Have you ever wondered why there's mold on your bedroom walls and how to remove it? Well, you have come to the right page. We have gathered information on different ways to remove mold effectively and stop it from coming back. Read through our post to get all the different remedies for mold.
You can use home remedies like vinegar, bleach, or commercial mold remover to get rid of mold on bedroom walls. Depending on the type of wall, you may need to scrub the area and repeat the process to remove the mold stain. To prevent mold from coming back, you should address the main reason for infestation.
Removing mold may seem like an easy task, but that is true only for small cases. What about severe ones and recurring cases? We want to help you move on from mold issues completely, and so we extended our research to cover other information on mold as well.
How To Get Rid Of Mold On Bedroom Walls
Mold may grow anywhere in your house where there is an organic material and enough moisture and warmth. Bedroom walls are no exception. However, the type of wall that you have has a lot to do with the extent of cleaning that's involved.
Understanding Porous and Non-Porous Walls
Wall surfaces are classified to be either porous or nonporous. Nonporous surfaces such as glass and tile are easier to clean from mold. On the other hand, porous surfaces such as drywall and carpet are more difficult to clean because mold can penetrate them.
If you are using wood or concrete for bedroom walls, these surfaces may be semi-porous, which means you may need a bit of scrubbing to get rid of mold. On the other hand, OSHA recommends replacing porous materials infested with mold.
There are many remedies for mold, and some of these can be found in your kitchen cabinet. But before cleaning moldy walls, make sure you're wear proper equipment including a mask, gloves, and goggles.
Home Remedies for Mold
Using home remedies is one of the cheapest and safest ways to get rid of mold on walls. Here are the best home remedies you can use for mold cleaning.
Vinegar
Vinegar has always been a reliable home remedy for cleaning dirt, grease, and stains, but did you know that it can also kill mold? It contains acetic acid and has a low pH level ranging only between 2 and 3, which gives it its antibacterial and antifungal properties.
To remove mold using vinegar, transfer undiluted vinegar into a spray bottle. Spray a generous amount and leave it for an hour or longer for severe mold. Depending on the type of bedroom wall you have, you may simply wipe the surface with a clean cloth or gently scrub the area with a soft-bristle brush.
It is worth noting that you should not combine vinegar with other substances such as bleach. This causes harmful chemical reactions that produce chlorine gas, which is harmful when inhaled.
Baking Soda
You may also use sodium bicarbonate or baking soda to remove mold on bedroom walls. Like vinegar, it has antimicrobial properties that can help kill mold. It was proven to kill powdery mold that grows on hazelnuts in a 2017 study. Furthermore, baking soda helps eliminate bad odor.
To use baking soda, combine 2 cups of water and a teaspoon of baking soda. Spray the solution on the affected area before wiping or scrubbing. For severe mold, make a paste and apply it directly to the affected areas. Wait for a few minutes before scrubbing and then rinse with water.
Hydrogen Peroxide
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Hydrogen peroxide is proven to be effective in removing mold on non-porous surfaces. Use 1 part hydrogen peroxide and 2 parts water and spray on the moldy surface. After 10 minutes, wipe or scrub the area. There's no need to rinse after.
Tea Tree Oil
An all-natural ingredient with antifungal properties, tea tree oil can help eliminate mold. It is safe to use around people and pets and only a small amount is needed for cleaning.
To make a cleaning solution using tea tree oil, combine 2 teaspoons with a cup of water. Transfer to a spray bottle and apply on the moldy surface. Let the area soak for a few minutes. Then scrub the area until the mold is gone. You should repeat the process if necessary.
Grapefruit Seed Extract
Grapefruit seed extract is all-natural and a good remedy for mold. It is effective in killing many types of yeast and bacteria. Along with its antimicrobial properties, it is also a deodorizer. Thus, you can kill mold and eliminate the musty smell.
To properly dilute grapefruit seed extract for use as a mold remedy, combine 10 drops with 1 cup of water. Spray this on the area and wait for at least 10 minutes before scrubbing. There's no need to rinse after wiping the area with a dry cloth.
Using Bleach to Clean Mold
Bleach is more effective in cleaning mold on a nonporous surface. However, you should not use bleach with other cleaning products that contain ammonia.
To get rid of mold using bleach, mix 1 cup of bleach with 1 gallon of water. Put the mixture in a spray bottle and spray the moldy area. Let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing. Wipe the area to dry.
Keep in mind that you should not use more than the suggested amount of bleach, because it can be harmful to the skin. Too much bleach can also stain surfaces such as wood.
You may find information about mold on wood surfaces in this related post: How To Get Rid Of Mold On Wood Framing — And How To Prevent It.
Removing Mold with Cleaning Products
Using bleach and home remedies is always worth a try because they are easily available and cheap. But if you don't have any luck with those products, you can also try using a commercial mold remover.
Commercial products for removing mold often contain bleach and other chemicals. Always use these products with precaution and refer to the instructions printed on the label. If possible, use odor-free mold cleaners with natural ingredients.
Check out this mold remover on Amazon.
How to Prevent Mold on Bedroom Walls
Mold spores are everywhere. It only takes them 24 hours to grow when there is enough moisture and warmth. It would be impossible to avoid the recurrence of mold on your bedroom walls if the ideal conditions are always met.
Thus, to completely avoid mold, you must first identify what's causing it to grow. Then use the following tips to prevent mold on bedroom walls.
Repair Leaks
In many cases, bedroom walls become breeding grounds for mold because of the presence of moisture. Check for leaks on or under the walls. There could be leaks coming from the pipes or insulation.
Allow Proper Ventilation
It is easier to keep moisture away when the room is well-ventilated. Allow fresh air to enter your room when the weather permits. Using a fan also helps ventilate the room.
Use a Dehumidifier
Humidity also promotes mold growth. Consider using a humidifier for damp bedrooms. Keep the humidity level between 30 and 50 percent to discourage mold growth.
Mix Mold Inhibitors With Paint
If you have decided to repaint your walls, you can try adding mold inhibitors to reduce the chances of mold growth. A pack of mold inhibitors is often good for a gallon of paint. It also makes the paint durable and resistant to stains.
View this mold inhibitor for paint on Amazon.
Replace Wet Porous Surface
For wallpaper and carpet-lined bedroom walls, you might consider replacing the material when mold growth seems severe and impossible to remove. OSHA advises that replacing porous surfaces is better than retaining them, especially when the material has been wet or infected with mold for more than 48 hours.
Here is a related article - Can Mold Grow Under Carpet? - for more insight into carpet molds.
When to Call Professional Mold Cleaning Service
You can clean small moldy areas of the bedroom wall yourself but remember to use safety equipment when you do. On the other hand, the US Environmental Protection Agency recommends calling professional mold cleaners when the area to clean is bigger than 10 square feet.
Mold can be inhaled and cause health problems, especially for people who have asthma, allergies, and respiratory-related conditions. Get professional cleaning for a severe mold infestation to avoid health and safety risks.
Final Thoughts
You have plenty of helpful options when you want to remove mold from your bedroom walls, but you have to consider what works best for the type of wall that you have. Identifying what caused the mold in the first place and fixing the problem along with taking precautionary measures will keep mold from returning your bedroom walls.
