How to get rid of mold in drywall?

Author: Prof. Lawson Schuster  |  Last update: Friday, May 23, 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 mold be removed from 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.

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.

Is drywall mold toxic?

Yes, it's true that, in most cases, mold spores do not come out of a wall and into the occupied space, however molds produce toxic gases called MVOCs (Microbial Volatile Organic Compounds) and poisonous mycotoxins, like Trichothecenes for example.

How do you permanently remove mold from walls?

Scrub the affected area with a solution of water and detergent or a mixture of vinegar and water. For stubborn black mold, consider using a commercial mold remover specifically designed for black mold. After cleaning, ensure the area is completely dry and well-ventilated to prevent mold regrowth.

How To Remove Mold From Walls (Drywall)

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 mold inside walls make you sick?

Can Mold Inside Walls Make You Sick or Does It Need to Be Exposed? Yes. Even if you can't see it, mold can make you sick. Spores can spread throughout your home, even from relatively contained areas like inside the wall.

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.

What are signs of mold sickness?

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 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.

Does moldy drywall have to be replaced?

If you find mold on your drywall, you'll most likely need to get it replaced.

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.

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.

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.

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 spray gets rid of mold?

Clorox Plus Tilex Pro Results Mold and Mildew Stain Remover eliminates the stains you can't stand. This stain remover is a ready to use foam action spray that strips tough mold and mildew stains from indoor and outdoor surfaces. It is designed to remove tough mold and mildew stains without damaging most surfaces.

Can you clean up mold yourself?

Scrub mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water, and dry completely. Fix plumbing leaks and other water problems as soon as possible. Dry all items completely. Absorbent or porous materials, such as ceiling tiles and carpet, may have to be thrown away if they become moldy.

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 detect mold inside walls?

Look for visible signs like discolorations or dark spots on surfaces, visible mold spores, warped walls, and other moisture issues. You may also smell something damp and musty as well as experience worsened allergy and asthma attacks.

Can drywall with mold be saved?

If it is moldy, there has been enough water/moisture to ruin the drywall, even without the presence of the mold. The mold has warned you to replace it.

What 100% kills mold?

For large amounts of mold, the only method that kills mold 100%, every time, is removing all of the mold-infested materials entirely, and replacing them with new materials.

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.

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 mold grow in your lungs?

When mold spores are inhaled, immune system cells surround and destroy them. But people who have a weakened immune system from illness or immunosuppressant medications have fewer infection-fighting cells. This allows aspergillus to take hold, invading the lungs and, in the most serious cases, other parts of the body.

What is the difference between black mold and regular mold?

Black mold often appears slimy or wet in texture. Its characteristic sliminess can set it apart from other molds, which might have a different, dryer texture. Regular molds vary widely in appearance, presenting different textures such as fuzzy, velvety, or powdery, and can appear in various colors.

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