Mold growth on painted surfaces such as the walls of your home or business can look very unpleasant, and aside from aesthetics, mold can pose serious health risks such as asthma and other upper respiratory issues. It is important to understand when it is acceptable for you to clean moldy areas in your home and when you should call a professional mold removal company. You should also know that how mold should be removed will depend on the type of material your wall is made of and how much mold has contaminated the surface.

The reason for the growth of mold on painted surfaces such as walls is due to extra moisture. Anytime there is extra moisture, the organic compounds from which the wall is made from allows for the formation of mold. Oil-based paints are the most susceptible to mold as they have more of these organic compounds.

The size of the mold affected surface in your home or business is also very important. The Environmental Protection Agency suggests that you can clean a surface that is about 10 square feet, in other words approximately three by three feet. If you are dealing with a larger area of the wall that has been affected by mold, you should contact a mold removal company.

Here are a few reasons why these surfaces should be cleaned by professional mold removal technicians:

• You can make sure that you are not harming your health or the health of your loved ones by cleaning the mold improperly, especially if the surface area is too large and you don’t have the proper equipment to do so.
• You can spread the mold even further by not cleaning it properly.
• There might be mold hidden inside, below, or behind the surface.
• There might be an issue with excess moisture that has not been addressed.
• You will need to remove the mold from your wall before you paint it. If you paint a wall that is moldy, the paint will peel and may cause even more mold as it will get trapped below the paint.

How to Clean Mold from Painted Surfaces

If you are in fact dealing with a small area that has mold, you can follow the below instructions for a clean-up process you can do yourself.

Make sure that you have the proper equipment first. Here is what you will need:

• Rubber gloves
• N-95 mask
• Goggles
• Bleach (household)
• Water
• Buckets
• Sponges or disposable rags
• Spray bottle
• Towel or dehumidifier
• HEPA vacuum

These are the steps you should follow before starting the mold clean-up at your home or business:

1. The moisture source needs to be identified, corrected, and fully dried.
2. You should have all the personal protective equipment mentioned earlier ready and ensure that the area is well ventilated.
3. All carpets, wallpaper, and any other wet items should be removed and properly disposed after you’ve double bagged them in 6-mil or thicker polyethylene bags. All other items such as large furniture or any other belongings should be properly covered and sealed with plastic and tape.

The removal of mold from painted walls should be done as follows:

• Start by filling one bucket with soap and water and another with 1 gallon of warm water mixed with 1 cup of bleach.
• Use a spray bottle or sponge to wet any moldy areas with the soapy water.
• Take a separate sponge or rag soaked in the diluted bleach solution and wipe down the affected wall area.
• Allow the bleach solution to soak on the moldy area for about 10 to 15 minutes.
• Use a clean sponge or rag soaked in the soapy water to wipe down the moldy wall area, rinsing frequently until clean.
• Ensure the area is dried thoroughly with a towel or by using a dehumidifier.
• Use a HEPA vacuum to clean any remaining dust or mold, and remember to empty the vacuum into a sealed plastic bag.

Mold can be an unsightly nuisance at your home or business, but it can also be harmful for your health. Therefore, it is important to react as soon as you encounter mold at your property. If only a small area has been affected by mold and you can clean it up yourself, make sure to follow the steps outlined earlier. If the area is larger, reach out to a reputable and certified mold removal company so they can remove it properly and you will not have to worry about the mold returning or spreading further and causing costly damage.

Call a Mold Remediation Professional

Are you experiencing mold on a painted surface at your home or business? Make sure you call a mold remediation professional immediately to contain and remove the mold growth. These professionals will find and remove all mold from your property and fully restore the damaged areas, and they know how to treat painted surfaces affected by mold.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to detect mold in walls?

To detect mold in walls, follow these steps:

• Visual Inspection: Look for discoloration, black spots, or fuzzy growth on the walls.
• Check for Water Damage: Look for water stains, peeling paint, or dampness that might indicate moisture.
• Smell Test: Notice any musty odors, which can signal hidden mold.
• Moisture Meter: Use a moisture meter to check if wall moisture levels are high.
• Cut Open Test: If you suspect mold inside the wall, carefully cut a small section of drywall to check.
• Professional Help: If unsure or if you find extensive mold, contact a professional for testing and inspection.

What does mold smells like in the walls?

Mold in walls often gives off a musty smell that can be described as earthy or stale. It might remind you of damp, decaying leaves or that distinct odor you find in a wet basement. If you catch this scent, especially in areas prone to moisture or past water damage, it could mean there’s mold lurking behind the walls.

Does Vinegar kill mold on walls?

Yes, vinegar can effectively kill mold on walls. The acetic acid in vinegar has antifungal properties that can help eliminate many types of mold. To use vinegar for mold removal, simply spray undiluted white vinegar directly onto the affected area, let it sit for at least an hour, and then wipe it down with a clean cloth. While vinegar can kill surface mold, it may not penetrate deeply into porous materials, so more extensive mold infestations may require additional treatment or professional help.

About Vince Sandri

Vince Sandri is a content writer and blogger with more than 12 years of experience. His expertise is in creating content related to disaster restoration, including information about preventing and reacting to natural disasters like flooding, water damage, fire and smoke damage, mold growth, storm damage and more.
Vince has been the main contributor to RestorationMasterFinder.com since 2014. Over that time, he has written numerous service pages and blogs for disaster restoration providers featured on RestorationMasterFinder.com. Vince has done extensive research and covered a wide range of topics relating to disaster restoration to help homeowners, business owners, and property managers better protect their property. He understands the problems that disasters like flooding, fire, smoke, and mold can cause as well as the best ways to respond to these issues to limit the damage.
Vince completed his Bachelor of Arts degree at Aurora University and his master’s degree at DePaul University. He has been writing SEO website pages, blogs, and press releases since 2012. Vince is also a musician and can be seen playing in the Chicago, IL area.