Mold on Walls

Mold on walls in a home or dwelling is probably the single most irritating issue to face a homeowner. The problem can be fixed, though, if one remembers a few simple tips and hints for preventing or eliminating mold on walls in the future.

Investigate Thoroughly: Mold is carried into a house through mold spores, which float on the air or are carried in by humans, pets or on objects. Mold also needs moisture and humidity to thrive, so the first thing to do is examine all areas in the house for the presence of water leaks or humidity above 50 percent, which is considered high. Test the air with an inexpensive hygrometer or humidity reader. And check plumbing behind walls, or for wallpaper or paint that may be bubbling up. That’s a good indicator of moisture issues.

Taking Action: Once the sources of water or humidity have been identified, it’s time to take action to remove and prevent more mold on walls. Fixing or repairing any leaks can be expensive, in some cases, so plan out any work carefully. Cleaning of the moldy wall is a must. This can be done by the application of a good soapy water mixture to the wall’s surface, cleaning again and again until all trace of the mold is gone. Take care to dry it in between washes and examinations for mold.

Difficult Molds: Sometimes, a mold just refuses to succumb to soap and water. In that case, go with a chlorine bleach and water mixture (8 ounces of bleach into 64 ounces of water). The properties within the chlorine will kill any mold and spores adhering to the wall’s surface. Again, dry the wall thoroughly, and repeat as often as necessary until all the mold is gone. You can also use a good steam vapor cleaner on the wall, if you really need to.

Post-Mold Actions: Once the mold’s been eliminated, it’s time to repaint the area to prevent any possible return. It doesn’t really matter if the paint is a flat, a semi-gloss, or a high-gloss mix just so long as the painting is well-done. Wait a few weeks and check the area for any return of mold. If so, the problem may be more extensive than first found. In those cases, a professional should be called in to take a look at things.

Maintenance: Deprive mold of water moisture and humidity, and you won’t have to worry about mold on walls. Mold can’t grow without either of the two, so pay attention to bubbling on wall paint, or any discolorations in dry wall or wall surfaces. Use a good dehumidifier if needed.