How to remove black mould before painting?

Author: Sabrina Connelly  |  Last update: Thursday, June 26, 2025

We recommend using dish soap, warm water and a sponge to clean surface mould. Use kitchen roll to remove excess moisture, which could cause further mould or dampness.

How to remove black mold before painting?

To remove mold, clean the wall with a mixture of water and vinegar or a mild bleach solution. Scrub the area thoroughly, let it dry completely, and then prime before painting. Hope this helps with your project! Feel free to ask if you need more tips or have other questions.

Can you just paint over black mould?

Just painting over mould will not kill it, so it can grow back easily. Although the mould is visible on the surface, the colony actually extends into the underlying material such as wood or plaster and extracts nutrients like a plant's roots.

Can I remove black mold myself?

To effectively kill black toxic mold, use a cleaning solution that combines water with mild detergent, vinegar, or hydrogen peroxide. Avoid using bleach, as it may not penetrate porous materials where mold can grow. Thoroughly scrub the mold-infested surface, ensuring that all visible mold is removed.

What is the best mold remover before painting?

Borax and water or borax and vinegar solution are better for cleaning up mold. You need to make sure that it is as dead as possible first, then Kilz mold and mildew would be a great primer first before painting.

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

Can you just paint over mold with Kilz?

Although it is designed to be applied directly to mold and mildew prone surfaces, any existing mold and/or mildew on the surface should be removed before priming and painting. This will ensure best results. Wash the area with a mildew remover, rinse with water and allow to dry before priming.

How do you get rid of mold without ruining paint?

But if the mould has penetrated further into the paint you can use a solution that contains bleach. Make up a mixture of four parts water and one part bleach. When you have made up the bleach/water mixture add a squeeze or two of washing up liquid. Put into a squeezy spray bottle and apply to the wall.

What kills mold better, vinegar or hydrogen peroxide?

It's often used as a natural and nontoxic alternative to cleaning chemicals when it comes to killing household mold. Cleaning vinegar, which contains 6% acetic acid, is the best type for killing mold.

How to get rid of black mould on walls permanently?

If you don't have a specific mould spray, bleach can be used instead. Mix a solution of one part bleach and four parts water. Take a cloth and wipe this solution across the wall, scrubbing gently until all the mould has been removed. You can then wipe the bleach away and dry the area using a separate cloth.

How do professionals remove mold?

Quality mold remediation professionals may use brushes or sponges and specialized cleaning solutions to remove mold colonies alongside vacuums to extract spores. It is necessary to ensure that every part of a structure is free of mold before restoration starts.

Does black mold go away if you paint over it?

No, painting over mold does not get rid of mold. The paint will simply cover the visual presence of the mold, such as the spores and dark spots that it leaves as it grows. 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.

What is the best primer to block mold?

KILZ® MOLD & MILDEW Primer is a water based primer-sealer-stainblocker that is specially designed for residential surfaces in high humidity, moisture and temperature environments such as kitchens, bathrooms, powder rooms and laundry rooms.

How to remove mold from bathroom ceiling before painting?

Mix one part bleach with three parts water and use a brush or sponge to scrub the area thoroughly. Be sure to wear protective gloves and ensure proper ventilation during this process.

Does Kilz mold primer work?

KILZ Mold & Mildew Primer will not kill mold and its instructions say to remove any existing mold, mildew, and other fungal organisms before applying. There is one mold killing primer on the market that does claim to kill mold, but this does not mean it is a valid option for DIY mold remediation.

Can you rub off black mold?

Non-toxic black mold can be cleaned easily using a store-bought mold and mildew remover, bleach, or dish soap. You can treat visible black mold on wood by spraying it with a solution of two quarts of water mixed with one cup bleach. Use a soft brush to help saturate the mold. The mold will rub off.

What happens if you paint over black mould?

If you paint over mould without addressing the underlying issue, the mould will continue to grow and eventually reappear.

What kills 100% of black mold?

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.

What is the best cleaner for black mould on walls?

When removing black mould from walls, we'd suggest using a specially designed mould wash concentrate instead of bleach. Mould wash is a fungicidal treatment that removes the mould and works across a variety of surfaces including tiles, wood and painted surfaces.

How do I stop black mould from coming back?

The key to mould prevention is keeping air moisture to a minimum. Dry any condensation that may be gathering on your walls, ceiling to windowsills. Dehumidifiers can also help to remove moisture from the air. Try to keep your bathroom and kitchen door shut tightly and ensure your windows are open whilst cooking.

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.

What is the strongest mold killer?

Our Top Picks
  • Best Overall: SALE. ...
  • Best Fast Acting: RMR-86 Instant Mold and Mildew Stain Remover at Amazon $17. ...
  • Best Preventative: Mold Armor Mold Blocker at Amazon $11. ...
  • Best Eco-Friendly: CLR Mold & Mildew Stain Remover at Amazon $12. ...
  • Best Gel: Skylarlife Mold & Mildew Remover Gel at Amazon $15.

Can black mold be fully remediated?

Black mold remediation cannot be done effectively unless there is proper ventilation. You should hire a professional to take samples that will determine the extent of contamination, identify the types of fungi present, and recommend procedures for safe mold removal and replacement of contaminated materials.

What kills mould before painting?

Bleach is a common chemical solution used to kill fungus that causes surface mould and prevent its return. You will need the following items: Chlorine bleach, gloves and mask, bucket, water, microfibre cloths (multiple), a toothbrush for small hard-to-reach spots and a ladder for easy access.

Can you paint over inactive mold?

Technically, yes, you can paint over mold. But, you shouldn't! Painting over inactive mold that is basically just a stain and no longer a living infestation can be okay in some cases. But, you have to really know what you're looking at and be certain the mold spores are dead.

How to remove black mold from drywall?

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.

Previous article
How do I flush my AC unit?
Next article
What to expect during duct cleaning?