Mold question...?

Question

How far can mold penetrate into drywall before it needs to be replaced? I am cleaning out after an evicted tenant - there was no problem with mold just 6 months ago, but now there is mold that has penetrated the one layer of paint that was put over brand new drywall in the laundry room. It is quite extensive in that it has grown at least three feet up the wall in some areas, and behind the laundry room sink under the drain. So far I have sprayed Microban just so I can walk in there without gagging. Will a followup with bleach, then TSP, then a fresh coat of paint seal this up and make it legal, safe, and habitable once again? These tenants were living like pigs - piling up months and months worth of garbage and dirty clothes against the wall, which mice then got into. Gotta love it.

Answer 1

I hope you have been Fix plumbing leaks and other water problems as soon as possible. Dry all items completely.

Scrub mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water, and dry completely.

Absorbent or porous materials, such as ceiling tiles and carpet, may have to be thrown away if they become moldy. Mold can grow on or fill in the empty spaces and crevices of porous materials, so the mold may be difficult or impossible to remove completely.

Avoid exposing yourself or others to mold (see discussions: What to Wear When Cleaning Moldy Areas and Hidden Mold).
Just type into Google Search engine or another; "Household mold removal" you will get many results for info!------
Do not paint or caulk moldy surfaces. Clean up the mold and dry the surfaces before painting. Paint applied over moldy surfaces is likely to peel.

If you are unsure about how to clean an item, or if the item is expensive or of sentimental value, you may wish to consult a specialist. Specialists in furniture repair, restoration, painting, art restoration and conservation, carpet and rug cleaning, water damage, and fire or water restoration are commonly listed in phone books. Be sure to ask for and check references. Look for specialists who are affiliated with professional organizations.--------Make sure you wear a mask!! Good luck!

Answer 2

You have some repair to do or at least tear out work. Mold is something to deal with especially if you want to hurry up and do it wrong (repair)
Ok, first gloves and mask (good one not paper)
Second: drywall rip tools be it a saw, claw hammer, rip bar
Third: take down wall
Fourth: You will probably find a water leak which needs fixed by the sound of your post. The leak could be comming from the back of the washer where it connects to pipes. In that case change water hose connections on both sides (hot and cold)
Fifth: You will need drywall, drywall screws, measure, some way to cut drywall to length, drywall tape, mud
Sixth: Proceed to put up drywall
It can be a do it yourself job if you are willing to put in the time
I would want it fixed properly because you dont want to end up in small claims court for mold exposure

Answer 3

As I understand it.......what you've done is just temporary. You'll probably have to replace the drywall, as mold can't be killed. Watch it closely...if you start seeing it in any amount from the new paint, then just change out the drywall and get it over with. Left untreated, mold could become potentially dangerous...especially to the young, the old, and with people with depressed immune systems. Mold emits spores into the air, which we breathe in, and can cause a multitude of respirator problems.....bronchitis, and pneumonia to name a few. Be aggressive with this. Best of luck to you.

Answer 4

well I afraid your going to have to treat the wall with a proprietary fungicide, and if it´s really bad it will have to be treated more than once. No point in using Bleach , as it might look it´s done the job but that will last but a couple of months . Which will mean you will have painted the wall again &waste more money on paint

Answer 5

Check first of all to see if you have a damp problem there. Most important. Sounds like you are doing all the right things otherwise
Good luck
Jx

Answer 6

Well do u throw wet things in your laudry room on the floor or on the machines? If so u let the things dry up & evaporate to the cealing & the walls. hang up wet things And keep your doors open to a cool breeze in the house. I have had it be4!