How to Keep Mold From Developing on Walls

by Veronica Smith

Household mold is one of homeowners' biggest concerns. Mold can be detrimental to the health and well-being of anyone living in the home and is sometimes difficult to get rid of. With some basic maintenance and proper care, it is relatively easy to prevent mold from growing. Learning how to keep mold from developing on walls will go a long way in preserving the integrity and atmosphere of the home.

Why Is It Growing?

Mold grows when there is a lack of ventilation in an area. Some of the most common areas to find mold are in bathrooms, kitchens and basements. These areas are moisture traps and are often not ventilated enough to keep mold from growing. The first step in keeping mold from developing on walls is to make sure that the room is properly ventilated. In a bathroom, this means using or installing a ceiling vent fan to draw moisture out of the room while you are bathing. If adding a fan is not an option, keep a window open slightly so that the moisture will slip out there and not gather on walls and ceilings. Basements that have a tendency to be damp will do well if there is a dehumidifier running to remove excess moisture. The added cost of the dehumidifier and the electricity it needs is well worth it when mold ceases to grow in this damp, mold-prone area. In a kitchen, a stove top fan and ventilation while cooking will help prevent mold from growing. Be sure that the room has a significant of air exchange during excessively humid times, like while showering or boiling water, so that the moisture can be whisked away.

Getting Rid of the Mold

If mold is already growing on walls, it must be removed as soon as possible. After donning gloves and protective eye goggles, spritz the area of mold growth with a 50/50 solution of bleach and water. Allow the bleach to penetrate the moldy surface and wipe clean. This may need to be repeated a few times in order to remove all the mold. It is also a good idea to spray down the entire wall with this solution if the mold is found in small spots throughout the room.

Preventing Mold From Coming Back

After the bleach/water solution has been wiped off and the walls are dry, apply a mold-resistant primer. This type of primer is specially formulated to inhibit the growth of bacteria. Apply one coat of primer, allow it to dry completely, and apply a second coat. This provides extra protection and double coverage. Once the second coat of primer has dried overnight, paint the wall with mold-resistant wall paint. Most home improvement and specialty paint stores carry this type of paint, but you may need to ask for it specifically. Two coats of paint over the two coats of mold-resistant primer will help keep the walls mold free for years to come.

No matter what type of paint or primer is used, without proper ventilation in the room, the odds of mold growing back are high. A simple exhaust fan or an open window will do wonders for keeping mold at bay. Once any existing mold has been removed, invest in the higher-quality, more-expensive paint to be certain that mold does not visit the room's walls again.