How To Remove Mold From Drywall (with Pictures) - WikiHow
Maybe your like
- Log in / Sign up
- Treating Painted Drywall |
- Signs of Mold |
- Treating Unpainted Drywall |
- Preventing Mold |
- When to Call a Professional |
- Video |
- Expert Q&A |
- Tips |
- Warnings |
- Things You'll Need
This article was co-authored by Mike Kapur and by wikiHow staff writer, Raven Minyard, BA. Mike Kapur is a home inspector and the owner of Sonic Home Inspections, a home inspection company in Westchester, New York. With over 15 years of experience in pre-inspecting properties, Mike specializes in mold, radon, asbestos, lead, water, and air quality testing as well as hazardous materials, pest, infrared, and general home inspections. Prior to founding Sonic Home Inspections, Mike worked pre-inspecting apartments. Mike holds a BS in Accounting from Queens College and is a Certified Mold Assessor in the state of New York. There are 13 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 595,446 times.
Drywall, or sheetrock, is a cost-effective building material, but it’s prone to water damage and mold. If you notice or suspect mold is growing on your drywall, take action immediately. For this article, we interviewed mold assessor Mike Kapur and cleaning specialist Raymond Chiu to teach you how to remove mold from unpainted and painted drywall. Plus, learn how to recognize and prevent mold growth and how to know when to call a professional for mold remediation.
How to Kill & Treat Mold on Drywall
On painted drywall, spray the mold with a mold-killing solution (bleach, baking soda, or vinegar) and scrub the area with a soft bristle brush until all the mold is gone. Let the area dry completely, pointing a fan at it to speed up the process. If the drywall is unpainted or very moldy, cut it out and replace it.
Steps
Section 1 of 5:How to Remove Mold from Painted Drywall
-
1 Put on protective gear and cover your work area. Because mold spores spread easily, protect yourself and the rest of your home by wearing PPE (personal protective equipment), such as an N95 mask, long rubber gloves, protective goggles, and if possible, a full body protective suit. Remove any furniture you want to protect and tape plastic sheeting to the floor. Open a window to ventilate the room, and seal any doors that lead to other parts of the house.[1] - Because you’ll likely need to work with strong chemicals to remove mold, it’s important to work in a well-ventilated area.
- Paint can act as a protective layer which keeps the mold from getting on the drywall itself. If you catch it early, it’s usually possible to remove it with cleaning solutions rather than having to replace the drywall itself.
-
2 Spray the drywall with a mold-killing solution of your choice. There are several different cleaning agents that kill mold, though some are stronger than others. Pour your preferred solution into a spray bottle and lightly spray it on the mold. Be careful not to drench the area, as too much moisture can make the mold worse. Here are some effective mold-killing solutions you can try:[2] - Bleach: Mix 1 part bleach with 3 parts water for an effective mold-killing solution. Do not mix bleach with any other chemicals, and work in a well-ventilated area so you don’t breathe in the strong fumes.
- Baking soda: Combine 1 part baking soda with 5 parts water for a mild cleaning solution. This is the safest mold cleaner, so it’s a good option if you have pets or children.
- Vinegar: Use straight vinegar or mix it with water in equal parts. This method is a bit stronger than baking soda but is still natural and safe to use around children and pets. It does have a strong scent, however.
- Commercial mold cleaners: Commercial mold and mildew cleaners, like Concrobium Mold Control, are designed to effectively eliminate mold and musty odors. They also help prevent regrowth by creating a protective barrier. Commercial mold cleaners are strong chemicals, however, and shouldn’t be used around children or pets.
- Unscented detergent: Combine unscented detergent with a small amount of water for a safer chemical option. Using an unscented detergent means you’ll still be able to detect the smell of mold without interference.
