I recently purchased a fairly new home (2004). I was in the process of removing a wallpaper border in one of the guest bathrooms when I found mildew on the drywall under the wallpaper. The border is difficult to remove so I assume the previous homeowners did not size the walls, just applied it to the painted surface. While removing it some of the paint bubbled up (I guess due to the inproper application and the removal solution) and there is some mildew under the paint below the border. The drywall is not spongy or crumbling, there is no mildew smell, and no visible mildew, it's underneath the paint and border. I am hoping the problem is something I can solve myself. I did notice some "shadows" on the walls, but they don't look like the water stains I googled. They look more like dirt, although I assume it is the mildew as it would be hard to get dirt that high up. There is an exhaust fan which I plan to use religiously but I don't know if it was used before. Also, should I buy one of those moisture testing devices and check the drywall even if it appears to be solid? The area I noticed the mildew on was directly above the shower enclosure. I have not removed all the wallpaper border yet as I was too upset upon finding this, but I have to do it very soon. My question is do I have to remove the paint so I can get to the drywall underneath, or can I use a bleach solution directly on the painted drywall to kill the mildew? If I have to remove the paint to get to the drywall, how the heck do I do that? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

Welcome to the forums!

I wouldn't be overly concerned at this point. Bleach water should kill/remove the mildew. Be sure to rinse off the bleach so there are no adhesion issues. I'd suggest using a kitchen and bath enamel [it has extra mildewcide]when you paint.

I suspect failure to use the exhaust fan and the wrong type of paint on the walls [builders are famous for that] are the main causes for the mildew. If the mildew returns, then I'd be concerned.

 

I agree with Mark - finding and fixing the moisture problem is always important but it was likely due to the fan not being used, so dealing with the mildew and watching/waiting for reappearance is reasonable in this case

 

Thank you so much for your advice. I moved from New Orleans, so I guess I overreacted due to my experience there. I will remove the border, then use the bleach solution, wash that down and then wait a couple weeks to make sure it doesn't come back. Then Kilz and paint it. And keep my fingers crossed. Thanks again!