How to remove moisture from drywall?

Author: Miguel Johns  |  Last update: Saturday, August 16, 2025

The best way to dry wet drywall is to dry it from the inside out. This can be done by using a fan or a dehumidifier. Use a moisture meter to check the moisture levels. Once you have started drying the drywall, checking the moisture levels with a moisture meter is important.

How to fix moisture behind drywall?

A dehumidifier and a fan are your go to tools with damp Sheetrock. A dehumidifier will pull the moisture from the air a fan pushes air over the Sheetrock and assists with drying. It is very easy to damage wet Sheetrock, give it a chance to dry.

How to get rid of moisture in drywall?

Accelerate drying by opening windows and doors. Use fans to move air around the damp walls. Dehumidifiers can help remove moisture from the air, which indirectly removes it from the walls, too. To speed up evaporation, remove molding and baseboards to prevent moisture from entering behind them.

What draws moisture out of walls?

To dry out small spots, place a fan in front of the damp area and turn it on high. For larger spots, install a heavy-duty dehumidifier in the room to suck the water vapor out. If you need to dry out a wall in an enclosed area, place moisture absorbent materials like dehumidifier packs near the damp spots.

Can damp drywall be saved?

If drywall has been exposed to a small amount of water for a brief period, it may not need to be replaced. Minor exposure can be remedied through proper drying techniques. However, if the drywall has been soaked or submerged, especially for a prolonged period, replacement is often the best option.

How to remove mould from walls and ceilings

Will mold always grow on wet drywall?

No mold doesn't always grow after a leak. If the temperature isn't right or if the leak is properly dealt with quickly, there's a chance that mold spores won't be able to take root or grow.

What is the best way to dry out drywall?

The best way to dry wet drywall is to dry it from the inside out. This can be done by using a fan or a dehumidifier. Use a moisture meter to check the moisture levels. Once you have started drying the drywall, checking the moisture levels with a moisture meter is important.

How to dry out damp walls fast DIY?

Grab a room fan to dry small damp spots. If the area that is wet is a small one, then it is possible to use a standing oscillating fan to try it out. Place one or more fans in front of the damp spot and turn them to their highest setting. This helps dry the wall and also gets moisture out of the air.

How to dry a wet drywall ceiling?

The regular fans you use at home will work in most cases, but they may take a long time to dry the ceiling. It would be best to use high-volume fans alongside a structural drying dehumidifier. This will help you get the wet ceiling dry within a few hours.

How to absorb moisture from a wall?

In order to get rid of the dampness, place one or two fans in front of each damp spot. Turn the fans to their highest setting and open the doors and windows to let the air pass. Not only will this help clear out moist air, but it will actively dry the damp spots on the walls.

Will drywall dry out on its own?

While it is relatively durable, drywall is not impervious to water. When exposed to moisture, the gypsum absorbs water, and the paper can become saturated. This raises the question, “Can drywall dry out?” The answer is yes, but it depends on the extent of the damage and how quickly you act.

Can moisture in walls be fixed?

Exterior waterproofing coats can be applied to the exterior walls to stop water from penetrating the walls. The barrier that a waterproof coat will create will insulate walls and keep out rain and moisture, keeping walls from becoming damp. You can treat dampness in the interior walls by waterproofing the roof.

How do you know if moisture is behind drywall?

Moisture and water that get behind the wall cause the backside of the drywall to soften and even become mushy. Look for soft spots or wet spots in the drywall and gently press into them. If the drywall depresses, there is most likely water damage. Mold on your walls' surfaces.

How long does drywall retain moisture?

Regularly check the dehumidifier's collection well, and reposition the air movers as necessary throughout the process to be sure to get everything. Use your moisture meter to track your progress. It takes around 3-5 days to completely dry wet drywall, so patience is key, but you should be seeing consistent progress.

Can I just paint over water damaged drywall?

Well, as long as the drywall is not structurally damaged, you're in luck. With proper cleaning and repair, adding a fresh coat of paint will make your walls like-new without breaking the bank. This article will break down how to safely repaint over water damage and make sure the leak stays away.

How do you fix moist drywall?

To recap, this is how to repair water damaged drywall:

Remove the damaged portions of the drywall. Cut them with a utility knife. Further dry the water damaged walls using fans and dehumidifiers. Sanitize and deodorize the area to eliminate musty smells and bacteria.

Does wet drywall always mold?

The longer drywall is exposed to water, the greater the damage it will sustain. If you address the issue promptly and begin drying procedures, you may have a better chance of salvaging the drywall. However, prolonged exposure increases the likelihood of mold growth and structural damage.

Will insulation dry out behind drywall?

Insulation Behind Water Damage Walls Will Not Dry Out. Insulation is like a sponge and once it gets wet it will take a really long time to fully dry.

How do you dry out the inside of a wall?

Use fans and a dehumidifier (if you have one). Fans will move the air around the damp area to help dry it. A dehumidifier will help remove moisture from the air and walls.

How do you permanently remove damp from walls?

You must address the core source of the damp if you are to permanently get rid of damp on your walls. If you are aware of the source of the damp, here are some of the most common solutions: Rising damp – a damp proof course (DPC) is the easiest and most cost-effective way to prevent rising damp.

How do you find the source of a wet wall?

How to Find the Source of a Water Leak Inside a Wall
  1. Step 1: Look for Visible Signs of Water Damage. ...
  2. Step 2: Perform a Water Meter Test to Verify a Water Leak. ...
  3. Step 3: Turn off the Water Supply. ...
  4. Step 4: Determine the Area of the Leak. ...
  5. Step 5: Use a Moisture Meter. ...
  6. Step 6: Locate the Source of the Leak. ...
  7. Step 7: Fix the Leak.

Can a wet drywall ceiling be saved?

Do You Have to Immediately Replace Water-Damaged Ceiling Drywall? If your ceiling has been affected by a recent leak, you must replace the drywall as soon as possible to protect the structural integrity of your ceiling.

What makes drywall dry faster?

Raise Room Temperature

To quicken drywall dry time, turn on the furnace or put space heaters in the room. Remember that the humidity needs to escape, so open windows and doors. For a small patch of wall, aim a hairdryer at the area. Keep the hairdryer far away from the patch.

How to remove moisture from a ceiling?

To dry your ceiling fast, use dehumidifiers, fans, and open windows to improve ventilation. You can also use a wet vacuum to remove any standing water from the ceiling.

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