Can mold be killed on drywall?

Author: Prof. Daisha Thompson DDS  |  Last update: Wednesday, May 7, 2025

If your drywall is painted and you catch it early, mold usually can be scrubbed away using a natural cleaning solution like baking soda or, in severe cases, chemicals like bleach.

Can moldy drywall be saved?

If you don't replace water-damaged, moldy drywall, it could end up compromising the structure of your home. It's also a health hazard, and in some cases, the only way to get rid of toxic black mold on drywall is to remove the affected panels completely.

Does moldy drywall need to be replaced?

Many homeowners attempt to simply repair drywall that is infested with mold, but it should always be fully replaced. If you don't replace every part of your drywall that has experienced mold growth, you're only leaving your home vulnerable to much more damage in the future.

How long does it take for mold to destroy drywall?

The only way to prevent mold infestation in drywall following a water damage incident is to dry it within 48 hours after water intrusion. The 48-72 hour window is critical to prevent mold growth as it usually takes 24 to 48 hours for mold to germinate and grow.

How do you kill mold behind drywall?

A solution of water and detergent, vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, or borax can effectively kill black mold on drywall. Alternatively, commercial mold removal products specifically designed for use on drywall are also available.

Mold on Drywall - Should You Be CONCERNED?

Is it OK to have mold behind drywall?

If you find mold on your drywall, you'll most likely need to get it replaced. Mold on drywall can indicate a deeper problem in the stud space behind your wall since it can penetrate the surface. In this case, you'll need to cut it out and replace the drywall in the affected and surrounding areas.

What kills 100% of mold?

Hydrogen peroxide, commonly used to disinfect wounds, is active against a wide variety of micro-organisms including mold. It acts by releasing oxygen at a rapid rate, which kills mold by oxidizing the surface and breaking down proteins and DNA.

Is it safe to remove moldy drywall yourself?

According to the EPA, homeowners can remove mold on drywall under 10 square feet, but larger areas may require professional assistance.

What does harmless black mold look like?

Although the name implies a uniform coloring, black mold may appear black, dark green, or dark brown. It typically grows as a cluster of round spots with a distinctly wet, slimy appearance. As stated, black mold typically appears fuzzy or furry.

Will mold stop growing if moisture is removed?

The mold spores will not grow if moisture is not present. Indoor mold growth can and should be prevented or controlled by controlling moisture indoors. If there is mold growth in your home, you must clean up the mold and fix the water problem.

Can you throw away moldy drywall?

Porous building materials (i.e. drywall, ceiling tiles, insulation, carpet) that are visibly moldy as a result of water damage cannot be satisfactorily cleaned and therefore must be discarded.

Does homeowners insurance cover mold?

Homeowners insurance doesn't usually cover mold damage or removal unless it's the result of a covered peril. If the mold in your residence was caused by something sudden or accidental, such as a bursting pipe or some other covered incident on your policy, you may be protected.

What is the best mold remover for drywall?

For a fast-acting cleaner with quick results, we recommend the RMR-86 Instant Mold Stain and Mildew Stain Remover. Our favorite aspect is how versatile it is, since it can work on most non-porous and semi-porous surfaces including wood, vinyl, drywall, brick, kitchen counters, concrete floors, and more.

Can mold in drywall make you sick?

Exposure to mold can cause health effects in some people. Mold spores are always found in the air we breathe, but extensive mold contamination may cause health problems. Breathing mold can cause allergic and respiratory symptoms.

How to get rid of mold on walls permanently?

How to Clean Mould on Walls in Three Steps
  1. Mix one part bleach to four parts water.
  2. Wipe and gently scrub the mould until it is gone.
  3. Finish by wiping away the bleach mixture and dry the area well with a soft cloth.

Can you paint over moldy drywall?

The mold will never be eliminated when you throw a coat of paint over it. Instead, it will keep growing and eventually reappear through the paint. If you notice a mold spot, avoid painting over it without removing it and cleaning the area first.

What are signs of mold sickness?

If you have a mold allergy, your immune system overreacts when you breathe in mold spores. A mold allergy can cause coughing, itchy eyes and other symptoms that make you miserable. In some people, a mold allergy is linked to asthma and exposure causes restricted breathing and other airway symptoms.

Does black mold just wipe off?

If you try to clean it with a heavy-duty cleaner, you might find that it remains on the surface and doesn't completely wipe away. What are the health effects of toxic black mold? Contact with toxic black mold can increase the likelihood of developing asthma, and contribute to more severe, long-lasting chronic symptoms.

How long does it take for black mold to grow on wet drywall?

mildew and mold will develop within 24-48 hours of water exposure. Even worse, it will continue to grow until steps are taken to eliminate the source of moisture, and effectively deal with the mold problem. Use the diagram on the facing page to assess the extent of mold in your home.

How much does it cost to remove drywall with mold?

Removing mold from your walls can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $20,000, depending on whether you need to remove mold from the surface or must replace the wall and everything behind it due to mold damage. Mold that grows on drywall for a long time can destroy the drywall. Repairing drywall typically costs $300 to $825.

What's the difference between drywall and sheetrock?

One key difference between the two is that sheetrock is a brand name of drywall made by the United States Gypsum Corporation. Another difference lies in their production process; sheetrock has a slightly denser core than drywall due to the addition of a small amount of wood fiber to the gypsum core.

Can I spray mold remover on drywall?

There are some cases where you could simply spray moldy drywall with a mold stain remover. Clorox Clean Up is cheap and works well, but there are many others. You can use mold stain remover when the black mold is a simple “surface mold” caused by humidity.

Is Clorox or vinegar better for mold?

Is bleach or vinegar better to kill mold? Vinegar is better at killing mold because it can work on both porous and nonporous surfaces. It also terminates molds at their roots so the mold won't return and is also safer than bleach.

What is the strongest mold killer?

Best Products for Mold & Mildew Remediation
  • Vital Oxide Gallon Disinfectant Cleaner and Disinfectant Fogger Sprayer Combo. ...
  • Victory Electrostatic sprayer. ...
  • Victory Electrostatic Sprayer Backpack. ...
  • Vital Oxide Disinfectant - 5 gal pail. ...
  • JETULTRA BACKPACK SPRAYER. ...
  • AEROCLAVE DECONTAMINATION SYSTEM. ...
  • JETULTRA HANDHELD SPRAYER.

What eats away at mold?

Vinegar is natural and safe mild acid that can kill 82% of mold species. Plus it doesn't give off dangerous fumes like bleach. If you want to use vinegar to prevent mold growth on surfaces, spray vinegar on the surface and leave it. Repeat every few days to keep the surface mold-free.

Previous article
Why are ZZ plants good for beginners?
Next article
Can I use Dawn instead of laundry detergent?