Mould growth on interior walls is a common issue in many homes. Excess moisture from leaks, flooding, or humidity can cause mould to grow on wall surfaces and underneath the paint.
Mould damages walls and paint and poses health hazards for inhabitants. Therefore, it is crucial to promptly remove mould from painted walls without causing further damage.
Also read; Can You Paint Over Mould?
Here are detailed, step-by-step instructions for effectively removing mould from painted walls without damaging the existing paint layer.
It covers techniques for assessing the extent of the mould issue, mixing cleaning solutions tailored for mould removal, gently scrubbing affected areas, and penetrating underneath paint if subsurface mould is present.
Also read; Mould Removal Specialists | Treatment & Control
You can eliminate wall mould problems without requiring extensive paint repair or replacement with the proper methods and care.
Assessing the mould Problem
The first step is to assess the extent of mould growth on your walls. Look closely at the affected areas and determine how much surface area the mould covers. mould often starts in corners, along baseboards, windows, or other wet areas.
Check whether the mould is surface mould growing on top of the paint or if there are indications it has spread underneath the paint layer.
Determine if the mould is isolated to small patches or spread over large areas. Identifying the type of mould is optional since all moulds should be removed promptly. Just note any visible mould growth and the locations.
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Preparing to Remove the mould
Before starting the mould removal process, you need to prepare the workspace.
Remove any furniture, wall hangings, or other items from the affected wall(s) to allow full access. Open windows and use fans or dehumidifiers to maximize ventilation and allow the walls to dry thoroughly after cleaning.
Wear protective gear when cleaning the mould. Use an N95 mask, goggles, gloves, and protective clothing that covers your skin. mould can trigger allergic reactions or other health issues if inhaled or touched.
Gather the supplies you will need:
- Buckets of warm, soapy water
- Scrub brushes with stiff natural or synthetic bristles
- Old rags or sponges
- A putty knife or paint scraper
- Detergent or dish soap
- White vinegar
- Garbage bags
- Plastic sheets or drop cloths
Mixing a mould-killing Cleaning Solution
Create a natural cleaning solution for surface mould removal that can kill mould and mildew.
Mix a cup of vinegar and 1/4 cup of dish soap into a bucket of warm water. The vinegar helps counteract the mould, and soap boosts cleaning action.
For extensive mould under paint, consider using borax or baking soda mixed with water to create a paste that can penetrate and lift the mould from underneath the paint.
Start with a cup of borax or baking soda to a gallon of warm water, and add more powder if needed to reach a thick paste consistency.
Removing Surface mould with Gentle Scrubbing
Use your mould-killing cleaning mixture and scrub brushes to scrub affected areas gently.
Apply the solution liberally and scrub at the mould, being careful not to let the bristles damage the paint. Change scrub brushes and cleaning mixture frequently as you work.
Scrub gently in circular motions. Don’t scrub so hard that you damage the underlying paint layer. The goal is to lift and remove mould without damaging the paint.
Wipe the walls with clean rags or sponges frequently to absorb excess moisture and remove mould residue. Work in small sections and keep rinsing your tools and changing rags to prevent spreading mould spores.
Using a Scraper for Stubborn mould
Try using a plastic putty knife or paint scraper for mould that does not come off with gentle scrubbing.
Hold the scraper at a low angle against the surface and gently scrape to lift off the mould without damaging the paint. Keep the blade flat to avoid gouging the paint.
Remove mould residue by frequently wiping with clean damp rags or sponges. Rinse frequently and change the cleaning solution as needed. Discard used rags in a sealed garbage bag.
Also read; What is The Difference Between Damp And Mould?
Be very cautious when using a scraper, applying light pressure and working slowly to avoid harming the underlying paint. Stop immediately if the paint seems damaged.
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Removing Mould Underneath Paint
If you suspect mould has spread underneath the paint or see bubbling or cracks in the paint, you will need to penetrate underneath the paint to remove the mould.
Mix a borax or baking soda paste. Apply a thick layer over affected areas and let sit penetrate and lift mould. Scrub with a stiff brush after 30-60 minutes to break up the mould underneath.
You may need to break the paint surface with careful scraping to reach the mould underneath. Work slowly and minimally to avoid excessive paint damage.
Once the mould is lifted, continue rinsing and scrubbing until all visible mould is gone. Let the area dry completely for several days before repainting.
Preventing Future mould Growth
Once you have removed all visible mould, take steps to prevent mould from recurring and spreading further:
- Completely dry the affected walls and surrounding areas. Use dehumidifiers and fans.
- Disinfect walls with vinegar to kill lingering mould spores.
- Fix any water leaks or moisture sources, allowing mould to grow.
- Maintain proper ventilation and airflow in problem rooms.
- Repaint walls with mould-resistant paints.
Stay vigilant for any new mould growth and act quickly if detected. Follow all steps to remove and prevent mould from damaging your home.
