Removing Mold From Walls Part II

5/11/2018 (Permalink)

You can control mildew and mold if you use proper procedures and equipment

In the first of these posts we talked about the need for a thorough assessment of the mold problem (step 1) and about properly preparing the area and yourself (step 2). Once you’ve prepared you’re ready to remove the mold and apply a stain-blocking paint.

Step 3: Remove the Mold

Here’s some good news. The best way to remove mildew and mold from walls is also an easy and cheap way. Use a bleach/water solution. (Reminder: Mildew is a surface type of mold that won’t damage your home’s structure but still needs to be removed.) Mix one part bleach to three parts water. Apply that solution with a sponge or rag. There are also a number of commercial solutions you can find at your local hardware store.

Remember to always use waterproof rubber gloves and goggles when you’re working with bleach. If your kitchen or bathroom has tile grout you may find patches of mildew in the grout. You can scrub it away with an old toothbrush. Be sure to wash down the walls after you’ve scrubbed.

More Details on What to Wear, How to Prepare & Clean Up

We provided this information in part one of this blog, but we know some of our blog readers don’t always see every post, so here’s the info again. This is important.  Wear old clothes and shoes. Either launder or throw the clothes and shoes away when you’re done. Wear a N-95 or P-100 respirator along with goggles and long rubber gloves. Set an old box fan or a cheap new one in a window to ventilate the room while you work. Throw the fan out when you’re done cleaning, because the spores are almost impossible to clean off.

Tape plywood or cardboard around the window openings so the spores can’t blow back into your house. Wrap and tape any moldy carpeting in plastic, and double-bag mold-infested debris in garbage bags for disposal. To control airborne spores, you can moisten moldy areas with a garden sprayer while you work. Turn off your furnace and air conditioner and cover ducts and doors to contain spores. Keep your wet/dry vacuum outside when you vacuum.


We know mold. Call SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield At (860) 216-2785

Step 4: Apply a Stain-Blocking Paint

Once you’ve removed the mold, you may have stains left on the wall surfaces. Prime the wall with a good interior primer/sealer and paint over the stains.

Step 5: Prevent More Mold

It’s best to not consider yourself done when all the mold is gone. SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield recommends you also take steps to reduce the risk of any mildew or mold growing in the future. The key to stopping most mold is to control dampness. The worst mold infestations usually occur in damp crawlspaces, in attics and walls where water has leaked in from the outside, and in basements with poor foundation drainage. Be sure to stop leaks, ensure good ventilation in attics, keep crawlspaces dry, and route water away from your home’s foundation.

Congratulations, you’re done! Stay vigilant and look for potential signs of mold by keeping in mind where and how it can grow.

Help Is Here

The team at SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield has specialized training and experience in fire restoration services, natural disaster prevention, water damage, mold remediation, and natural disaster cleanup. Call SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield (860.216.2785) anytime.

SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield
100 Peters Road, Bloomfield, CT 06002
IICRC Certified
Noemi Garcia
Franchise Owner
Call 860.216.2785
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