- Whatever solution you choose, Chiu says to “do a test spot treatment in an inconspicuous spot” to make sure it won’t damage the paint.[3]
-
3 Scrub the drywall with a soft bristle brush. While the cleaning solution is still wet, scrub the moldy area with a soft bristle brush or an old toothbrush. A sponge with an abrasive side will also work. Scrub the area until you no longer see any mold or discoloration. Don’t scrub too hard, though, or you could damage the drywall.[4] -
4 Dry the area and repaint if necessary. Because mold grows due to moisture, make sure to dry the area thoroughly. Point a fan at the wall and let it run for as long as necessary until the sheetrock is completely dry. While you wait, dispose of any materials used to clean the spot and disinfect reusable tools. Once the wall is dry, repaint it with a stain-blocking paint if any discoloration remains.[5] Advertisement
Signs of Mold on Drywall
-
1 Discoloration and stains Mold typically appears on drywall as discoloration and black, gray, green, yellow, or brown dots or clusters. Water stains also indicate moisture issues that can lead to mold growth. Here are a few common types of mold and where they’re likely to be found:[6] - Black mold: Black mold is often found in houses and on surfaces with excessive moisture damage. It can potentially produce mycotoxins that can harm people and pets if left untreated for a long period of time.
- Blue mold: Blue mold has a bluish-green color and is often found in drywall, wallpaper, ceilings, and insulation that has been damaged by water. It requires little moisture to develop.
- White mold: White mold often grows in cool, damp environments, like basements.
- Green mold: Green mold is often found in dark, damp areas and is known to grow in bathrooms and dark corners.
- Kapur says, “There's different types of mold, but they come in a million different colors—black is just one that people are afraid of. It comes in white, gray, [and] beige. Usually, you can identify it on a cleaner piece of surface where you see little spots [of those colors].”[7]
-
2 Peeling or cracking paint and texture changes When there is moisture behind a wall, the paint can crack, peel, or bubble. The walls may also warp, bow, or bulge when there are water issues, which can lead to mold. Fuzzy, slimy, or powdery spots are also a strong indication of mold.[8] -
3 Musty odors Most gives off a recognizable musty odor, so if you notice a stuffy, stale smell, it’s most likely mold. Try smelling near electrical outlets to get a better whiff, as they provide the best access to the space behind your walls.[9] Advertisement
How to Remove Mold from Unpainted Drywall
-
1 Put on protective gear and seal the area. Mold spores can spread easily, so it’s important to protect yourself and the rest of your house. Wear PPE (personal protective equipment) like an N95 mask, long rubber gloves, safety goggles, and if possible, a full body protective suit. Seal the room from the rest of the house and cover the floor and surrounding area with a plastic sheet.[10] - Try to work in a well-ventilated area by opening windows and doors. Consider using a HEPA air filtration system to capture airborne mold spores.
- In most cases, if the mold is on the drywall itself, it won’t be enough just to clean the area. It’s better to replace the affected drywall altogether, as the mold has likely spread to the back of the drywall, as well.
-
2 Find a stud and cut a square around the moldy area. Use a stud finder to locate the studs around the moldy area, then mark their location with a pencil so you know where to place the screws when you replace the drywall. Then, use a utility knife to cut out a square of the moldy drywall—this square should be 5-6 inches (12-15 cm) larger than the stain itself and should extend over at least two wooden wall beams behind the drywall.[11] - Removing more drywall than necessary will increase your odds of removing unseen mold spores and will make it possible to replace the section of drywall.
- If it helps, outline the sections you plan to remove with a pencil, then saw along the lines with your knife. Point it out and away from you as you work.
- When the patch of drywall comes free, carefully remove it and set it down, mold-side up, on the plastic sheet.
- Do not use a saw to remove the drywall, as they can agitate the mold and can be dangerous if used near an outlet.
-
3 Treat the area with a mold-resistant primer. Check behind the drywall you removed to see if the mold has spread to the studs or elsewhere, and remove more drywall as necessary. Then, clean the surrounding area with a mold-killing solution of your choice (bleach, vinegar, or a commercial mold remover) and treat the area with a mold and mildew primer like Kilz to prevent future growth. Let the area dry completely before moving on to the next step.[12] - If you fit a new piece of drywall when the area is still damp, more mold may grow from the moisture.
