Mold growth on walls can cause a number of issues for property owners. It can ruin the integrity of building materials, create air quality problems and, in some cases, lead to health concerns for tenants living in a building with a mold problem. As a result, landlords must act quickly to prevent or eradicate any mold growth that occurs on their rental property’s walls.
The most important step in removing Mold Removal from wall surfaces is to kill and remove the spores. This is done by spraying the affected areas with a biocide or white vinegar solution. Once the spores are killed, the walls must be allowed to dry. This is usually done by setting up a box fan in the area, pointing it directly at the wall and allowing it to run for 24 hours or more.
Depending on the severity of the mold issue, this may require opening up the wall and scraping off any drywall that is contaminated with mold. It can also involve removing carpet, insulation or other non-porous materials that are impacted by mold and disposing of them properly. All wet and mold-contaminated materials are then bagged and carried outside to lower the risk of spores being dispersed in other parts of the home.
After the contaminated drywall has been removed and any other affected materials have been bagged and removed, the walls can be cleaned. For surface stains, bleach is the most effective mold cleaner for walls. For more serious stains, there are commercial products that contain bleach and other ingredients that are designed to clean and kill mold, though they tend to work more slowly and require greater effort to get rid of deeper stains.
To avoid damaging painted or wallpapered walls, there are also natural cleaning methods that can be used to remove mold from wall surfaces. One such method involves combining water, borax and vinegar in a spray bottle and applying it to the moldy area. Once it is applied, a brush is then used to scrub the affected areas and then the area is wiped down with a clean cloth. This method can be repeated as needed to remove the fungus from the wall.
Another natural approach to removing mold from walls involves using tea tree essential oil. This natural ingredient has antifungal and antibacterial properties that make it extremely effective for killing and removing fungus. It can be mixed with water and applied to a damp cloth for cleaning. This method works well for removing mildew and mold from painted or wallpapered walls. For best results, the application should be repeated as needed to remove the fungus completely from the walls. If the mold continues to return, it may be necessary to seek professional help. In these situations, a mold remediation company can inspect the property and provide more extensive services to ensure the property is mold-free and safe for tenants. This may include addressing the furnace and ductwork as well to prevent future occurrences of mold in the rental property.