Your walls can accumulate mold and mildew. Not only does mold weaken the structure of your home and look horrible, but mold exposure is also a health risk. It can cause irritation to the eyes, nose, or lungs, and prompt allergic reactions. If mold is on your walls and in your home, it needs to be dealt with. Read our guide on mold removal from walls.

Using Bleach

For many people, when they first hear “mold” they immediately think of using bleach. This instinct is only partly right. Bleach will kill mold, but only if the mold is growing on a hard non-porous surface. If mold is growing on a porous material, like wood, the bleach cannot be absorbed and will only kill the surface of the mold. The mold will then reappear. Only use bleach if it will kill all of the mold.

Wear protective clothing—gloves, goggles, or even a mask—before you start cleaning. In a bucket combine a quart of water with 1/2 cup of bleach. Spray this solution on the wall or dampen a cloth with it (do not use a cloth saturated with this solution). Scrub the wall until the mold has been fully removed. Wipe off the wall with a clean cloth.

Note: do not combine bleach with any other chemical or household cleaner. This could potentially create toxic gases that cause illness and death.

Using Borax

You don’t have to use bleach. Borax will also do the trick. In a spray bottle combine 2 cups of warm water, 1/4 cup of vinegar, and 2 tablespoons of Borax. Spray the walls and scrub well with a clean cloth or soft scrub brush until the mold has been fully removed. Wipe down with a damp clean rag.

How to Remove Drywall

When drywall gets moldy, sometimes you just have to remove it. Start by putting on your protective gear. Cut out enough drywall to expose two beams behind the wall. This ensures you can properly install new drywall. Measure the space and cut the new drywall to fit. Make sure the new section fits well, then screw the drywall into the beams. Apply a drywall putty over the screws in the new wall and let it dry overnight. Once it’s dry, you are ready to paint.

Take Mold Removal Seriously

If mold is growing on the walls in your home, it needs to be removed immediately. It can spread throughout your house and become a much bigger problem. Remember to use caution and wear the right gear. We recommend hiring a professional mold cleaning service to safely and properly remove the mold for you.