The presence of mold on the walls of your property is a very frustrating and potentially hazardous issue. Besides smelling unappealing and looking unsightly, it also damages your home and could cause health problems. When you notice mold growth on your walls, take action immediately.
This quick guide is the perfect starting point for those who are ready to eliminate mold from their walls!
Types of Mold in Houses
Stachybotrys (Black mold)
Type: Toxigenic.
Several species of Stachybotrys toxigenic mold are noteworthy, including two in particular. The toxic black mold Stachybotrys chartarum and Stachybotrys chlorohalonata are two such organisms. Occasionally, these organisms may grow inside homes or in ventilation systems.
Poor indoor air quality is linked to both species, which are usually caused by excessive moisture.
Penicillium
Type: Allergenic.
You don’t want any form of Penicillium growing at your home, even though Penicillium notatum was the first source of life-saving antibiotics.
This genus is composed of several bluish-green species in color and silky in texture. High moisture is a favorable environment for Penicillium. This mold causes allergies. The spores spread rapidly through the air and may cause asthma and heart problems.
Aspergillus
Type: Pathogenic.
Aspergillus species may not be harmful, but they can cause allergic reactions, respiratory irritation, lung infections, and asthma. Toxigenic Aspergillus species can produce aflatoxins, a known substance to promote cancer growth.
Aspergillus fumigatus spores float everywhere in the air, and it is considered a potentially harmful species. A person with a weakened immune system may succumb to this fungus. There is at least one useful species of Aspergillus among numerous other mold families.
What Causes Mold On Walls
In most houses, excessive moisture creates the ideal conditions for mold to grow. However, few people realize how many locations can cause moisture to accumulate. Several factors contribute to the moisture that encourages mold to grow, all of which can be prevented with a little forethought and mold cleanup planning.
Condensation
Often the air inside your house is cooler than the exterior walls of your home, and this is when condensation occurs naturally. When this happens, the water in the air changes from solid to liquid and suffers a temperature drop. Leaving this liquid too long will make it an ideal breeding ground for mold.
Humidity
In most cases, mold on walls is caused by humidity. A dehumidifier is an easy solution if you live in a humid environment. Move the dehumidifier from room to room regularly to ensure that all areas are adequately dried out.
Water Leaks
Leaks are also one of the most common causes of mold on residential walls. You’re likely to find water seeping into the structure of your house every time you turn on the faucet if your pipes drip. In the long run, moisture accumulates in the air and becomes a breeding ground for all kinds of bacteria, which leads to mold growth.
Lack of Sunlight
Mold is fatally affected by direct sunlight. UV radiation in natural sunlight breaks down a mold’s cellular structure. Mold can only be found outside in dim, dark places like under a forest canopy or on rock faces and tree trunks facing north.
NOTE: These are some of the obvious signs that mold is present in your home:
- The smell of must or dampness.
- Peeling and cracked paint.
- Mold growth on the walls or ceiling is visible to the naked eye.
- Symptoms of allergies worsen indoors.
How To Get Rid Of Mold
Identify the source
Getting rid of mold on walls begins with this first and most important step. It’s important to identify the cause of the mold and address it to prevent it from returning.
The solution for mold removal is to repair any sources of water damage (such as leaks) which have caused the mold and control the moisture in the property.
Clean the walls and prepare the room
Taking mold off the walls is easy. After you’ve cleared the area, you can begin. Removing any furniture, fabrics, and electrical equipment from the affected area is extremely important. To protect the floor, cover it with plastic sheets.
After you have cleaned the affected area, dampen a sponge and use dishwashing liquid to remove any dirt.
Remove the Mold
The mold is most likely on the surface of painted interior walls if there are small mold spots on them.
With household products, you should be able to remove it fairly easily. Tea tree oil, white wine vinegar, borax, and baking soda are all options.
In porous surfaces like cement, concrete, stone, and wood, mold grows more than just on the surface. As well as growing on the surface, mold can spread within the surface.
If you have mold in a porous (unsealed) wall, a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and distilled white wine vinegar would be most beneficial.
Call Professionals to Get Rid of Mold on Walls
You should hire an expert to remove large amounts of mold from the walls of your home if they are significant. As a result, you need to make sure that the mold remediation company is properly licensed, insured, and trained.
Mold removal professionals will follow a mold remediation procedure. It is typical for them to first collect and test samples in order to identify the mold. Once they have determined the extent of the problem, they will develop a plan that will eliminate the mold.
In the next step, they will remove the mold. After the mold has been removed, they will conduct tests and provide a clearance report.
Final Thoughts
If you find mold, don’t wait. Avoid future mold growth by fixing moisture and humidity issues. Use natural, eco-friendly mold removal solutions to remove minor mold growth. If you notice mold after flooding, you can use these DIY tips or call a mold removal company for help.
