Are the walls in your home covered in mold and mildew? Do you have an unsightly area of mold growing on your brick walls? You’re not alone! If so, you’re not alone – many Americans struggle with keeping their brick surfaces clean and free from this stubborn substance. Thankfully, it doesn’t have to be an endless battle!
In this blog post, we will provide detailed instructions on how to identify, treat, and how to remove mold from brick– along with some tips for preventing future outbreaks! We want you to finally get a handle on this difficult problem once and for all. So let’s dive into the steps you can take for DIY mold removal— starting today! So read on if you’re looking for an easy solution to get rid of that pesky mold once and for all!
Things to Consider While Removing Mold From Brick
Before you begin the process of removing mold from your brick walls, there are a few things to consider.
1. The Surface
First, make sure that the surface is made of brick or masonry and not plasterboard. Plasterboard is a drywall material that can’t handle moisture as well as other surfaces and can be more likely to grow mold over time if not kept dry.
2. The Moisture Source
Next, investigate the source of the moisture that is causing the mold growth. If you can address and resolve this issue, it will help to prevent future outbreaks of mold on your bricks— even after they have been cleaned.
3. Don’t Spread Spores Around the House
Lastly, be sure to wear protective gear while cleaning the mold and take measures to contain the spores. Spreading them around your home can cause other areas to become contaminated as well.
Required items
In order to successfully remove mold from brick, there are a few items you will need.
- Gloves & Protective Gear
You will need gloves and protective gear, such as a face mask or goggles, to protect yourself from the mold spores that may become airborne during the cleaning process.
- Water & Dish Soap
You will need water and some dish soap to create a cleaning solution for the mold. Do not use bleach, as it can damage the brick surface!
- Sponge & Scrubbing Brush
To remove the mold, you will need a sponge and a scrubbing brush to gently scrub away any residual mold. Be sure to rinse the sponge and brush frequently during the process to avoid spreading spores around your home.
- Vacuum Cleaner
Once you have removed the mold, use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to quickly remove any residual mold spores from the area. This will help ensure that all of the spores are gone and do not cause any additional outbreaks.
10 Steps on How to Remove Mold From Brick
Step 1: Prepare the Area
The first step is to prepare the area for cleaning by putting on your gloves and protective gear, opening windows, and removing any furniture or items from the area that you are about to clean. This will help contain any mold spores that may become airborne during the process.
Step 2: Make a Cleaning Solution
Next, create a cleaning solution by mixing together warm water and dish soap in equal parts. This will help to loosen any mold or mildew on your brick walls. Do not use bleach, as it can damage the brick surface!
Step 3: Apply the Cleaning Solution
Once the cleaning solution is ready, apply it directly to the affected area using a sponge. Let the mixture sit for at least 10 minutes before scrubbing. The cleaning solution will help to loosen and remove any stubborn mold.
Step 4: Scrub Away the Mold
After 10 minutes, use a scrub brush or sponge to gently scrub away any residual mold from the brick walls. Be sure to rinse your brush or sponge frequently during this process to avoid spreading spores around your home.
Step 5: Rinse the Area
Once you have scrubbed away all of the molds, use a wet cloth to rinse off any remaining residue. Make sure that the area is completely dry before moving on to the next step.
Step 6: Vacuum the Area
To ensure that all of the mold spores are removed from your brick walls, use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to quickly remove any residual mold spores from the area. This will help ensure that all of the spores are gone and do not cause any additional outbreaks.
Step 7: Apply a Sealant
Once the area is clean and dry, it’s time to apply an appropriate sealant to your brick walls. This will help to protect them from future mold outbreaks and make the surface more resistant to moisture.
Step 8: Let the Sealant Dry
Allow the sealant to dry completely before using the area again. This could take up to 24 hours, depending on the material you are sealing and the temperature of your home.
Step 9: Check for Future Outbreaks
To help prevent future outbreaks of mold, regularly check your brick walls and the surrounding area to make sure there is no new growth. This should be done at least once a month or whenever you notice any signs of moisture on the wall.
Step 10: Clean Regularly
Finally, make sure to keep your brick walls clean by regularly dusting, sweeping, and/or vacuuming. This will help prevent any future mold outbreaks and keep your home looking its best!
With these tips in mind, you are now equipped with the knowledge of how to remove mold from brick – so that you can finally get a handle on this difficult problem once and for all! Good luck, and we hope you get the results you are looking for.
8 Tips to Prevent Mold Growing on Brick
Mold can be an unsightly and smelly addition to the exterior of your home. Taking time to learn how to remove mold from brick can keep your property looking its best and help protect it from damage. Here are 8 tips for preventing mold growth on brick:
- Clean your brick regularly with a garden hose or power washer. Cleaning your brick with a power washer can remove mold, dirt, and other grime that accumulates over time.
- Use a strong cleaner to remove any stubborn deposits of mold or mildew from the surface of your brick. It is important to use cleaners specifically designed for bricks so as not to damage the material itself.
- Make sure your brick is sealed properly. This can help keep moisture out and reduce the chances of future mold growth. Also, when considering sealing your brick make sure to look for sealers that are specifically designed for this purpose.
- Keep your gutters and downspouts clean and free of debris. Clogged gutters can cause water to run off onto the brick walls, increasing the chances of mold growth.
- Inspect your roof for any broken or missing tiles that may be allowing moisture in. Roof inspection will help protect your brick from becoming infiltrated with water or moisture.
- Keep the area around your brick clean and clear of any leaves, grass clippings, or other debris that could retain moisture.
- Ensure your brick is in an area that receives adequate sunshine and ventilation. This will help dry out any moisture from rain or other weather conditions, reducing the chances of mold growth.
- If you have a basement, make sure it is properly sealed and ventilated to ensure no water seeps into the walls of your home. This will help keep mold at bay and prevent any moisture from infiltrating the brick.
By taking a few simple steps, you can protect your brick from the growth of mold and mildew. Implementing these tips will also help maintain the aesthetic appeal of your property and preserve its integrity.
How Much Will It Cost?
Working with a professional to remove mold from your brick walls can be costly. Depending on the extent of the problem, removal costs can range anywhere from $1,500 to over $7,000. It is important to have an inspection done by a professional to assess the level of damage and determine the best course of action for removing and preventing future growth.
Conclusion
Cleaning and eliminating mold from brick can be a difficult task, but it’s certainly a job that can be done with the right tools and knowledge. With the mixture of water and vinegar or baking soda, patience, and a few other items, you should have no trouble getting rid of the mold on your brick surfaces. Additionally, sealing any porous material around your home can help eliminate future mold growth as well.
Overall, tackling this problem won’t be easy, but it is certainly possible. So don’t hesitate to take out your cleaning supplies; you can accomplish this task in no time. Remember to educate yourself in order to eliminate any guesswork, and please use caution when using harsh chemicals like bleach or ammonia.
Armed with patience and the knowledge of how to remove mold from brick, you’ll have successfully completed a difficult but necessary chore!