Black Mold Removal From Drywall

Black mold growth on drywall usually occurs due to dampness and humidity. If you notice that your drywall is affected with black mold, you need to assess it properly. This is because you have to identify whether the black mold is light or extensive so that you can accordingly decide to remove it by using some remedy for black mold removal. Black mold removal from drywall is easy, if it is just a speckling over its painted surface.

Though most of the mold growths do not contain dangerous mycotoxins, they can trigger allergies like sneezing, asthma or cold-like symptoms in susceptible people. You can remove black mold from a painted drywall. But, in case the drywall is not painted, it has to be replaced, as you will never be able to get the mold removed from inside the drywall. Here are some directions on black mold removal from drywall. Just follow the steps given below and see the results.

Procedure of Removing Black Mold from Drywall

Step 1: Before you start the procedure of black mold removal from the drywall, wear a respirator to protect yourself from the disturbed mold spores. Also, wear eye protection gear, especially, if you are working on a ceiling. Put on the gloves. Cover the surrounding surfaces like fabrics and carpets using plastic and mask tape.

Step 2: Sand the surface of any wood studs attached to moldy drywall to completely remove visible mold. Only scrubbing the wood is not enough for removal of black mold from drywall.

Step 3: Add half a cup of chlorine bleach to one gallon of water. Now dip a sponge in this mixture and apply it on the moldy areas. Leave it on the affected area for about 15-20 minutes.

Step 4: Add a two spoons of dish washing detergent to one bucket of clean water. Wash the affected area with a cleaning cloth. Now rinse it with clean water and then dry it using a dry towel.

Step 5: The procedure of black mold removal with bleach and soapy water is over and the same should look clean now.

Step 6: After the procedure is over, there might be some discoloration of the drywall. You can repaint it using a water-based primer and then paint it. Avoid use of oil-based paints as they contain organic compounds which provide nutrients for the mold growth. A water-based paint in color of your choice is best pick to revamp the drywall.

Precautions Against Black Mold

Remember that after the mold growth is cleaned off from the drywall using the aforementioned procedure, it might grow back. So you need to take some precautions to avoid this. Install a venting system or a dehumidifier if the mold keeps recurring in the area because mold thrives in humid environment. Fix all the exposed and concealed leaky pipes because these pipes can generate moisture and promote toxic black mold growth. To detect leaks in the concealed areas you can look for signs of drywall warping, discoloration, loose drywall tape and swollen edges. Also, checking whether your water meter is not registering water usage when everything is turned off will help you. You must have a slight positive pressure in your home interior, that is the intake air has to be slightly more than the exhaust air. Moisture and pollutants will be drawn into your home if you have a negative pressure. Remember, too much positive pressure can push undue moisture into the cavity and structural spaces of your house, leading to an atmosphere suitable for the growth of black mold.

Hope the procedure of black mold removal and the precautions to be taken to avoid recurrence of mold growth on drywall are useful. These precautions are very important to avoid working on the task of mold removal from drywalls again and again.