Mold located behind drywall can be more challenging to remove than mold found in other places. Yet, it can be remedied with a diluted-bleach solution, white vinegar and reducing the humidity. Repeated stains on the drywall tell you there is mold behind it.
How do you know if mold is behind drywall?
Tell-tale signs of hidden mold behind drywall include a “dirty” looking stain in the wall and odor in the area. That area may also feel or look damp and you may develop some allergy-type symptoms such as an itchy nose or sneezing.
How can you tell if mold is behind paneling?
You can tell if mold is growing behind your paneling if the wood starts becoming discolored.
A mold problem on the front of your paneling could mean there is mold growing on the back, according to home experts. It could even have grown on your wall framing.
Will mold die if it dries out?
No, mold never completely dies according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It will become inactive if it dries out. That means it will not grow. A way to prevent mold from growing is to keep humidity levels between 30 and 60 percent.
What to do if mold is in your walls?
You will need to remove mold from your walls but that isn’t hard to do, according to home expert Bob Villa.
Villa suggests first removing the mold using a diluted bleach solution of one cup of bleach to one gallon of water. Put the solution in a spray bottle and spray thoroughly on the wall’s moldy areas.
Be sure to open windows and run a fan during the process.
Let the bleach soak in for about 30 minutes and then use a scrub brush to remove the stains. You may need to repeat the process if the stains are deep. Follow up with undiluted white vinegar and let dry. The vinegar kills any mold the bleach didn’t remove.
What to do if mold is in your paneling or wallpaper?
It’s best to use a non-ammonia detergent mixed with water to remove mold from painted or finished paneling, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Unfinished wood can be cleaned using the diluted bleach solution and finishing it off with white vinegar sprayed on the paneling.
For wallpaper, the EPA recommends using a mild detergent mixed equally with water in a spray bottle on the wall. Instead of using a hard-bristled brush to clean the area, use a sponge so you don’t ruin the wallpaper.
What kills mold behind drywall?
Mold behind drywall can be killed the same way any mold is killed. It needs to be removed either using a professional mold killer bought in a hardware store or using diluted bleach and scrubbing the mold off.
However, getting to the mold behind drywall is where the extra work and expense come in.
Should moldy drywall be removed?
It is probably best to remove drywall that has had repeated mold incidents. If you scrub mold off the drywall and it returns, the mold is likely growing behind the drywall too. The only way to get to that area to clean and remove mold is to cut and remove the drywall.
Can mold travel through walls?
Yes, mold can travel through walls. It typically will start in the dark, moist areas behind a wall and then began appearing on the surface. The mold is consuming the organic material in the wall as it does this.
However, it isn’t always the case. Mold can also start on the surface of the wall and expand outward or into the wall as well.
What does mold in a house smell like?
It’s hard to describe mold’s smell but you will know it when it’s in a house. Most people describe the smell as “musty.” It smells like a mix of dirt and sweat and some say it reminds them of smelly socks.
The smell of mold tends to be more subtle than overwhelming. However, it remains unpleasant and noticeable.
How expensive is mold removal?
It can be expensive if you hire a professional to do it. That cost starts at $500 and can run up to $6,000 if the mold is extensive. A professional will also do a complete inspection of your home beyond the moldy area to include ducts, vents, and other hidden spaces.
Removing mold yourself is time-consuming but is cheap. All you need is a mold-killing spray or diluted bleach along with white vinegar, rubber gloves, a scrub brush, a bucket, and a mask. All of that will fall under a $50 price tag.
How long does it take for mold to spread in walls?
It depends on the space and size of the mold but it could take up to eight hours to remove mold from start to finish, including the drying process. Home experts state you will need to let the mold-killing spray or diluted bleach, whichever you decide to use, remain on the area for 30 minutes before tackling it with a scrub brush.
Then you will need to put a fan on the area or open a window so it can dry after you clean it and that can take up to four hours.
Does bleach kill black mold on drywall?
Diluted bleach kills any type of mold on drywall, including black mold.
Black mold is highly misunderstood as it isn’t one type of mold but actually can be one of several mold varieties, according to the EPA. While it has an ominous reputation, black mold isn’t dramatically different from any other type of mold.
Should you walk away from a house with mold?
There is no need to walk away from a house with mold. However, the EPA states you will need to remove the mold and fix the root problem of moisture that is causing the mold. That can be done as a DIY project or you can hire a professional to do it.
To truly protect your home against mold, consider waterproofing or using encapsulation to prevent any future occurrences.