Tips for Cleaning Mold Affected Walls. Mold is often found in wet or humid places, especially in the rainy season. Generally, mold grows on walls, doors, windows, tiles, and stone walls that are left damp so that they turn black.
Mold is divided into several types, which cause allergies so they are easily removed by disinfecting. Pathogenic mold that requires special treatment if it has spread. Lastly, toxic mold that requires professional help.
Apart from being an eyesore, mold also causes an unpleasant odor. If left unchecked, mold will spread to several parts of the house and can interfere with health. For that, you must eliminate it immediately.
Below are tips for removing mold on walls and preventing mold growth from spreading, as quoted from The Spruce page.
Signs of mold presence on the wall
Mold should be removed as soon as possible after it is found. Even if there are no visible signs of growth, you can immediately prevent it.
- A musty odor is detected. If there is already a musty smell, it is necessary to clean the area early.
- Pay attention to areas that are habitually exposed to leaking faucets and roofs
- Pay attention to walls that are damp to the touch, indicating a small amount of mold growth that will soon develop.
- Maintain ventilation in the house, so that there is no accumulation of moisture on the walls.
How to clean mold on the wall
Then how do you clean a wall that has been contaminated with mold? You must prepare some equipment to make it easier to clean it. Don’t forget to use protection such as gloves and masks.
1. Prepare the equipment
You will need a plastic bucket, a sponge, a microfiber cloth, a measuring cup, a spray bottle, and a soft-bristled tie. You should also prepare chlorine bleach, dishwashing liquid, hydrogen peroxide, and distilled white vinegar.
2. Mix the ingredients
Prepare a bucket and mix the dishwashing liquid, bleach, and water. To clean a small portion of mold, mix a solution of one tablespoon of dishwashing liquid, 1/2 cup of chlorine bleach, and one cup of warm water in a spray bottle. The dishwashing liquid helps the solution stick to the wall longer to kill mold spores.
3. Use protection
When removing mold, it’s best to wear a face mask, goggles, and gloves. Don’t forget to open a window or turn on a ventilation fan and use an exhaust fan in the kitchen.
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4. Usage
The cleaning solution can be applied with a spray bottle or sponge. It is best to clean the mold from the bottom up. This prevents spores from spreading and stains from settling on your walls.
The wall surface must be thoroughly wet to prevent damage to the wall. If the mold is near the ceiling, use a sturdy ladder or apply the solution with a clean sponge.
5. Dry the wall and make sure no stains remain
Do not wipe or dust off the cleaning solution. Let the wall dry. Once the wall is completely dry, check if there are any dark stains in the area. If there are still, repeat the steps with a new chlorine bleach cleaning solution.
Tips to prevent mold growth on walls
- Repair leaking pipes and roofs immediately.
- Improve air circulation in the house and reduce humidity with a dehumidifier.
- Install moisture barriers in unfinished basements and crawl spaces.
- Clean mold and mildew-prone rooms weekly (bathrooms, laundry rooms, kitchens).
