onto the moldy sections of the wall. Grab your brush to scrub the affected areas well, and then wipe it clean. Re-spray the areas, wait 10 more minutes, and then wipe the section dry.
How to Prevent Mold on Walls
If you discover mold growing on walls that are painted or covered with wallpaper, then you can use natural ingredients to eliminate the fungus.
When it comes to mold prevention, limiting moisture is key, because moisture is a crucial component for mold growth. Without moisture, mold cannot grow. Knowing this, do what you can to prevent any excess moisture from accumulating.
In your bathroom, always allow the exhaust fan to run during your bath or shower and for at least 10 minutes afterwards. If there are any leaks from appliances, your roof, foundation, or elsewhere, get it fixed right away. Promptly clean up any excess water and moisture, too. Otherwise, water will likely accumulate and encourage mold growth.
How Do Mold Inspectors Find Mold?
The first step in determining if you need professional mold remediation is to have a mold inspection done. Professional mold inspectors use a variety of tools to determine if your home has a mold problem, from the basic visual inspection with trained eyes to advanced thermal imaging tools. One of the most common tools for mold inspection however, is an air sampling machine called a “spore trap.” This machine essentially acts as a vacuum, intaking air to trap any spores within for further analysis.
When a mold inspector first arrives at your home, they’ll take an air reading outside to compare it to the air samples inside. Since mold isn’t always immediately visible to the mold inspector using a basic flashlight, air samples will be taken in various places in the home. Readings are typically taken in areas where mold is most likely to be found- such as basements, bathrooms and attics.
Additionally, a thorough mold inspection may also involve the use of humidity readers to determine the level of moisture in the air- a humid, moist environment is what mold thrives in, and is often present following water damage. Thermal imaging can also be used to find mold or water within walls that may not be visible.
If mold is visible and accessible, the inspector may also take physical samples to analyze and determine whether or not the mold is toxic black mold. If the tests come back positive for black mold, or if there is mold in an area larger than 10 square feet, it is recommended that you hire mold remediation professionals to remove it and sanitize your home against future mold growth.
When Do You Need Professional Mold Remediation Services?
Mold remediation for mold on walls can be addressed using the aforementioned techniques, but this is not always the case.
If you find only a small amount of mold growing on your wall, then home remedies may be sufficient. However, when mold affects a large area of your home or business, then you need to get mold removal help from professionals. You should also get professional assistance and skip the home remedies if you have a mold allergy or suffer from asthma or other lung issues.
What is Involved with Mold Remediation?
The mold remediation process typically involves several steps, including:
- Assessment: A mold remediation technician will assess the mold growth and damage.
- Containment: The affected area will be isolated to prevent the spread of mold spores to other parts of the building.
- Air filtration: High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters are used to remove airborne mold spores from the air.
- Removal: All visible mold is physically removed from surfaces using specialized equipment and cleaning products.
- Cleaning: The affected area is cleaned thoroughly to remove any remaining traces of mold and prevent future growth.
- Restoration: Any damaged building materials may need to be repaired or replaced.
- Testing: A mold expert runs mold tests after the remediation process to ensure that all mold is gone.
It's important to note that every mold remediation case is unique. The specific steps taken will depend on the extent and severity of the problem.
With professional mold removal help, your property will be free of mold and restored to a clean and healthy environment.
Tips to Remove Mold from the Walls was last modified: July 6th, 2021 by ServiceMaster Disaster Associates, Inc.
