What Kills Mold Permanently? Facts vs Myths

Why can't mold be killed permanently?

Mold spores are present in indoor and outdoor air, so you cannot make a home spore-free. What you can do is stop them from growing. Mold grows when spores land on a damp, organic surface, and the EPA states that the key to mold control is moisture control. If the surface stays wet, growth returns whatever you apply to it.

Is killing mold the same as removing it?

No. EPA guidance says it is not enough to kill mold because dead mold can still cause allergic reactions and some people are sensitive to it. The goal is to remove the growth. On hard surfaces that usually means scrubbing with detergent and water and drying the surface completely. On porous materials such as drywall, ceiling tiles and carpet, removal often means taking the material out.

What actually works to get rid of mold for good?

Find and fix the water source: leaks, condensation, drainage or humidity
Dry wet materials within 24 to 48 hours of a water event
Keep indoor humidity below 60%, ideally between 30 and 50%
Scrub hard, non-porous surfaces with detergent and water and dry them completely
Remove porous materials that are moldy or have stayed wet
Have larger or hidden growth handled with proper containment

What kills mold on walls and wood?

On solid wood, surface growth can often be cleaned and the wood dried. On drywall the paper facing and gypsum are porous, so mold usually goes deeper than you can see and the damaged section is cut out. Sprays alone do not reach growth inside porous material, and they do nothing about the moisture that fed it.

Why does mold keep coming back after cleaning?

Almost always because the moisture problem is still there: a slow leak, a damp foundation wall, steady condensation or a bathroom fan that does not clear humid air. Cleaning treats the symptom. Fixing the source treats the cause.

When should you call a professional?

The EPA says areas smaller than about 10 square feet, roughly a 3 foot by 3 foot patch, can usually be handled by the homeowner. Larger areas, mold on porous materials, mold after a flood or growth you suspect is hidden in a wall or HVAC system are better handled by professionals with containment and HEPA air filtration.

Next steps and related help

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

Emergency Mold Treatment in Littleton, CO: What mold treatment really involves: removal, cleaning, drying and moisture-source guidance.
Emergency Mold Removal in Littleton, CO: Safe, contained removal of mold and affected materials, plus drying and moisture-source guidance.
Moisture Control in Littleton, CO: Drying, dehumidification and moisture-source guidance so wet materials do not turn into mold.

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

What kills mold permanently?

Nothing kills it permanently while moisture remains. Lasting results come from removing the growth and fixing the moisture source so mold has nothing to grow on.

Is it possible to fully get rid of mold?

You can remove mold growth from a home, but not the spores that are naturally in the air. Keeping materials dry stops those spores from growing.

What kills mold instantly?

Nothing removes mold instantly. Anything that only kills it leaves dead mold behind, which the EPA says can still cause allergic reactions. Removal and drying are what solve the problem.

Can mold ever be fully removed from drywall?

Moldy drywall is porous and is usually cut out and replaced. Wiping the surface does not remove growth inside the board.