How to Clean Mold Off Walls and Drywall

Is the mold on the wall or in the wall?

Light surface growth on a hard, sealed or painted surface is a cleaning job. Stains that return, bubbling or peeling paint, soft drywall or a musty smell near the wall suggest moisture and growth inside the wall cavity.

How do you clean mold off a painted wall?

EPA guidance says to scrub mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water and dry completely. Wear an N95 respirator, gloves and goggles, keep the area ventilated and do not brush dry mold, which sends spores into the air.

How do you remove mold from drywall?

Drywall is porous, so mold on it usually goes deeper than the surface. EPA guidance notes that absorbent or porous materials may have to be thrown away if they become moldy. The affected section is typically cut out, removed in sealed bags and replaced once the area is dry.

How far do you cut out moldy drywall?

There is no fixed distance. The wall is opened back to clean, dry material so no visibly affected or damp drywall is left behind, and the framing and insulation behind it are checked.

Where does the moisture behind a wall come from?

Leaking supply lines or drains inside the wall
Window, siding or roof leaks running down the wall
Condensation on cold exterior walls
Basement moisture wicking up into drywall near the floor
Plumbing fixtures on the other side of the wall

Who repairs the wall afterward?

We do mold remediation only, so we remove the affected material and leave the area dry and clean. Your contractor handles drywall, paint and finishing.

Next steps and related help

If you would rather have a professional handle it, these are the services that apply:

Emergency Wall Mold Removal in Littleton, CO: Mold on or inside walls: drywall, plaster, paneling and the cavity behind them.
Emergency Black Mold Removal in Littleton, CO: Safe removal of dark, greenish-black mold from walls, ceilings and framing.
Emergency Basement Mold Removal in Littleton, CO: Remediation for finished and unfinished basements, walkouts and window wells.

Keep reading:

We help homeowners in Littleton, Southeast Littleton and Centennial, Columbine, Columbine Valley and Bow Mar, Ken Caryl, Highlands Ranch, Roxborough. Call (303) 555-0142 or request a free estimate, or go back to the ZoneGuard home page to see everything we do. We do mold remediation only, so any testing or clearance sampling is done by an independent assessor.

Frequently asked questions

How do I clean mold off drywall?

Surface cleaning only works on hard, non-porous materials. Mold that has grown into drywall generally means the section has to be cut out and replaced.

How do I get rid of black mold on walls?

Treat it like any other mold: fix the moisture, then remove it. Small surface spots can be scrubbed with detergent and water, while mold in drywall needs the material removed.

What is the best mold remover for drywall?

No spray reaches growth inside porous drywall. Removal of the affected section and fixing the moisture are what resolve it.

What do I do about mold on basement walls?

Find out where the moisture is entering. Hard concrete can often be cleaned, while drywall or finishes on it often need to be removed.