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10 Tips for Mold and Mildew Removal

Eliminate mold and mildew with solid detective work and these handy gadgets.

Water is always the cause of mold and mildew, but finding the source of the problem can seem like an unsolvable mystery. Follow our tips for using some handy gadgets and basic detective work to find and eliminate your mold and mildew problems for good,.

Check for plumbing leaks

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Inspect pipes and drains for leaks

If you see mold near water pipes, waste lines, icemaker lines or plumbing fixtures, chances are the mold is feeding off a nearby leak. Let the water run while you check the pipes and surrounding area for damp spots. Remember that water can travel in any direction—down, sideways or even up when it wicks into absorbent material like drywall—so the actual leak may be some distance from the mold.

Don't ignore mold

Mold can be an early warning sign of a moisture problem inside walls or ceilings that could cause an expensive problem like wood rot. Avoid the temptation to just wipe the mold away and forget about it—find and stop the water source.

Look for outside leaks

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Inspect vents, flashing and window wells

If mold is growing on an exterior wall or ceiling, first look for a leak in the wall or roof. Measure from the moldy area to a reference point like a door, then find the spot on the other side of the wall or ceiling.

Closely inspect nearby vents, roof flashing, decks, window wells and anywhere wood is rotting. Look for ground sloping toward the house and downspouts emptying next to the wall. If the ground around the house gets too wet, moisture will wick into the foundation or slab and become persistent dampness.

Inspect the ductwork

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Condensation can imitate leaks

If mold forms on the ceiling under a duct or register and there's no sign of a roof leak, badly insulated ductwork may be the cause. Warm, moist air condenses and forms water on ducts carrying cold air through the attic or crawl space. The condensation is a sign that the duct is uninsulated or missing a vapor barrier. Eventually the water saturates the insulation and drywall and mold spores (which are everywhere) take root.

In cold weather, the reverse happens. Moisture forms anywhere warm air escapes—for instance, at unsealed joints between duct sections.

Is it mold or dirt?

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Test suspicious-looking spots

Most mold is unmistakable, but sometimes small or largely hidden growths just make a surface look dirty.

For a quick test, dip a swab in diluted bleach (1 part bleach, 16 parts water) and dab it on the wall. If the spot quickly lightens (or keeps coming back after cleaning), assume it's mold.

Mold test kits are available that detect the presence and identify the type of mold, but they won't help determine the cause or what to do about it.

Stop mold from coming back

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Use an antimicrobial spray

Once the moisture has been dried up, clean and spray the area with an antimicrobial treatment to prevent mold from coming back. In basements or other larger areas with musty odors, it may be more effective to fog the entire room. (Concrobium Mold Control is an antimicrobial treatment available at home centers and hardware stores that can be dispensed by spray or with a fogging machine. Visit concrobium.com for more information.)

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Use mold resistant building materials

If you need to build or rebuild an area where moisture has been a problem, use materials that resist mold growth and aren't affected by water. Construct walls with pressure-treated wood and rigid insulation and cover the walls with paperless drywall, which has nothing for mold to feed on.

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Use paints with mildewcide

In areas where mold might grow, such as basement walls, spray the surfaces with an antimicrobial treatment. Paint walls with mildew-resistant primer and paint or add mildewcide to your paint.

Missing insulation feeds mold

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Mold is often caused by condensation

Warm air seeks gaps in the insulation, and when it hits colder surfaces as it flows out of or into the house, water condenses—which then feeds mold. These spots often occur on outside walls near floors or windows, at corners and around outlets and lights. If the mold disappears after cleaning it and lowering indoor humidity with a dehumidifier or vent fan, just keep an eye on it. If it recurs, open the wall and fix the problem.

Win the war against bathtub mold

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Seal tile and grout

To prevent mold around the tub or shower, spray the wall with an antimicrobial treatment, then seal the grout with two coats of grout sealant to keep water from wicking in.

If the mold is extensive and tiles come off, rebuild the wall with cement board tile backer and new tile.

If the wall is sound but the mold stains won't go away, try regrouting. Scrape out the caulk and stained grout, spray the wall with antimicrobial treatment, regrout and caulk and then coat the whole wall with grout sealant.

Diagnostic tools can help

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Calculate moisture and humidity

Moisture meters (at left; start at $25 at hardware stores and online tool suppliers) measure the water content in building materials. A musty smell with no visible mold or moisture and a high moisture reading can indicate a leak or a problem with water coming in through the foundation or floor. Humidity gauges (on right; start at $10 at hardware stores and online) measure the humidity in the house. Mold grows best in warm, moist environments so keep the humidity below 50 percent when possible.

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Check for hot and cold spots

Infrared thermometers ($30 to $100 from online tool suppliers) use an infrared beam to measure the temperature on any surface, letting you locate hot or cold spots in the walls where condensation may be occurring because of missing insulation.

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Track drafts and air leaks

Air movement indicator. This can be anything that creates smoke or vapor, like a stick of incense or a fog-making toy. (The Wizard Stick shown is widely used by mold remediation and insulation inspectors; $15 from zerotoys.com.) Hold it near baseboards, windows or wall penetrations to track moisture- creating drafts and air leaks.

Tools & Materials List

Required Tools for this Project

Have the necessary tools for this DIY project lined up before you start—you’ll save time and frustration.

Required Materials for this Project

Avoid last-minute shopping trips by having all your materials ready ahead of time. Here's a list.


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