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Getting rid of black mold on drywall is a common problem that many homeowners will face.
Mold grows best on porous materials and since most drywall has a paper covering on both sides it is particularly vulnerable.
Drywall makes great food for mold so if you own a homeowner at some point you will probably be faced with having to get rid of mold on drywall.
Since mold growing in your home poses a health risk it really doesn’t matter whether you have black mold on drywall or some other type of mold you will have to remove mold from drywall.
Drywall Mold Removal
Naturally, how to get rid of black mold on drywall is a common question.
Many people have been advised black mold removal on drywall can be done with bleach.
Unfortunately, this is an ineffective band-aid solution.
When you see mold on drywall what you are looking at is its fruiting body.
Beneath that are mycelia are the actively growing part of the mold. They are root-like and spread through the drywall itself.
Mold grows much like a tree where the roots are generally three times or larger than the top you see.
Bleach can not kill this part of the mold which is why removing mold on drywall with bleach doesn’t work.
It is like trying to kill an apple tree by picking its fruit off.
In fact, mold is often resistant to bleach and the added moisture from a bleach solution can actually feed the mold.
When mold is disturbed it also increases its mycotoxin production. So if you see mold on drywall don’t reach for the bleach.
How To Get Rid Of Mold On Drywall
The only effective way of getting rid of black mold on drywall or other porous materials is to replace the drywall.
That is probably not what you want to hear but it is nonetheless the truth.
There is mold-resistant drywall available without the traditional paper lining.
Instead of replacing mold-infested drywall with the ordinary type, it might be a good idea to use mold-resistant drywall instead.
That way you won’t be getting rid of black mold on drywall repeatedly.
You will need to remove any pieces with mold on drywall and any wet drywall in the area even if you don’t see mold growing on it yet.
Put the discarded drywall in plastic bags and remove it from your home by the most direct route.
It is important not to spread spores throughout the house. If you can set up a window fan to exhaust air from the room.
Make sure your heating vents are covered too.
If you use a shop vac to clean up it is best if you can place it outside and run the hose through a window otherwise you will be blowing spores everywhere.
It is recommended homeowners only tackle drywall mold removal for areas under 30 square feet.
If you will need to remove more than one sheet of drywall it is best to have a mold removal company do the job because of the danger of cross-contamination and increased health risks.
Take Safety Precautions Before Getting Rid Of Black Mold On Drywall
You should wear a respirator and rubber gloves while you are getting rid of black mold on drywall.
You will be exposed to higher concentrations of spores, particulate matter, and mycotoxins.
Also, your clothing should be easy to wash and clean or disposable.
If you decide to remove mold on drywall yourself and start to feel ill stop your mold removal immediately and seek medical attention.
If you have allergies or respiratory problems or are otherwise in poor health it is best to call a mold removal company to do the job.
Getting rid of black mold on drywall is important but don’t let black mold on drywall get rid of you!
Getting Rid Of Black Mold On Drywall For Good
It goes without saying that getting rid of mold on drywall is not something you want to do over and over.
Mold is a living organism and you can not totally eliminate it from your home.
But you can prevent it from growing back by eliminating moisture and controlling humidity.
Make sure the moisture problem that caused black mold to grow in the first place has been corrected.
Otherwise, you will end up getting rid of black mold on drywall all over again.
Getting Rid Of Mold On Drywall Final Thoughts
To sum up, getting rid of black mold on drywall is best done by replacing the drywall.
This is because bleach does not kill the roots of the mold, and only serves to spread spores around.
If you must remove mold on drywall yourself, take care to wear a respirator and gloves, and be aware of the increased health risks.
Most importantly, make sure to address the moisture problem that caused the mold growth in the first place, or you will simply end up with more mold growth down the line.
