How to Clean Toxic Mold Behind Walls
Mold and mildew can be toxic to one's health, and for this reason many people like to remove it from behind their walls. Mold can trigger respiratory problems and cold-like symptoms, but fortunately it can be removed from behind walls. Although, most mold specialists recommend hiring a professional to remove the mold, it can be done by a novice.
- Close all doors and vents that
connect to the rest of the house. By cleaning the mold you may fill
the air with mold spores, which can cause health issues. - Wear protective gear. Rubber
gloves, mask, eye protection, long-sleeved shirts and pants are
sufficient for protection when removing mold. - Ventilate the area well. Open
external doors and windows to allow air out and in. Not ventilating
the area can cause breathing and eye problems. - Pull away wall material that has
mold underneath it. If the wall is wet, cut that portion of the wall
away. You are trying to clear way material that conceals mold.
Missing an area with mold can mean the mold can grow back and return
later. - Throw away all materials with mold
on it. This includes drywall and insulation. - Clean the inside of the wall.
Using a stiff brush, hot water and non-ammonia detergent, remove all
the mold from inside the wall. - Vacuum water. Using a wet/dry
vacuum, remove all water from walls and insulation. Make sure to
remove all particle debris this way as well. - Apply disinfectant to all
surfaces. Although the surfaces have been cleaned it is important to
apply disinfectant and allow it sit on the wall surface for at least
10 minutes. A cheap and effective disinfectant is one made of 90
percent water and 10 percent bleach. - Rinse off detergent. Rinse the
disinfectant away with clean water and allow it to dry for several
days. After the wall is dry, replace the insulation and close up the
wall. - Allow to the wall to dry. Using
fans and dehumidifiers will help the wall to dry faster.