How to Remove Mold From Drywall (and When to Call a Pro)

When you notice mold on the wall, immediate removal is critical. However, cleaning mold off walls means more than wiping down the surface. While you may use common bleach or solvent-based cleaners to remove dirt and grime in your home, these products can worsen moldy drywall. Removing mold from drywall without the right equipment can also release spores throughout your home and put your health at risk.

Below, we provide a step-by-step guide to removing mold from drywall and when to call a professional mold cleanup service like WOW Total Cleaning. You will also learn what causes mold damage in Austin, TX, how to identify it, and how to prevent it from returning.

How to Remove Mold From Drywall in 6 Steps

By the time mold is visible, it has typically grown into the porous drywall itself. To get rid of it and keep it from returning, you have to cut out the affected material. This may extend to mold removal inside walls. 

Remove mold from walls correctly by taking the following steps:

Step 1: Obtain Personal Protective Equipment 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), you need the following personal protective equipment (PPE) for mold removal:

• N95, full-face, or half-face respirator 
• Sealed goggles 
• Rubber, neoprene, or nitrile gloves 
• Disposable shoe covers and coveralls

Step 2: Prepare the Space

Turn off your HVAC system and close your air vents in the workspace to prevent disturbed mold spores from spreading. Tape plastic sheets over doorways to keep dust and spores inside the work area.

Step 3: Identify and Fix the Moisture Source

Mold only grows on drywall if there is a consistent source of moisture. Locate the source of moisture and conduct repairs before you begin removing mold from walls.

Step 4: Find Studs and Mark the Drywall for Cutting

Use a stud finder to locate the studs behind the drywall before you make a cut. This helps you avoid hitting electrical wiring that often runs along the studs. Mark a cutting line about 12 to 24 inches beyond the visible mold.

Step 5: Cut and Remove the Moldy Drywall

Use a utility knife to score the surface along the marked lines. Then, cut through the board with a drywall saw. As you remove pieces of drywall, place them into heavy trash bags. 

Step 6: Clean the Exposed Studs

If there is mold on the studs, scrub them using a mold-safe cleaner. Make sure the wood is completely clean and dry before you put up new drywall. 

Cutting into walls and disturbing mold is demanding work, and it is easy to spread spores or miss hidden growth behind the drywall. If the area is large, keeps coming back, or you are not sure how far it has spread, it is safer to call a professional. WOW Total Cleaning has more than 20 years of experience helping homes and businesses across Austin mitigate and repair mold damage.

What Causes Drywall to Mold?

In Austin, high humidity and poor ventilation in aging houses can cause water to condense on indoor surfaces. Water leaks and standing water from heavy rain and flooding are also common causes of moldy drywall. 

Signs of Mold in Drywall to Look For

If you’re concerned about mold after a plumbing leak, rainstorm, or hot, humid weather, look for the following signs:

• Discoloration: Splotchy black, green, yellow, brown, white, or orange spots on your wall or ceiling
• Musty smell: Persistent damp or earthy smell that doesn’t go away after you clean the room
• Bubbling paint or wallpaper: Blisters, bubbles, cracks, or peeling on the wall or ceiling surface
• Soft or spongy drywall: Drywall that feels wet, soft, or mushy when you press on it

How to Prevent Moldy Drywall in the Future

Preventing moldy drywall means addressing the fundamental source of moisture. If it is caused by a moisture leak, then fixing your roof or plumbing might do the trick. Be sure to fix any suspected leaks promptly to prevent future growth. 

Mold caused by condensation, poor ventilation, and humid weather may require a more in-depth approach, such as:

• Installing mold-resistant drywall boards
• Sealing and painting the boards with waterproofing primer and paint
• Updating or adjusting your HVAC usage to reduce ambient humidity inside the building
• Installing and running ventilation fans in the bathroom and kitchen for use when showering and cooking
• Sealing windows and doors to prevent moisture from entering your home on humid days
• Using a dehumidifier for particularly damp rooms like basements and laundry rooms

When to Call Professional Mold Inspection and Removal Services 

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends hiring a professional mold inspector and mold remediation service if the mold growth is due to significant water damage. You can also hire a professional mold damage service if the mold growth area covers more than 10 square feet, or you suspect mold growth inside the walls.

WOW Total Cleaning has been providing mold remediation services to the Austin area since 2003. Our company offers comprehensive mold damage services, including mitigation, remediation, and reconstruction. Contact us today to discuss your drywall mold removal needs.