Mold on drywall is a widespread issue that many homeowners encounter, especially in areas prone to high humidity or water damage. Mold growth can quickly become more than just an aesthetic nuisance, as it can compromise the integrity of the drywall and lead to health problems. While various methods exist for removing mold, two primary categories are natural remedies and chemical solutions. Each method has advantages, and knowing the differences will help you decide how to deal with mold in your home.
Why You Should Not Ignore Mold On Drywall
In the case of drywall mold, not only does it look awful, but it can also weaken your walls and ceilings, requiring costly fixes. Mold is very adept at growing in moist or humid environments, and given enough time, it’ll spread like wildfire if unaddressed. Sources include plumbing leaks, roof leaks, poor ventilation, and flooding. When mold germinates, it takes hold on the surface first and then goes deeper inside the drywall, requiring more effort to remove once it has settled.
Mold on drywall can also cause health issues, especially in people sensitive to mold spores. Symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, wheezing, and skin irritation can be exacerbated in mold-infested places. Therefore, dealing with mold growth promptly and effectively is important to protect your house and health.
Natural Remedies For Mold Removal
Natural remedies offer an eco-friendly and safer alternative to chemical-based cleaning products. Homeowners often prefer these solutions to avoid harsh chemicals, especially in households with children, pets, or individuals with chemical sensitivities. Some of the most commonly used natural mold removal methods are simple to prepare and use, and the ingredients are likely already in your kitchen or bathroom.
Vinegar
Vinegar is one of the most potent and effective natural mold removers. It contains acetic acid, which kills most species of mold, including common ones like black mold. The application is simple: fill a spray bottle with undiluted white vinegar, spray it directly on the moldy area, and let it sit for an hour. Then, wipe away the drywall mold with a clean cloth.
Vinegar is non-toxic and leaves a strong odor that typically dissipates after a few hours. It is ideal for small to moderate mold issues, and its affordability makes it a go-to solution for many homeowners.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a great natural cleaner for getting rid of mold. Mix it with water to make a thick paste to apply directly to the moldy spot. This paste is helpful because it can scrub the mold, especially if it’s stuck to the wall.
Besides removing mold, baking soda will also neutralize odors typical of a mold invasion. It is gentle to use on most surfaces without damage and can be reapplied multiple times.
Tea Tree Oil
It is an essential oil obtained from a tree known as a tea tree that is famous for killing mold and mildew. In solution form, it is sprayed over moldy surfaces when added to water. Due to its antifungal property, it kills the mold spores, while the pungent odor deters it from regrowth.
This method is effective for the natural approach, as it removes the mold and is easy to use. However, tea tree oil is pretty pricey compared with other remedies available in any household, so it can’t be a first step for everyone.
Hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a powerful natural disinfectant that can remove mold from drywall. When applied, it releases oxygen, which helps break down mold and mildew. You can use a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution by pouring it into a spray bottle and spraying it directly onto the area with mold. You can easily scrub the mold after leaving it on for 10 to 15 minutes.
Hydrogen peroxide is best on non-porous surfaces like tiles and countertops, but it can also work on drywall if the mold has not penetrated the surface. The solution is cheap and accessible, hence making it popular with homeowners who need to address mold.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is another effective natural remedy for mold removal. Its acidic properties break down mold growth, and its refreshing fragrance leaves the area smelling fresh. To use lemon juice for mold removal, mix it with water, put it in a spray bottle, and then apply it directly to the drywall mold. Let it sit for several minutes, then wipe it clean.
Lemon juice is much weaker than other treatments. It is a non-toxic, green solution that is safe for kids and pets, and it can be used for minor mold issues.
Chemical Solutions For Mold Removal
While natural remedies may work well for smaller mold infestations, chemical solutions are usually needed for bigger or more persistent mold problems. Chemical-based mold removers generally have ingredients that penetrate porous surfaces and kill mold at the source. They work much faster and more aggressively than natural solutions but pose some risks, especially health- and environmental-wise.
Bleach
One of the most widely used chemical solutions for removing mold is bleach. Bleach kills the mold spores on contact and then disinfects the affected area. The effectiveness of bleach is greater on non-porous surfaces such as glass and tiles but weaker on porous materials such as drywall, where mold tends to penetrate more into the surface. Regarding mold on drywall, bleach is usually mixed with water and applied using a sponge or a spray bottle.
While bleach kills mold on the surface, it does not prevent mold from returning to porous materials. Secondly, bleach gives off harmful fumes that trigger irritation in the respiratory tract; therefore, proper ventilation should be used when bleach is used to remove mold.
Ammonia
Ammonia is another strong chemical that dissolves molds. Like bleach, ammonia will kill mold and mildew contact. Still, being an alkaline solution makes it more powerful on different kinds of mold. Still, being an alkaline solution makes it more powerful on different kinds of mold. Again, use ammonia in areas that contain nonporous surfaces, such as tile, glass, or countertop material.
Ammonia must never be mixed with bleach because the combination generates toxic fumes that can harm health. To protect against fume exposure, proper ventilation and gloves and masks should be worn.
Commercial Mold Removers
In addition to household chemicals such as bleach and ammonia, many commercial mold removers are available. These mold products usually contain a combination of chemicals formulated to kill mold, prevent regrowth, and deodorize the affected area. Some commercial mold removers include quaternary ammonium compounds, chlorine bleach, and hydrogen peroxide.
Although commercial mold removers are usually more expensive than natural remedies, they are more potent and faster to act. However, they may prove harmful if used improperly, so they must be used cautiously. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and take all precautions when using commercial mold removers.
Selecting The Correct Solution For Your House
The severity of the mold problem has to be considered when deciding between natural remedies and chemical solutions for mold removal on drywall. Natural remedies are mostly enough to resolve minor mold patches. They are safer, less expensive, and less dangerous to the environment or your health.
Chemicals might be required if the mold infestation is massive or persistent. Chemicals can penetrate surfaces deeper and clear mold that natural treatment solutions cannot. Safety measures, such as good ventilation, must be followed when working with chemicals.
Ultimately, the best approach is to prevent mold from occurring. Proper ventilation, fixing water leaks immediately, and keeping humidity under control are all effective ways to prevent mold from becoming a problem. If mold is found, the best approach will depend on the size of the infestation, the materials affected, and your preference for natural versus chemical solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is a Natural Mold Killer for Drywall?
Vinegar spray, tea tree oil, borax paste, or hydrogen peroxide can effectively kill mold on drywall. Mix baking soda or lemon juice with essential oils such as grapefruit seed extract, white vinegar, or citrus oil for extra strength.
What is the best solution to kill mold on drywall?
Use a vinegar treatment, baking soda method, or tea tree oil for drywall mold. Hydrogen peroxide, lemon juice, and grapefruit seed extract will also work. Other options include essential oils, a borax solution, a salt scrub, and sunlight exposure.