- If the moldy area is by a door or window, have someone spray water on the door or window with a hose while the inner wall is open. This will help you locate leaks so you can seal them and prevent future mold growth.
- If there is a lot of hidden mold or the mold is growing on wood, it’s better to hire a professional to inspect the whole area.
-
4 Cut and fit a new piece of drywall. Use a utility knife to cut a new piece of drywall that fits the area you cut out. Place the new drywall in the hole—it should fit snugly—and secure it by attaching drywall screws to the studs you marked earlier. Apply joint compound along the joints, allow it to dry for at least 24 hours, then use a sander or sandpaper to smooth it out.[13] - If the drywall you removed didn’t come off in one piece, use a tape measure to measure the hole in the wall and cut the new piece of drywall to those exact measurements.
- Kapur says, “It’s just not practical to try to save [moldy sheetrock] in any way. Just cut it off, throw it away, and put in new sheetrock.”[14]
-
5 Vacuum the entire area with a HEPA vacuum. Removing and replacing the drywall likely stirred up mold spores, which could have landed on the surrounding walls or flooring. First, dispose of any moldy materials in a garbage bag. Then, use a HEPA vacuum to clean the room and reduce the remaining spores. Properly dispose of the contents in the canister when you’re done.[15] - Be sure to clean any tools you used to prevent mold from spreading to other parts of your home. It’s usually best to throw PPE materials away.
Advertisement
How to Prevent Mold on Drywall
-
1 Use a dehumidifier to control humidity levels. In general, try to keep the humidity level in your home between 30% and 50% to prevent mold growth. In addition to using a dehumidifier, keep your bathrooms, kitchen, and laundry room properly ventilated, and use exhaust fans when cooking or showering to remove excess moisture.[16] - Kapur says, “Another thing that mold hates is any kind of air movement. The dehumidifier does that, as well, because it constantly takes [in] air and then spews it out.”[17]
-
2 Repair leaks and fix sources of excess moisture. Repair any leaks in plumbing, roofing, or windows as soon as possible. Make sure there’s proper drainage around your home’s foundation, and use waterproof sealants in bathrooms and other damp areas. Try to use moisture-resistant materials in high-risk areas, like basements.[18] -
3 Inspect your home regularly and perform proper maintenance. Routinely check areas that are prone to moisture (like basements, attics, and bathrooms), and look for signs of water damage or discoloration on walls and ceilings. Clean and maintain your gutters and downspouts to prevent water build-up, and consider getting a professional mold inspection annually, especially if you live in a humid climate.[19] - Kapur says, “Wherever there’s water, mold [and] mildew will grow there. The best way to [prevent mold] is to keep [things] dry. Don't [leave] water standing, and [use] household cleaners.”[20]
Advertisement
When to Call a Professional
-
Hire a professional if the moldy area is larger than 10 ft (3 m). There are lots of reasons to consider hiring a professional to handle moldy drywall, but the EPA specifically recommends calling a pro if the mold-affected area exceeds 10 square feet. If you begin cleaning the mold and notice it’s spread to the back of the drywall, it’s a good idea to call a professional to inspect how far it’s spread. Here are some other reasons to consider hiring a professional:[21] - You suspect there’s mold hidden in wall cavities or HVAC systems
- The building has a history of flooding or extensive water damage
- You or your family experience mold-related health issues
- The mold keeps returning after DIY removal attempts
- Be aware that mold remediation can cost $5,000 on average depending on the extent of the damage. If it’s only a small problem, it may be worth attempting to tackle yourself.
Join the Discussion...
How do I safely kill mold?Expert Q&A
Search Add New Question- Question How do you kill mold inside drywall?
Mike Kapur Certified Mold Assessor & Home Inspector Mike Kapur is a home inspector and the owner of Sonic Home Inspections, a home inspection company in Westchester, New York. With over 15 years of experience in pre-inspecting properties, Mike specializes in mold, radon, asbestos, lead, water, and air quality testing as well as hazardous materials, pest, infrared, and general home inspections. Prior to founding Sonic Home Inspections, Mike worked pre-inspecting apartments. Mike holds a BS in Accounting from Queens College and is a Certified Mold Assessor in the state of New York.
