You’ve got mold on your wallpaper… yuck, right? It’s not only gross but also bad for your health.
And, of course, you don’t want to ruin your wallpaper trying to get rid of it. But no need to worry, let’s discuss possible solutions before tearing away your whole wallpaper.
We’ll go through some methods to clean up mold without messing up the colors or damaging your wallpaper. It might be an easy fix, depending on the current state of affairs.
Why Does Mold Grow on Wallpaper?
Before we dive into the how-to, let’s quickly talk about why mold even shows up on your wallpaper in the first place.
Mold loves damp environments. So, if your walls have high humidity, leaks, or just a lot of moisture hanging around, that’s the perfect recipe for mold to make an appearance..
Once it’s on your wallpaper, it’ll start spreading like plague if you don’t take care of it
Stuff You’ll Need
To tackle mold without ruining your wallpaper, you don’t need much. Here’s a quick list of what you’ll need:
- White Vinegar – Trust me on this one. It’s natural, effective, and won’t mess with your wallpaper.
- Baking Soda – It boosts the cleaning power of the vinegar.
- Water – Helps dilute the mixture.
- Spray Bottle – For easy application.
- Soft Sponge or Cloth – So you can scrub without tearing up the wallpaper
- Gloves – You definitely don’t wanna get mold on your hands.
- Face Mask –Seriously, mold spores aren’t something you wanna breathe in.
- Bucket – For mixing your solution.
- Old Towel or Drop Cloth – To protect the floor from spills
Now, you might be tempted to grab some bleach or harsh chemicals to speed things up. Don’t do it! Those could bleach your wallpaper and ruin the colors you love. I’m here to help you avoid that!
Step 1 – Prep the Area
Before you dive in, make sure you protect the area. Mold can get messy, so throw down an old towel or a drop cloth on the floor just in case some of the cleaning solution drips.
Also, open up a window to let some fresh air in. And don’t forget your gloves and a face mask to stay safe.
Step 2 – Mix Your Solution
Now for the fun part—mixing your cleaning solution. Grab a spray bottle and mix equal parts white vinegar and water. This vinegar solution works great because it’s natural and safe, but still tackles the mold. If you want to make it even more powerful, toss in a tablespoon of baking soda.. it’ll help break down the mold more effectively.
Step 3 – Test the Wallpaper
Don’t skip this step! You’ll want to test your solution first. Spray a little bit on a small, hidden spot on your wallpaper—maybe behind some furniture or in a corner.
Let it dry for a couple of hours, then check to make sure it hasn’t messed with the colors. This quick test will save you from bigger problems later.
Step 4 – Spray the Moldy Area
Once you’re sure it’s safe, spray the moldy spot with your solution. Don’t drench it just give it a light mist. You want the surface damp, not soaking wet.
Let it sit for about 15-20 minutes so the vinegar has time to kill the mold.
Step 5 – Scrub Gently
Now for the scrubbing. Grab a soft sponge or cloth (nothing too abrasive) and gently scrub the affected area.
The key here is to be gentle. Don’t scrub too hard because you don’t want to tear or stretch the wallpaper.
Focus on working out the mold, not on scrubbing it into oblivion. If the mold’s being stubborn, don’t worry. Just repeat the process: spray, wait, scrub.
Step 6 – Rinse and Dry
Once you’ve gotten rid of the mold, it’s time to rinse off any leftover cleaning solution.
Take a clean, damp sponge or cloth and wipe down the area to get rid of any vinegar and baking soda residues.. Then, grab a soft towel and dry the area. You don’t want to leave it too wet, as that could cause other problems.
Step 7 – Repeat if Needed
If you still see mold after drying, don’t panic. Just repeat the process. Most of the time.. especially if the mold’s been there a while.. it can take a couple rounds to fully get rid of it. But don’t rush it.. go slow, and be patient.
Step 8: Stop Mold from Coming Back
Now that your wallpaper is mold-free, let’s keep it that way! Here are a few tips to stop mold from making another appearance:
- Ventilate the Room Make sure the room has proper airflow. Open windows or use a fan to reduce moisture buildup.
- Fix Leaks Leaks are the #1 culprit when it comes to mold. If there’s a leak anywhere, fix it ASAP. It’s an easy way to prevent mold from coming back.
- Use Mold-Resistant Wallpaper If you’re redecorating or remodeling, consider using mold-resistant wallpaper, especially in areas like bathrooms and basements where moisture is high.
- Regular Cleaning Keep an eye on the wallpaper and give it a wipe-down every once in a while to catch mold before it spreads.
Conclusion
Getting rid of mold on your wallpaper is totally doable if you follow these simple steps. With a little vinegar, baking soda, and some elbow grease, your walls can go back to looking fresh and mold-free. No harsh chemicals, no ruined colours just a cleaner, healthier space.
Do you know a better solution? Leave a comment below.