Can mold grow behind baseboards?

Author: Brannon McKenzie  |  Last update: Tuesday, April 29, 2025

It's fairly common for mold to appear behind baseboards, but it's rare to discover it there without first being alerted by the presence of mold nearby in a more visible area. It can grow unnoticed for a long time, thriving on water from leaks or rainstorms. Baseboards themselves do not attract mold.

How to get rid of mold behind baseboard?

Use a mold-killing solution: You can use commercial mold removers, or a mixture of bleach and water (1 cup bleach to 1 gallon of water). Vinegar is also effective for killing mold. Scrub the affected area: Use a scrub brush to clean the mold off surfaces. Ensure you clean all affected areas thoroughly.

How do you tell if mold is growing behind walls?

How to Detect Mold in Walls
  1. Water stains.
  2. Dark rings.
  3. Discoloration.
  4. Deterioration like peeling, bubbling, or cracking of the paint or wallpaper.

Can mold behind walls make you sick?

It irritates the nose and throat, which can lead to both sneezing and coughing as your body tries to get rid of the irritant. Inhaling mold spores can also trigger coughing in people with allergies or an asthma attack, for those with asthma.

Why is there mold on the wall behind my bed?

The mold growth appears to have been caused by condensation. The condensation occurs because the wall is cold, and you keep your bed too close to the cold wall, so there will be reduced air circulation in the area and moisture in the air will deposit on the wall and bed, which will lead to mold growth.

Moldy Baseboards - Everything you NEED to know about mold on baseboards

What are the 10 warning signs of mold toxicity?

Although symptoms can vary, the most common symptoms seen in people exposed to mold indoors include:
  • Nasal and sinus congestion.
  • Eye irritation, such as itchy, red, watery eyes.
  • Wheezing and difficulty breathing.
  • Cough.
  • Throat irritation.
  • Skin irritation, such as a rash.
  • Headache.

How do you get rid of mold behind walls?

How to Remove Mold from Inside Walls
  1. Contain Your Work Area. Before you start work, protect the other areas of your home. ...
  2. Remove the Affected Drywall. ...
  3. Remove the Insulation. ...
  4. Dry Out the Area. ...
  5. Vacuum the Space. ...
  6. Kill the Mold. ...
  7. Contain and Encapsulate the Mold. ...
  8. Close and Rebuild the Wall.

Is it safe to sleep in a room with mold on the wall?

A: Sleeping in a mouldy room is not advisable. Mould can release spores that, when inhaled during sleep, may lead to respiratory issues and allergies. These can disrupt your sleep and harm your overall health.

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.

Is mold behind drywall a problem?

Damaging Effects of Water behind Drywall

Mold can only grow where there is enough water to support it. This means that when you have mold growing behind drywall, you have excess water behind your wall.

What does mold on baseboards look like?

Visible Mold

The most common colors of mold are gray, black, and green, but mold can also be white, pink, blue, red, purple, brown—and sometimes a combination of colors. “As for textures, [mold] could be fuzzy, powdery, velvety, or slimy,” Rubino says.

How to tell if mold is making you sick?

Signs and symptoms of allergic rhinitis caused by a mold allergy can include:
  • Sneezing.
  • Runny or stuffy nose.
  • Cough and postnasal drip.
  • Itchy eyes, nose and throat.
  • Watery eyes.
  • Dry, scaly skin.

How long does it take for mold to grow behind walls?

Although mold begins to grow within a day or two of taking root after a water or excessive moisture issue, it takes a bit longer for the mold colony to become big enough to be seen with the naked eye. If left unchecked, mold will become clearly visible within about two to four weeks.

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.

Can you paint over mold on baseboards?

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.

How do you clean baseboards without killing your back?

How To Clean Baseboards (Without Hurting Your Back!)
  1. Broom with a cloth attached: Wrap microfiber cloth around the brush and hold it in place with a couple of rubber bands.
  2. Microfiber sock on a stick: A tool you can make in seconds. ...
  3. Vacuum cleaner with a wand attachment: The best dust remover for this chore.

How expensive is mold removal?

Most mold removal professionals charge around $10 to $25 per square foot. So, if you're removing mold from a 100-square-foot area, you can expect to pay around $1,000 to $2,500. But factors like where the growth is and the mold type can affect how much it costs to remove it.

Can I remove black mold myself?

For a natural solution to getting rid of black mold, combine one part baking soda with five parts distilled white vinegar and five parts water in a spray bottle. Alternatively, you can use a chemical-based mold and mildew remover, all-purpose cleaners, bleach or dish soap.

Who pays for mold remediation?

If there is a covered condition that the homeowner's insurance policy covers that causes mold, then the insurance company will cover mold remediation. Excess water from a natural cause like a roof leaking after a rain storm is usually covered by a homeowners insurance policy.

Does opening windows help with mold?

Mould thrives in damp areas such as windows, where there is dust, dirt or organic material, that's why the number one way to reduce mould is to open your windows regularly. By opening the windows at least once a day, this allows the mould spores to escape and lets patches of moisture dry out.

Will a dehumidifier help with mold?

Mould will easily grow and spread if the right conditions are present. So, dehumidifiers don't kill mould, but they can help to prevent it from growing inside your home by reducing humidity. However, the best way to deal with it is to get rid of its source.

What are signs of mold sickness?

One of the most common warning signs of mold toxicity is persistent respiratory issues such as coughing, sneezing, and difficulty breathing. If you or your family members experience these symptoms, especially when at home, it could be a sign of mold presence.

What if mold is behind drywall?

Mold inside your walls is a sure sign of moisture intrusion. Mold also leads to the deterioration of insulation, studs, and drywall. Some types of mold can be hazardous to your health. 1 And for anyone thinking of selling their home, mold in the walls will undoubtedly show up on the inspection report.

What do professionals use for mold remediation?

Equipment Used in Mold Remediation

Air scrubbers play a crucial role and filter out mold spores from the air, ensuring a cleaner environment. HEPA vacuums are also vital, adeptly removing mold particles from surfaces. To detect hidden mold, we use moisture meters, pinpointing damp areas prone to mold growth.

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