Mike Kapur Certified Mold Assessor & Home Inspector Expert Answer Unfortunately, you won't be able to fully remove all the mold once it has gotten into drywall. I recommend. you cut out the stained area along with a margin of 5 to 6 inches. Then, just replace the area with a new sheet of drywall. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 1 Helpful 1 - Question What if the mold is inside the walls and I can't see it?
Community Answer It very well may be. Scrubbing the mold is not good advice. It spreads the mold spores, and if you are using bleach, will not eliminate all of the mold. The water used will actually make the mold worse. The drywall needs to be carefully removed and disposed of and all of the areas behind the wall must be treated or removed. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 8 Helpful 16 - Question What are the health hazards of living with mold behind the walls?
Community Answer You can develop respiratory issues and chronic headaches. It can be very dangerous for athsmatics and young children. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 7 Helpful 18
Video
Tips
- Drywall mold can affect any home, regardless of age or location. This is why it’s important to inspect your home for water damage regularly. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
- If you see or smell mold, don’t worry about trying to determine what type it is. Instead, focus on removing it as soon as possible. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Warnings
- Always wear protective gear when removing mold. Use a disposable dust mask to prevent yourself from breathing in too many of the mold spores. Wear safety goggles and household rubber gloves to protect your eyes and skin from both the mold and any chemicals you use to remove it. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
- Seek professional help for problems you cannot address on your own. Black mold is especially toxic and should be handled by professionals. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Things You’ll Need
Removing Mold from Unpainted Drywall
- PPE (N95 mask, rubber gloves, goggles)
- Plastic sheeting
- New drywall
- Utility knife
- Mold cleaner
- Drywall screws
- Joint compound
- HEPA vacuum
- Sandpaper
Removing Mold from Painted Drywall
- PPE (N95 mask, rubber gloves, goggles)
- Plastic sheeting
- Mold cleaner (like bleach, baking soda, or vinegar)
- Spray bottle
- Soft bristle brush
- Fan
- Wall paint (optional)
You Might Also Like
References
- ↑ https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2016-10/documents/moldguide12.pdf
- ↑ https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/mold/clean.htm
- ↑ Raymond Chiu. House Cleaning Professional. Expert Interview
- ↑ https://www.shsu.edu/dept/residence-life/maintenance/mildew/
- ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/mold-health/about/index.html?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/mold/stachy.htm#Q1
- ↑ https://doh.wa.gov/sites/default/files/legacy/Documents/4300//Mold.pdf
- ↑ Mike Kapur. Certified Mold Assessor & Home Inspector, Sonic Home Inspections. Expert Interview
- ↑ https://extension.uga.edu/publications/detail.html?number=C1047-2&title=removing-mold-in-your-home
- ↑ https://doh.wa.gov/sites/default/files/legacy/Documents/4300//Mold.pdf
- ↑ https://www.doh.wa.gov/Portals/1/Documents/4300/Mold.pdf
- ↑ https://youtu.be/4W8yDLerTlQ?t=47
- ↑ https://www.paintpro.net/Articles/PP505/PP505_Elastomerics.cfm
- ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/repairing-drywall/
- ↑ Mike Kapur. Certified Mold Assessor & Home Inspector, Sonic Home Inspections. Expert Interview
- ↑ https://ehs.ncsu.edu/occupational-health/indoor-air-quality/mold-remediation-guidelines/
- ↑ https://doh.wa.gov/sites/default/files/legacy/Documents/4300//Mold.pdf
- ↑ Mike Kapur. Certified Mold Assessor & Home Inspector, Sonic Home Inspections. Expert Interview
- ↑ https://doh.wa.gov/sites/default/files/legacy/Documents/4300//Mold.pdf
- ↑ https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2016-10/documents/moldguide12.pdf
- ↑ Mike Kapur. Certified Mold Assessor & Home Inspector, Sonic Home Inspections. Expert Interview
- ↑ https://doh.wa.gov/sites/default/files/legacy/Documents/4300//Mold.pdf
About This Article
To remove mold from painted drywall, start by opening the windows in the affected room to help ventilate it. If your mold problem isn’t too bad, combine 1 part baking soda and 5 parts water to make a mild cleaning agent. If you need a stronger cleaner, try mixing 1 part vinegar to 1 part water, or use an unscented detergent. Then, put the solution into a spray bottle and spray it onto the mold. Take care not to spray too much, since excessive wetness can worsen your mold problem. Once you’ve applied the cleanser, scrub the area with an old toothbrush until you can’t see any more discoloration. After you’ve cleaned the area, point an electric fan at it to help it dry out, which will reduce the chances of mold returning. For tips on how to get rid of mold on unpainted drywall, keep reading! Did this summary help you?YesNo
In other languages Italian Spanish Russian German Dutch Arabic Vietnamese Thai Japanese- Send fan mail to authors
Reader Success Stories
-
Deedee S.
