This post shares some simple steps to remove mold on walls in Pittsburgh; however, this is a reminder to only apply these steps when mold is not toxic and is contained within 10 square feet of the home.
Protection
Always protect yourself! Regardless of the cleaning methods and location of mold on your walls always wear:
- gloves
- protective eyewear or goggles
- long sleeves and old clothes
- rubber gloves
- a mask
to protect yourself while cleaning up or removing mold. Mold and the cleaning chemicals can be harmful.
The Area or Moldy Wall
Different moldy walls or areas require different solutions. Mold, mold spores, and mold growth can live in an air conditioner, painted walls, interior walls, bathroom walls, shower walls, painted walls, porous surface, tile grout, laundry rooms or in multiple places all at once. Where and how the mold is will determine next steps.
Contain the area or isolate the area. Seal off the room to prevent any spreading of mold spores or toxic materials. Plastic sheeting can be purchased from the local hardware store to set up containment. We discuss it in our six step mold remediation process here.
Mold Types
Identify the type of mold as some molds can release toxic spores and mold spores and should be avoided! Let professionals handle these to prevent mold growth in the future or any injury.
We must understand the type of mold to truly kill mold. If it looks like black mold then please avoid. If it looks like surface mold then we can continue with this guide. The environmental protection agency (EPA) offers clarity on what molds are harmful and not, if interested.
What you need to clean Mold From Walls
Many guides to removing mold often suggest a bleach solution or commercial cleaning solution to get rid of mold. However, chlorine bleach or other toxic cleaners are not always necessary (or best). Commercial mold remover may not be necessary to get rid of mold.
Typically, you can clean the mold using a mixture of water and detergent or another home remedy. Some of the best solutions at home are
- clean cloth, white vinegar and hot water mix
- spray bottle with hydrogen peroxide and water
- spray bottle with white vinegar mix
- damp cloth or microfiber cloth
- spray bottle with soapy water (warm water)
Any above cleaning solution is a good starting point. Rarely is it necessary to purchase a commercial mold cleaner and if you are at this step then it is more than likely a good idea to call a professional!
Treating the Surface
After cleaning the surface please scrub thoroughly to remove all mold and mold stains. Removing mold at home should require light scrubbing to remove mold spots or black spots. If the moldy drywall or affected area requires hard scrubbing please call us for a free inspection.
Drying the Area
Dry the area to ensure the area is completely dry to prevent any mold from growing back. A fan or dehumidifier may be helpful at this step. Normally mold and mildew stem from poor ventilation so ensuring proper air circulation for a proper air dry is often necessary.
In a bathroom, it is often best to run the exhaust fan to allow show walls to completely dry before their next use.
Moving Forward
Repair moisture issues such as leaks or other moisture problems as these issues can be breeding grounds for new mold concerns. Additionally, monitor the area and check regularly for any signs of new mold growth on any walls or surfaces.
Free Inspections for Moldy Walls
Pure Air Nation is prepared to investigate your walls and home today. We offer free inspections and an industry leading three year warranty. If you do not want to tackle the mold on your walls alone then please contact our trained professionals to head over for a free inspection.
Mold on your residential or commercial walls not only look unpleasant, but it can also affect your health. It also blackens the grout lines in your walls. Once you have found the sign of mold presence, you should figure out how to remove this substance from your building walls. You can also hire Pittsburgh Killing Mold Removal team to get rid of the mold.
We also help and offer Air Duct Cleaning in Pittsburgh.
Mold on Walls Symptoms
Mold releases tiny spores that cause allergic reactions: sneezing, runny noses, and even harmful odors. Hence, it is crucial to prevent this fungus as soon as possible. You can remove mold yourself and also contact Pure Air Nation for help if it’s out of your control.
What are molds?
Molds are microorganisms and they are present everywhere. These substances grow on almost everything if it is moist enough. Molds nurture rapidly on damp surfaces like walls and wet areas.
What do molds look like?
Mold is a kind of fungus and looks like mushrooms and yeasts. You can see outdoor molds gulping up the dull organic stuff on decaying surfaces such as rotting logs and dropped leaves.
And inside residence mold thrives in wet surfaces like bathrooms, basements, and attics. There are numerous types of mold and their emergence varies depending on the kind of mold and where it is rising. Mold Remediation Pittsburgh team can help you with which type of mold it is and prevent it from increasing.
What do molds smell like?
Mold has a moist, musty odor alike to what you would smell after opening a book after a long time. In general, the odor is not a good way to find out if there is a mold problem. The odor of indoor molds can vary depending on the kind of mold, the area on which it’s rising, and its source of humidity. Moreover, some individuals do not observe a smell at all. The mold stink is caused by microbial explosive organic compounds which are substances that are produced by molds as they cultivate.
What do molds do to your body?
When molds start growing, they can send clouds of unseen bits of mold throughout the air. These mold bits cause infections, asthma, breathing problems, and allergies. To avoid these health issues, keep your house mold-free by hiring the Black Mold Removal team.
How do you get rid of a mold problem?
Here are a few tips to get rid of these harmful substances:
Use protective equipment
You should use equipment such as eye goggles, rubber gloves, masks, and outer clothing, etc.
Clean surfaces
All you need to do is to scrub the moldy surfaces using a brush and hot water. Then gather used liquid with a dry vacuum, mop, or sponge. And then rinse the surface with water and dry thoroughly.
Disinfect surfaces
After cleaning the affected surfaces, wipe down the walls again with the solution (bleach and water).
Air-dry the surface
It’s necessary to air dry the surface to maximize their contact time with the bleach.
Wash the fabric items
You need to throw the carpets and mattresses as they cannot be cleaned. Also, wash the clothes, curtains, drapes to get rid of molds.
Some jobs are better left to the Mold Remediation Pittsburgh experts
The issue with cleaning everything yourself is that there is a need to be very careful. If you do not have protective equipment then there are chances that you inhale the mold which can be poisonous and cause respiratory issues. Moreover, there is a need to use tools to gauge the level of moisture in the building. Securing the place where you find the mold and keeping your loved ones away from there is crucial.
If all this seems difficult for you, then it’s time to call a professional team. Maybe the tips above seem just simple for you, but it takes time as well as money to take care of these issues.
A professional team helps you to get rid of this problem at a low cost and also provides some tips so the molds do not return. We also offer free inspections and high quality tests to identify if it is a serious mold issue.
Bottom line
Mold is never a good thing to keep in your home. Spores increasing on walls, wood trim and counters can aggravate allergies and respiratory ailments, carpet, and woodwork. Hiring a Mold Remediation Pittsburgh professional is the best way to deal with these substances.
The expert mold removal team at Pure Air Nation has experience of many years and is top rated on Home Advisor, Google and more. Contact us to get rid of the mold on your walls to spend a healthy and happy life.
Matthew Dayton, is the founder and operator of Pure Air Nation. He has over a decade-plus of experience working in Mold Remediation and Water Restoration. Matt is a fifth generation Pittsburgher or yinzer and is currently raising the sixth generation! Matt has an overwhelming strong belief in affordable pricing without any sacrifice to quality of service. Most of Matt's values and community driven approach stems from his own humble beginnings and blue collar attitude. Matt is educated in the Pittsburgh public school system and later attended Thiel College in Mercer County, PA to study Education. Matt also holds CMR (Certified Mold Remediator), CMI (Certified Mold Inspection) and MRS (Mold Remediation Specialist) certificates while Pure Air Nation boasts 4.8+ and hundreds of five-star reviews across Google and Home Advisor. You can contact Matt directly as Pure Air Nation remains owner operated to this day.
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