What You Need to Know about Mold in Drywall
You’ve spotted something suspicious on a wall in your home. Maybe it’s a dark patch, a fuzzy growth, or a stain that wasn’t there before. If you think it might be mold, trust your gut and act fast.
Mold spreads quickly. What starts out as a small spot can grow into a much bigger problem before you know it. Learning how to remove mold from drywall is a good first step to getting the problem under control. But you should also know when the problem requires professional mold removal services.
Key Takeaways
- Mold and mildew are not the same thing. Knowing the difference helps you choose the right treatment.
- Act quickly. Mold spreads fast and delaying treatment can turn a small issue into a costly repair.
- Know your limits. Large or deeply embedded mold growth in drywall usually requires professional mold remediation.
- Gather the right supplies before you start. Knowing how to treat mold on sheetrock means having the proper tools and cleaning products on hand.
- The key to keeping mold from coming back is to control moisture levels in your home.
Step 1: Are You Dealing with Mold or Mildew?
Before you grab your cleaning supplies and tackle that weird stain on your wall, it’s important to know whether you’re dealing with mold or mildew.
Mildew is a surface fungus that usually looks flat and powdery. It can range in color from gray to white. Mold, on the other hand, tends to look fuzzy or slimy and usually shows up in darker shades of green, brown, or black.
Mildew comes from excess humidity or poor ventilation, while mold often signals a deeper moisture problem, like a leak or water damage. It’s generally safe to clean mildew off your wall. But when it comes to mold, it’s always a smarter move to call a professional like SERVPRO.
Step 2: When to Call a Mold Remediation Professional
Most mold situations call for more than a scrub brush and a bottle of cleaner. If you’re unsure what you’re dealing with, start by scheduling a professional evaluation. The health risks of mold exposure are real, and they’re not worth gambling with. For example, mold can cause respiratory issues, allergic reactions, or worsening asthma symptoms.
Here are some situations where you should call a mold professional right away:
- The affected area covers more than 10 square feet
- You suspect mold is growing inside your walls
- The mold resulted from contaminated or sewage water
- Anyone in your household has allergies, asthma, or a compromised immune system
Learning how to know if there’s mold in your walls isn’t always easy. When in doubt, call a pro.
Step 3: What You’ll Need to Treat Mold on Sheetrock
If your mold issue is minor and you feel comfortable tackling it yourself, your first task is to gather the right supplies for the job.
Here’s what you’ll need as you learn how to remove mold from drywall safely and effectively:
- N95 respirator mask
- Safety goggles
- Rubber gloves
- Disposable coveralls or old clothing
- Plastic sheeting to seal off the work area
- A HEPA vacuum
- Mild detergent or diluted dish soap
- White vinegar or a commercial mold cleaner
- Stiff bristle brush
- Clean cloths or sponges
- Plastic bags for disposal
Step 4: Clean the Area
Determining how to remove mold from drywall will depend on whether your drywall is sealed or unsealed. Sealed drywall has a painted or primed surface. This makes it easier to clean with a mild detergent or diluted vinegar solution.
Unsealed drywall is much more porous. Mold can penetrate deep into it. If you’ve got mold on unsealed drywall, you might need to cut out the affected areas and replace them. (Better yet, call an expert for this more challenging job.)
Step 5: Prevent Mold in Drywall
Cleaning up mold on drywall is only half the battle. Keeping it from coming back is just as important. Here are some practical steps you can take to banish your mold issue for good.
- Control humidity levels: Keep indoor humidity between 30 and 50 percent. You may need to use your air conditioner or a dehumidifier.
- Fix leaks right away: Take care of plumbing leaks, roof leaks, and any other water intrusions as soon as you spot them.
- Ventilate areas prone to moisture: Run exhaust fans in your bathrooms and kitchen to lower excess moisture.
- Dry wet areas quickly: After a spill or flood, dry the affected area as soon as you can.
If pesky mold on drywall keeps coming back after you clean it, your home is telling you something bigger is happening. Recurring mold is a clear sign that it’s time to bring in a mold remediation specialist.
Why Mold in Drywall Is Best Left to the Professionals
Removing mold from drywall on your own might work for small surface mold issues, but mold is rarely just a surface problem. A trained mold remediation specialist does much more than clean what you can see with the naked eye.
A mold removal professional will:
- Identify the root cause of the moisture feeding the mold
- Test for hidden growth behind walls and under flooring
- Contain the affected area to prevent spores from spreading
- Use professional-grade equipment to fully fix the problem
The bottom line is that your health and home are too important to risk on a partial fix. When mold shows up in your drywall, the smartest decision you can make is to call in an expert.
SERVPRO’s mold remediation specialists are ready to rid your home of mold. Our technicians will thoroughly assess and inspect your property for visible mold signs—and use various techniques to detect the presence of mold and possible hidden water sources. If mold is found, we’ll work with you through the cleanup, repair, and remediation process with as little disruption as possible.
Find a SERVPRO location near you to schedule an inspection.
FAQs
How do I remove black mold from drywall?
Cleaning black mold is never a DIY project. It can pose serious health risks and often goes deep into drywall, making surface cleaning ineffective. The safest solution is to contact a licensed mold remediation professional to safely and completely remove black mold from your home.
How do I clean mold off drywall?
For small outbreaks of surface mold on sealed drywall, scrub the area with a mild detergent or diluted vinegar solution using a stiff brush. Dry the area thoroughly. If the mold covers more than 10 square feet, keeps returning, or has gotten into unsealed drywall, contact a professional mold remediation service.
How do I treat mold on Sheetrock?
Treating mold on Sheetrock starts with figuring out whether your drywall is sealed or unsealed. You may be able to clean a sealed surface with a mild detergent. However, unsealed Sheetrock absorbs moisture. Often, it’s necessary for a professional to remove the entire affected section of Sheetrock and replace it.
Does bleach kill mold on drywall?
Bleach can kill mold on non-porous surfaces, but drywall is porous. The bleach will only treat what’s visible on the surface and won’t penetrate deeply enough to kill the mold at the root. For drywall, a diluted vinegar solution is more effective, though a professional mold remediation specialist is the best option for the job.
Should I call a professional to remove mold from drywall?
In most cases, yes. Mold in drywall usually isn’t just a surface issue. A professional mold specialist can identify the source of the moisture causing the mold and fully remediate the problem using professional-grade equipment. At the end of the day, a professional will get rid of the mold and protect both your home and your family’s health.