Jul 12, 2025
"Thank you so much for this information. I needed it. I'm about to move into an apartment, and it smelled like mold and was infested with it. They are gutting out a lot of units, and I hope they fixed the problem. Right now, they have ozone in there to clear the air and rid the area of that musty, earthy mold smell. I saw the mold when they had the wall out, and it was a lot. I have been Googling all week."..." more Rated this article:
Did this article help you?
Yes No
Advertisement If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Deedee S.
Jul 12, 2025
"Thank you so much for this information. I needed it. I'm about to move into an apartment, and it smelled like mold and was infested with it. They are gutting out a lot of units, and I hope they fixed the problem. Right now, they have ozone in there to clear the air and rid the area of that musty, earthy mold smell. I saw the mold when they had the wall out, and it was a lot. I have been Googling all week."..." more Rated this article:Jerusalem DeSion
May 5, 2016
"Thank you for the information. I was going to redo the whole restroom of the house I am moving to. Now I will try to clean it, pray over it, and bind and cast out mold. My other house was 10 years older and never had mold. I always kept the restroom well ventilated, with the door open. Your information was very helpful. Blessings."..." moreAnonymous
Jun 29, 2016
"The description of how to was just enough without missing bits or going on. Basic and straightforward. Thank you, it really helped."..." morePaul Revson
Sep 14, 2018
"Provided information on the difference between painted and unpainted drywall and on what type(s) of solution to use. "..." more Rated this article:William G.
Oct 31, 2017
"The article provides very helpful information on how to clean mold stains on a drywall. I recommend it!" Rated this article: Share yours! More success stories Hide success storiesQuizzes & Games
You Might Also Like
Trending Articles
Watch Articles
Trending Articles
Quizzes & Games
- Categories
- Home and Garden
- Housekeeping
- Mold and Mildew Treatment
- Home
- About wikiHow
- Experts
- Jobs
- Contact Us
- Site Map
- Terms of Use
- Privacy Policy
- Do Not Sell or Share My Info
- Not Selling Info
- Contribute
Follow Us
×wikiHow Tech Help Pro:
Develop the tech skills you need for work and life
Let's do this! X --Tag » How To Remove Mold From Drywall
-
How To Remove Mold From Walls - Hays + Sons Complete Restoration
-
How To Remove Mold On Drywall - This Old House
-
How To Remove Mold From Walls | True Value
-
Solved! This Is How To Get Rid Of Mold On Walls - Bob Vila
-
How To Remove Mold From Walls (Drywall) - YouTube
-
How To Remove Mold From Drywall - Painted And Unpainted
-
How To Get Rid Of Mold On Walls (Permanently) - Oh So Spotless
-
How To Remove Black Mold From Drywall & Wood - Moldman
-
How To Remove Mold From Walls - The Washington Post
-
How To Remove Mold From Walls For Good - Housewife How-Tos
-
Step-by-Step Guide On How To Kill Mold On Drywall - Porters Cleaning
-
The Ultimate Guide On How To Clean Mold On Drywall
-
How To Remove Mold From Inside Walls - The Spruce
-
How To Remove Mold From Drywall Ceilings - Step By Step Guide