Looking for a safe and effective way to clean mold and mildew from your wall? Mold or mildew growth in homes is common, especially in bathrooms, and can be extremely unpleasant. In addition, it can affect the health, as well as the aesthetics and function of a room. If proper measures are not taken to clean it up, mold and mildew can re-form. Fortunately, there are several proven methods you can use to clean mold from the wall – find out about them in this article!
Why does mold occur?
Mold is a group of fungi. They can form when plants decay, such as when fruits become diseased, but they can also appear if there are high humidity conditions. In fact, the main cause of mold formation in homes is dampness.
These fungi grow in hidden places, where there is little light, as it prevents the decomposition of living matter. Hence, dampness is the ideal place for mold growth.
Mold is not harmful by itself, but it can cause severe allergies such as asthma, dermatitis, congested nose and throat, etc. This is particularly dangerous for children and people with a weakened immune system.
Moistures: where mold grows
The main types of dampness that occur in houses are:
- Leakage dampness. These occur when a pipe bursts or leaks. The leak must be repaired first and then the mold must be cleaned up. If the leak is cleaned without repairing it, the mold will reappear.
- Moisture due to condensation. It is produced by a thermal contrast between the room and its walls. For example, the water vapor generated by a hot shower: this comes into contact with the wall, which is cold, and dampness can occur between the tiles or under them.
- Capillary dampness. These humidities occur due to a natural process, which allows water and mineral salts to ascend through pores and capillaries of the construction materials of a house. To solve this, the walls must be reinforced and insulated.
How to clean mold from the wall step by step
1 Protect yourself
Before you begin cleaning mold from the wall, it is important that you wear personal protective equipment such as an N95 mask, goggles, gloves and protective clothing.
2 Clean mold from the wall
Once protected, the first thing to do is to clean the mold from the wall by scraping it off with a spatula. It will also be useful to sand the wall to remove all the fungus.
3 Repairs the area
If there is any damage, such as a crack or chipping, apply a damp-proof repair putty. If necessary, you can first apply a coat of fixative primer. Let dry the time indicated by the manufacturer.
4 Cleans and disinfects
Now it is time to clean the area well and disinfect. You can apply a product to kill mold and mildew at the root so that it does not reappear. There are different methods to kill mold: liquid, spray, diffuser… Choose the one that best suits you and apply it.
5 Pinta
Once the mold has been removed and the wall has been repaired, it’s time to paint it. Apply a coat of primer to allow the paint to set better. Once the primer has dried, paint the wall in the same color.
What to use to clean mold from the wall?
White vinegar
This option is perfect for all types of mold. It is recommended to mix white vinegar with water in a ratio of 1:1.
- Spray the mixture on the surface affected by the mold.
- Let the mixture act for about 10 minutes before wiping it off with a cloth.
Oxygenated water
Using hydrogen peroxide is another effective way to remove mildew from the wall. It is recommended to prepare a mixture of hydrogen peroxide with warm water.
- Spray the mixture on the surface with fungus and let it act for approximately 10 minutes.
- Then, rub the moldy area with a sponge to remove the fungus.
- Rinse the sponge with clean water.
Sodium bicarbonate
This is a typical mixture for cleaning mold from the wall.
- Mix baking soda with a ¼ cup of warm water and sprinkle the mixture on the affected area.
- Let it act for about 10 minutes before washing the wall with water.
Tea tree oil
This option is effective in eliminating fungi due to its antifungal properties. These essential oils can be found in most large supermarkets.
- To use, mix a few drops of tea tree oil with water and spray the mixture on the affected surface.
- Avoid direct sunlight to prevent stains.
Bleach
Bleach is a good disinfectant. To clean mold from the wall with bleach:
- Mix one part bleach to three or four parts water.
- Apply the solution to the affected area and leave for about 10 minutes.
- Wash the wall with water and remove the dirt with a brush or scouring pad.
Ammonia
Ammonia is a degreaser, but it also serves to eliminate mold and mildew.
- Mix one part ammonia to approximately five parts water. Do not use any other product for mixing because it can be dangerous.
- Apply to the area and leave on for 10-15 minutes.
- Rinse with water and scrub with a brush or scouring pad.
Cleaning the mold from the wall is a task that must be done thoroughly, since not doing it well will cause the mold to reappear. Try any of the methods we have named, dry the wall well before painting, and you will see how mold does not reappear in the area.
