Removing Black Mold on Paneling

Mold is one of the drawbacks of living in a humid climate, but high humidity isn't the only reason mold forms -- insufficient insulation resulting in condensation on the walls is another. When black mold discolors your wall paneling, you can get rid of it, but it will be back unless you reduce the moisture that has been feeding it. That may take some climate control, and perhaps even a bit of remodeling.

The Good

Black mold may be unsightly, and it certainly isn't heathy, but it isn't invincible. The Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends using a non-ammonia detergent and water to remove it from nonporous surfaces, such as painted or finished paneling. If your paneling is unfinished wood, spray it with generous amounts of white vinegar, or mix and use a 10 percent solution of bleach and water. To disinfect the surface, allow the vinegar or bleach solution to remain on the surface or soak in for 10 minutes before washing it off with clear water. Always wear rubber gloves and a respirator when using bleach.

The Bad

No matter how well you disinfect your paneling, you can't stop mold from returning as long as there is moisture in the area, and controlling moisture isn't always easy. You may have to increase air circulation in the room to keep the humidity down, and that may mean installing or modifying a window or adding a ventilation system. If condensation is a problem, the solution is often to add wall insulation, which prevents the airflow that causes condensation. You can blow in insulation without removing the paneling, but it involves making holes in the siding.

The Ugly

If there is mold on the front of your paneling, there's a good chance that there is also mold on the back, and it may have infected the wall framing. It's reasonable to suspect this if the mold is heavy, especially around the edges of the paneling, and the paneling is unfinished and porous. If this is the case, even completely eliminating moisture in the room may not control the mold. You may have to remove the paneling, disinfect both sides and wash the framing. Coating the back of the paneling and the framing with oil-based primer after the mold is gone should prevent its return.

Cleaning Tips

Before you treat a mold infestation, it's important to block the air return vents in the room to prevent the spores you dislodge from migrating to another part of the house. Always wet the mold, either with vinegar, bleach or a detergent solution, before scrubbing it. This prevents the spores from becoming airborne. Whether the mold is wet or dry, wear a respirator to protect your lungs from the microorganisms. If you're cleaning the mold from a painted or finished surface, consider adding another coat of paint or finish after you're done to prevent any spores you missed from springing back to life.

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