How to Prevent Mold Growth on Drywall

Mold comes in many varieties, some extremely dangerous. But all mold needs moisture and nutrients to survive. So your home's humidity level will be the chief determining factor of whether mold will develop. Because drywall is porous, it is highly prone to developing mold infestations. There are steps you can take to lower the risk of mold growth, but the most important thing to remember is that mold cannot grow on dry surfaces.

Instructions

1

Keep the area as dry as possible. Fans, dehumidifiers and fresh air are all good ways to decrease air humidity. This is the first, best way to prevent mold growth. If your home does not have adequate air flow, all other prevention techniques combined may fail to prevent mold growth.

2

Vacuum every surface frequently, including ceilings and walls, to keep mold spores from spreading.

3

Use paint designed to inhibit mold growth. This may be marketed as mildew-resistant or fungicidal. While there is no paint that can eliminate the risk of mold, it may help to decrease it.

4

Use specially-treated drywall. There are types of drywall that have mildew-resistant chemicals embedded in the paper. Also, there are moisture-resistant drywall panels available that can decrease the chance of developing mold.

5

Throw out anything that develops mold but cannot be cleaned, in order to prevent further contamination. Serious mold infestations on porous surfaces, such as carpets, drywall and furniture, cannot be cleaned.

6

If you are installing drywall in a basement, leave a half an inch clearance between the concrete floor and the bottom of the drywall. This will prevent small spills from wicking up the drywall.