Living in Tampa Bay means enjoying beautiful sunshine and warm weather. However, this climate also brings high humidity. High moisture levels create the perfect environment for fungi to thrive inside your house. Seeing dark spots spreading across your drywall can be very scary.
If you are wondering how to get rid of mold on walls, you have come to the right place.
The best and safest way to handle this problem is to rely on professional mold remediation experts. While tiny spots might seem easy to wipe away, fungi on drywall often hide a much bigger issue inside the walls.
Key Takeaways
- The absolute safest method for how to get rid of mold on walls is to hire local remediation experts.
- Always fix the main source of the water leak before you try to clean the walls.
- You must wear protective gear like masks and gloves to avoid dangerous health risks.
- Small surface spots on tile or glass can sometimes be treated with natural white vinegar.
- Porous surfaces like drywall usually need to be completely removed by professionals.
- The affected space must dry completely to stop the fungi from coming back.
Understanding the Dangers of Indoor Fungi
Before you try to fix the problem, you need to understand how fungi behave. Tiny mold spores float in the air all around us. These invisible particles are usually harmless outside. However, when they land on a wet surface inside your house, trouble begins.
If you have a roof leak or a plumbing issue, wet drywall provides the perfect food for these particles. This leads to rapid mold growth in just a few days. Prolonged exposure to mold can cause allergy symptoms, coughing, and breathing problems for your family. This is why you must take action right away.
DIY Cleaning for Small Surface Spots
If you find a very tiny spot of fungi on a hard surface like bathroom tile, you might be able to handle it yourself. You must be very careful if you choose this route.
First, you must wear protective masks, rubber gloves, and safety goggles. Next, you need the right supplies. You should avoid harsh chemicals if possible. Instead, plain white vinegar is a great natural option that kills many types of fungi.
Spray the liquid directly onto the moldy area. Let it sit for about one hour so it can soak into the roots. After the time is up, scrub the spot with a brush. Next, wash the spot with soapy water and dry the wall with a clean towel.
Be sure to throw away your dirty cleaning water safely down a utility sink. Never mix different cleaning products or cleaning solutions together, as this can create dangerous toxic gas.
Keep in mind that DIY methods only work for hard surfaces. If you try to clean mold on porous materials like drywall or wallpaper, you will likely just smear it around. The roots grow deep into the wood and paper.
Why You Need Professional Mold Removal
When fungi attack drywall, wood framing, or ceilings, trying to scrub it away is a bad idea. Scrubbing dry fungi can release millions of tiny particles into your indoor air. If these particles get sucked into your HVAC system, your air conditioner will spread the problem to every room in your house.
To safely and permanently rid your home of mold, you need to call the experts. Professional cleanup teams follow a strict and safe process.
First, they seal off the dirty room with thick plastic sheets. This stops the particles from floating into your clean living spaces. Next, they use powerful air filters to clean the air. Instead of trying to wash ruined drywall, the experts carefully cut it out and throw it away in sealed bags.
Finally, they use industrial heaters and fans.
They ensure the wooden frame can dry completely before they install new drywall.
How to Protect Your Home in the Future
Once your walls are clean and safe, you want to keep them that way. The secret to success is controlling indoor moisture.
To prevent mold, keep your home air conditioning running to reduce indoor humidity. You can also use a dehumidifier in damp areas like garages or laundry rooms. Always turn on your bathroom exhaust fan when taking a hot shower.
Most importantly, check your home for plumbing leaks regularly. If you fix water issues quickly, fungi will not have the water they need to grow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I just paint over the dark spots on my wall?
No, you should never paint over fungi. The paint will bubble and peel off within a few weeks. The fungi will continue to eat the drywall beneath the fresh paint, causing structural damage to your house.
Is bleach a good cleaner for drywall?
No, bleach is mostly water. When you use it on porous materials like drywall, the chemical part evaporates quickly. The leftover water sinks deep into the wall and actually feeds the roots, making the problem much worse.
How do I know if the fungi are inside the wall?
If your wall is soft, squishy, or bubbling, the damage is likely on the inside. You might also notice a strong, musty odor in the room even if you cannot see a large spot. A professional inspection can tell you exactly what is hiding behind your paint.
Are dark spots always toxic black mold?
Not always. There are many different types and colors of fungi. However, all types of indoor fungi can cause health problems and ruin your house. You should treat all indoor fungi seriously and have them removed safely.
Contact Tampa Bay Mold & Flood Today
Dealing with water damage and ruined walls is incredibly stressful. You should not have to risk your health by scrubbing dangerous fungi yourself. If you are dealing with a severe issue, please contact Tampa Bay Mold & Flood for professional mold remediation services in Tampa Bay, Florida.
Our highly trained experts have the right tools and cleaning solutions to protect your home. We will find the moisture source, remove the dangerous materials, and make your house safe again.