Q&A for How to Remove Mold from Drywall

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How do you kill mold inside drywall?

Mike Kapur
Certified Mold Assessor & Home Inspector
Mike Kapur is a home inspector and the owner of Sonic Home Inspections, a home inspection company in Westchester, New York. With over 15 years of experience in pre-inspecting properties, Mike specializes in mold, radon, asbestos, lead, water, and air quality testing as well as hazardous materials, pest, infrared, and general home inspections. Prior to founding Sonic Home Inspections, Mike worked pre-inspecting apartments. Mike holds a BS in Accounting from Queens College and is a Certified Mold Assessor in the state of New York.

Mike Kapur

Certified Mold Assessor & Home Inspector

Expert Answer

Unfortunately, you won't be able to fully remove all the mold once it has gotten into drywall. I recommend. you cut out the stained area along with a margin of 5 to 6 inches. Then, just replace the area with a new sheet of drywall.

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Question

What if the mold is inside the walls and I can't see it?

Community Answer

It very well may be. Scrubbing the mold is not good advice. It spreads the mold spores, and if you are using bleach, will not eliminate all of the mold. The water used will actually make the mold worse. The drywall needs to be carefully removed and disposed of and all of the areas behind the wall must be treated or removed.

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What are the health hazards of living with mold behind the walls?

Community Answer

You can develop respiratory issues and chronic headaches. It can be very dangerous for athsmatics and young children.

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Question

After I clean the drywall with bleach, do I need to rinse the wall?

Community Answer

If you use the recommended ratio of 1 part bleach to 3 parts water, then there should be no need for an additional rinsing of the drywall. Keep the area well-ventilated and have a fan on the cleaned area. It will dry without issue. However, using a stain-blocking primer prior to repainting is highly recommended.

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Are drywall and Sheetrock the same?

Donagan

Top Answerer

Yes. "Sheetrock" is actually a brand name that has become synonymous with drywall.

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Is black mold dangerous to health?

Community Answer

Yes, black mold can cause a variety of health problems. If you have mold in your home, especially large amounts, you should remove it.

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Question

How do I remove mold from wood?

Community Answer

Pour bleach onto it and let it sit in the sun for a few days. The sun and bleach should kill the bacteria.

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Question

Can I just paint or plaster over it?

Community Answer

No, the mold spores must be fully abated or they will continue to grow. Encapsulation is not recommended.

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Question

In the first tip it says "Never direct a fan of any kind into the room or you will absolutely spread the spores everywhere!" but then step 7 says to do just that, please help?

Community Answer

In the first instance, this is before removing/treating the mold. In the second instance, mold has been removed/treated, and now the drying process assists in the final stages of finishing the area.

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What should I do if there is black mold on the inside of sheetrock? Is it safe to wear a mask and gloves and put it in trash bags?

Community Answer

Yes, this type of mold is not especially harmful if proper PPE or personnel protective equipment is used. It would be no different than taking a walk in a forest.

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