Mold growth is a serious problem that any homeowner must take seriously. Under the right conditions, the drywall inside the garage could serve as a breeding ground for mold and mildew, but how do you get rid of it? We've researched this topic and found the answer to your question.
To remove mold from the drywall inside the garage, you must do the following:
- Stop the source of moisture that's promoting mold growth inside the garage.
- Gather all the necessary mold removal equipment and protective gear.
- Decide whether you want to keep the drywall intact or scrap it down.
- Use a vacuum to remove as many of the spores on the drywall as possible.
- Then, use a chemical solution to eradicate the rest of the spores that had taken root in the drywall.
- Let the surface of the drywall dry overnight using a fan.
- Apply a layer of protective coating over the drywall.
In this article, we will not only discuss how to remove mold in greater detail but also explain why it's important to wear the proper equipment when doing so. We will also discuss how to prevent mold growth in the first place so you will not have to worry about it. So, continue reading to go through these and more.
Steps For Removing Mold From Drywall
As we mentioned, there are three main steps when removing mold from the drywall. In this section, however, we will also talk about additional steps that are just as important to remember:
Stop The Source Of Moisture To Inhibit Mold Growth
Before removing any mold from the drywall, inspect the garage first. Looks for any signs of where the moisture can come from. This can be a leaky window, a broken roofing pipe, or even water vapor coming from the flooring of the garage.
No matter how hard you try to eradicate the mold on the drywall, it will continue returning as long as there's a source of moisture.
Mold growth thrives from even the smallest amount of moisture as long as there's a constant supply. So stopping all forms of it is imperative when removing mold from the drywall and any part of the house.
Gather Mold Removal Equipment And Protective Gear
Before attempting to remove any kind of mold, wear the appropriate gear and gather all the things you need. This helps you save time and lessens your worry. By doing this, you prevent multiple trips inside your house while you're in the middle of mold removal.
Remember to wear a mask and protect your entire body by wearing a long-sleeved shirt and pants, as well as a pair of boots and safety goggles. Apply plastic sheeting to the entryways to help block off any random spores from entering the living areas of your home.
These actions help prevent the mold spores from spreading to other places in your home, all while keeping you and your family safe.
Decide Whether To Save Or Scrap The Drywall
Sometimes, the best way to remove the mold is by completely removing the drywall. In doing so, you take up considerably less time as opposed to cleaning it. Not only that, it's a much safer and more effective method to use in most scenarios.
Feel the drywall to check whether or not scrapping the drywall is the way to go. If it's soft and spongy to the touch, it's best to remove it as the mold and moisture have greatly reduced the drywall's structural integrity.
Remove Surface Mold From Drywall As Much As Possible
Removing as much surface mold and spores is the next step if you decide to keep the drywall instead. For this step, you must use a vacuum with a HEPA filter and a brush attachment.
A vacuum with a high-efficiency particulate air filter will help you suck in as much of the spores as possible. And the brush is there to help break up the surface of the drywall with mold growth, allowing you to remove a majority of the visible spores.
Check this Bisell vacuum on Amazon.
Kill The Mold
With a commercial chemical solution, it's time to eradicate the mold and its roots. While vacuuming the area can take care of most surface spores, it does little to remove the roots. You can also use a mixture of baking soda, white vinegar, and water as an alternative.
Simply apply or spray it on the surface of the affected area. Then, let it linger for 10 minutes. Afterward, use a brush with medium bristles to scrub the surface clean. Finish it off by using a clean cloth to wipe away the surface to remove any remaining residue.
Check this mold removal spray on Amazon.
Keep The Drywall Free From Any Moisture
Next, leave the entire surface to fully dry overnight with a fan. Using a blow dryer will help speed up this process as well.
Sometimes, this takes up the entire day. Check the surface for any remaining wet spots after the drying process is complete.
Apply Protective Coating Over The Stains
After the drying process is complete, it's normal for stains to be all over the drywall. Don't mistake these for mold stains.
Apply a layer of mold-blocking primer on the surface of the drywall. This helps kill off any remaining rogue spores. Afterward, you can paint over it using a mold-resistant coating that helps prevent future mold growth.
Check this mold-blocking primer on Amazon.
Why Does Mold Grow In The Garage?
The garage is one of the most susceptible places for mold growth inside your home. Unlike other parts of your home, there's usually not much ventilation inside the garage.
On top of that, simply driving your car in and out of the garage helps create a breeding ground for mold to grow because your vehicle brings in rainwater and snow from the outside.
Not only that, most garages act as extra storage space for equipment and other things. Stacked boxes, old magazines, camping gear, and the like are all common objects where mold can thrive.
As mentioned, any leaks or broken pipes inside the garage can create a humid atmosphere, and the moisture they produce will create a suitable environment for mold to grow.
As such, repairing these problems will help stop mold from growing inside the garage. It's important to clean the place regularly and remove any equipment inside that's not completely dry to prevent mold growth.
How To Prevent Mold Growth Inside The Garage?
Are you curious about what ways to inhibit mold growth inside the garage? Here are some of the more common methods that any homeowner must be aware of:
Inspect The Garage
As mentioned, leaky pipes, broken windows, and faulty roofing can all contribute to creating a suitable environment for mold to grow. And for you to know where these problems are located, it's important to inspect your garage.
Inspecting your garage for said problems once every 3 months or after a heavy rainfall or snowstorm will greatly help to inhibit mold growth. Also, check any boxes inside the garage for mold.
Keep Humidity Low
Even without leaks or random objects, garages are suitable for mold growth. That's because most garages are stuffy, not well-ventilated, and dark.
To keep humidity low, keeping the garage door open for a couple of hours a day helps. Additionally, dehumidifiers will help regulate the humidity of the garage.
Improve Garage Drainage
A proper and efficient drainage system inside your garage will help reduce mold growth. Heavy rains and snowfall can force their way inside. By improving the drainage, you reduce the number of problems.
Why Is It Important To Wear Protective Gear?
Mold spores contain a variety of toxins that can cause a variety of illnesses. From headaches and nausea to respiratory diseases and other issues, there are various ways that mold can harm you and your family.
First, it prevents the spores from getting into and irritating the sensitive parts of your body like your eyes and nose. Second, it prevents the risk of you getting sick.
If someone in your home has allergies or a respiratory illness, then they need to wear protective gear while removing the mold spores to prevent spores into your home. Otherwise, the mold growth in your garage's drywall will become the least of your concern.
Check this respirator mask on Amazon.
Who Can Help With Mold Growth Removal?
If you have a respiratory issue or no one in your family's up to the task, worry not. There are professionals who can do the job for you.
Call on a licensed mold tester to fully inspect the scope of the mold problem in your home. Sometimes, mold spores can reach other places inside your home besides the garage.
Next, hire a team of professional mold removal experts to do the task for you. With a complete array of tools at their disposal, they will wipe out any mold growth inside the house efficiently and safely. This way, you and your family will be safe without dangerously exposing anyone to mold spores.
To Wrap Up
To remove mold from the drywall, stop sources of moisture inside the garage before preparing your equipment. Decide if you want to scrap the drywall or save it. If you choose the latter, vacuum the surface mold spores before using a chemical solution. Let it dry overnight or longer before applying a layer of resistant coating to prevent mold growth.
If you want to learn more, here are other articles you can read:
How To Get Rid Of Mold On Bedroom Walls
How To Get Rid Of Mold On Wood Framing; And How To Prevent It