How to Clean Mold From a Ceiling
Mold poses a threat for serious health problems. If you have noticed mold in your home, it is best to take care of it quickly. If mold spans more than several feet and is expected to be above the ceiling, then seeking professional help is recommended. Remember to take all precautions necessary to ensure your health when dealing with mold.
People who suffer from allergies or breathing diseases are more susceptible to the effects of mold spores. Mold spores are smaller than pollen grain, which means spores bypass the normal filtering function of the nose. Other people who are subject to higher susceptibility are: people with COPD, people with transplanted organs, those undergoing chemotherapy and HIV patients. Also, if your immune system is weakened, you are more prone to the effects.
Things you will need are:
- Disposable gloves
- Dust mask
- Eye protection
- Two plastic buckets
- Stepladder
- Long-handled mixing spoon
- Chlorine bleach
- Laundry detergent
- Water
- Plastic spray bottle
- Scouring sponge
- Clean washcloth
- Anti-mold paint
- Paintbrush or roller
How to clean mold from a ceiling:
1. Identify the mold area. It will consist of black spots, some possible water damage and a foul odor. Open all doors and windows to ventilate the area.
2. Put on your disposable gloves, face mask and eye protection.
3. Position the stepladder under the mold.
4. Fill one bucket with one gallon of hot water and the other with lukewarm water. The hot water bucket will be for the cleaning solution. The other bucket serves the purpose of rinsing your sponge and washcloth.
5. Add 1/2 cup of chlorine bleach to the water in the bucket.
6. Stir in 1/3 cup of powdered laundry detergent or 3 ounces of liquid laundry detergent with the long-handled spoon. Blend thoroughly.
7. Pour the solution into the plastic spray bottle.
8. Take the spray bottle and the sponge with you as you climb the ladder. Spray the solution directly onto all of the mold.
9. Use the rough side of the scouring sponge to scrub the area. The mold should come off easily. Rinse the sponge in clean water, as needed.
10. Rinse the entire area thoroughly with a clean washcloth and water. Change the water in the bucket for the scouring sponge, before using that water to rinse the ceiling.
11. Allow the ceiling to dry completely.
12. Paint the entire room with anti-mold paint, to reduce the risk of mold appearing again.