How to get rid of black mold on drywall?

Author: Collin Moen  |  Last update: Friday, August 8, 2025

Bleach & Water Use two parts water to one part bleach, lightly scrub the area and leave the bleach on for a few minutes (but don't saturate the wall) so it kills the surface molds and penetrates the wall to get the roots. Blot dry with a clean cloth afterward. It works best on hard non-permeable surfaces.

Can black mold be cleaned off 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.

Does drywall with mold need to be replaced?

Size of the affected area: If the mold covers more than 10 square feet, consider professional remediation that will likely involve replacing drywall. Depth of mold penetration: If the drywall is soft or crumbly, it may need replacement.

Can mold behind drywall affect you?

Mold behind drywall can be dangerous to some people with allergies and breathing issues it can be very dangerous. Not all mold is bad but in homes especially if a leak was present or any moisture bad mold can grow. Lowes and home depot sell mold t...

What is the best spray for black mold on drywall?

White distilled vinegar is all you need, and can spray on at full strength (be careful with certain materials of course). Cheap and environmentally friendly.

Black Mold - How To Kill Toxic Mold In Under 5 Mins!

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.

Is vinegar or bleach better for mold on drywall?

Vinegar is best to use on porous surfaces and is considered a safer option for removing mold. Advantage of Using Vinegar: White vinegar is a safer solution to tackle a mess of household mold. Unlike bleach, vinegar does not emit toxic fumes. Vinegar is effective when combined with water.

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.

How to get rid of black mold behind walls?

Removing mold from inside walls is a four-step process: removing moldy drywall and other materials; killing mold; encapsulating remaining mold; and rebuilding part or all of the wall with new drywall, insulation, and other building materials. Removal/Disposal: Moldy drywall and insulation must be removed.

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 to get rid of mold on walls permanently?

The only effective way to permanently get rid of mould problems is by reducing the build-up of moisture in your home. This can only be achieved through better ventilation.

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.

Can you paint over mold on drywall?

If you paint over mold, you make it impossible to see how much mold is growing behind the paint. This means toxic mold can lurk behind the paint (and keep growing) even if you can't see it. Q: Can you paint over mold? A: Unfortunately, no.

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.

What is the best cleaner for mold on walls?

If you're wondering what kills mold on walls, some of the best solutions are white vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, bleach, and commercial mold removers. Note that you should only use a bleach solution when dealing with moderate to severe mold damage, and make sure not to combine bleach with other cleansers.

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.

How do professionals remove mold from walls?

As a mold professional we use a 2-step process. We use our enzyme treatment and then apply our mold inhibitor. We also take a look and find the moisture source to help alleviate more mold from growing.

Is it safe to remove black mold yourself?

Many homeowners are tempted to try and remove the mold themselves, thinking it may save them a few dollars, but be warned that attempting black mold removal without professional assistance is a dangerous undertaking.

How to tell the difference between black mold and toxic black mold?

Common black mold presents differently than toxic black mold. It's likely to appear in ordinary spaces, not just in water-damaged basements and humid attics. Non-toxic black mold also cleans more efficiently than toxic mold, and it doesn't possess the same musty, dirty smell that makes toxic mold so recognizable.

What happens if you touch black mold?

What happens if you touch black mold? The toxins released by mold if disturbed (if you touch it) are known to cause irritations to the skin, rashes, and even fungal infections.

Can I leave vinegar on mold overnight?

Yes, you can leave vinegar on mould overnight, though this isn't necessary as it usually takes effect after an hour. However, you can't use any type of vinegar, for mould removal you must use distilled white vinegar.

How to tell if mold is behind drywall?

Musty Smell

If you think there's mold in your walls, get on your hands and knees and smell the electrical outlets. This might sound silly, but it may help you sense mold if it's growing within walls. Outlets have better access to the area behind the walls. Thus, smelling them can help identify the mold problem.

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.

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