Remove mold from the wall - How to do it right
Mold stains on walls are not just a visual problem, they can also cause serious damage to the building structure and health problems. Damp rooms such as bathrooms, kitchens or poorly ventilated areas are particularly susceptible to mold growth. To make the mold disappear permanently, it is not enough to just remove it superficially - the cause of the penetrating moisture must also be eliminated. In this guide, you will learn how to effectively remove mold from walls, prevent mold, why mold develops in the first place, how to recognize it, when to call in a specialist company and much more.
Remove mold from the wall
Before you start removing mold from the wall, you should protect yourself adequately with protective clothing, as mold spores can easily spread in the room air and cause health problems. Wear an FFP3 respirator mask, safety glasses, protective gloves and disposable overalls or old clothing to avoid direct contact with the spores. Prepare the room for mold removal by ventilating well but keeping the doors closed to prevent further spread. Spray the affected areas with an anti-mold cleaner before removing wallpaper or paneling to minimize the stirring up of spores. Use disposable cloths, rags, sponges and brushes that you dispose of after cleaning to avoid re-spreading.
Remove mold from the wall with mold remover
With the Baufix mold remover, you can easily get rid of surface mold - without complicated preparation or a pungent smell. The cleaner does not contain chlorine, which means it does not produce harmful fumes or unpleasant odors. This means you can safely and effectively remove mold from walls without putting unnecessary strain on your respiratory system or materials with chlorine.
- Spray the mold remover onto the affected areas from a distance of about 10 cm.
- Also treat adjacent areas within a radius of about 50 cm to combat invisible infestation.
- Make sure you allow the remover to work for a few hours to completely kill the mold.
- Wipe off the dead fungi with a damp sponge or cloth.
- and let it dry. Spray the surface again with the mold remover for long-term mold prevention
- Once completely dry, the wall can be painted or wallpapered as usual.
Remove mold from the wall with household remedies
There are various home remedies for removing mold from walls, but not all of them are equally effective. Here are some tried and tested methods with their advantages and disadvantages:
hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide (3% solution) acts as a powerful disinfectant and bleaching agent. It removes mold from walls and helps lighten dark spots on surfaces. This makes it particularly suitable for visible mold that has not penetrated deeply into the material.
isopropyl alcohol (70–80%)
Isopropyl alcohol has a strong disinfectant effect and can remove mold from the wall. However, the substance does not leave a bleaching effect, so discoloration will still be visible after treatment. Alcohol evaporates quickly and should only be used in well-ventilated rooms.
methylated spirits (ethyl alcohol)
Denatured alcohol works in a similar way to isopropyl alcohol and kills mold effectively. However, just like alcohol, denatured alcohol does not remove dark stains caused by mold. Again, good ventilation is important during use.
Vinegar essence – only conditionally recommended
Vinegar essence is often recommended as a cleaning agent for removing mold, but its effectiveness is limited. Although vinegar can remove surface mold stains, the spores often remain and can spread again. In addition, vinegar essence can even encourage mold growth on walls containing lime, as lime reacts with acetic acid and creates a breeding ground for new mold growth.
baking powder and baking soda
A paste made from baking powder or baking soda mixed with water can help remove surface mold. The mixture is applied to the affected area, allowed to work for a short time, and then wiped off with a cloth. The area should be rinsed with clean water, as baking powder residue can serve as a breeding ground for new mold spores. However, this method using baking powder or baking soda is only suitable for small, surface mold spots and is not a solution for deeper infestations.
Conclusion
- While hydrogen peroxide, alcohol and methylated spirits are effective in removing mold, vinegar and baking soda have only limited effects. If you want to remove deeper mold on the wall, it is better to use stronger cleaning agents or professional solutions.
Important NOTE
- If you have extensive mold infestation, you should always call in a specialist company. A specialist company can determine the exact cause and take targeted remediation measures. Regardless of whether the infestation is small or large, only thorough elimination of the causes and professional removal of mold by a specialist company can prevent permanent mold damage.
Which wall paint prevents new mold infestation?
Have you successfully removed the mold from the wall? To prevent mold from forming again, there are special anti-mold paints that regulate moisture or contain mold-inhibiting additives. The right paint can help prevent mold growth in the long term:
- Silicate paint : Thanks to its alkaline properties, it has an anti-mould effect and is particularly suitable for mineral substrates.
- Paint with fungicides : This contains chemical agents that act against mold, but should only be used in well-ventilated rooms.
- Humidity-regulating paint : It absorbs excess humidity and releases it slowly to prevent condensation.
The BAUFIX bathroom and kitchen paint was specially developed for rooms with high humidity and offers a mold-resistant coating that repels moisture and ensures a healthy indoor climate. A careful coat of this paint can reduce mold formation in the long term.
When can you remove the mold from the wall yourself?
You can find mold on the
Remove the wall yourself if:
1. The affected area is smaller than 0.5 m²
Smaller mold stains can be safely removed with suitable products such as Baufix mold remover.
2. The mold is only superficial
If the mold has not penetrated deeply into walls, wallpaper or plaster, cleaning is sufficient.
3. The cause is known and remedied
If the spores were caused by short-term moisture (e.g. after incorrect ventilation or minor water damage), you can easily remove them yourself.
When should professionals remove mold from walls?
In these cases, a specialist company is required to remove mold from the wall:
1. In case of large-scale mold infestation (more than 0.5 m²)
There could be deeper damage to the building structure.
2. If the mold returns
A recurring infestation indicates a serious moisture problem that, if left untreated, can cause long-term mold damage.
3. In case of health problems
If you have mold allergies or respiratory problems, you should leave mold removal to a professional company.
Detecting mold on the wall
Mold often appears as black, green, white, yellow or red spots and a musty smell, which can indicate hidden mold infestation. Damp walls, visible water stains or peeling wallpaper are other signs. Health problems such as respiratory problems, headaches or allergies with no apparent cause can also indicate mold.
Causes of mold formation
If the humidity is consistently above 60%, it promotes mold growth, especially in the kitchen, bathroom and bedroom.
Tilted windows and infrequent ventilation mean that moist air cannot escape. This increases condensation on cold surfaces, which in turn promotes the formation of mold and possible mold damage.
At room temperatures below 16 °C, condensation can form on walls and windows.
Poor insulation, thermal bridges or leaky windows cause damp walls.
A burst pipe, cracks in the masonry, leaky roofs or flooding leave behind moisture that encourages mold. The problem should be fixed immediately, otherwise mold damage can develop in the long term, which not only attacks the structure but also endangers health.
If furniture is placed too close to cold external walls, the air cannot circulate and moisture collects behind them. Radiators should also not be covered.
5 different types of mold
Not all mold is the same! There are different types of mold that differ in color, growth and health risk. Here are the most common:
Black mold
Particularly dangerous because it can form toxic mycotoxins; often found on damp walls, wallpaper or wood.
Green mold
Often grows on food, wallpaper or damp upholstery; can cause allergic reactions.
white mold
Difficult to detect as it hides discreetly in walls, wood or paper; can cause health problems.
yellow mold
Common on food, especially grains and nuts; produces dangerous toxins (aflatoxins).
red mold
Often found on damp wallpaper, wood or food; some types of this mold can be harmful to health.
What are the health effects of mold?
Mold in the home can have a serious impact on health, especially for allergy sufferers, asthmatics, children and the elderly. Mold spores irritate the respiratory tract and can cause coughing, shortness of breath, asthma attacks and irritation of the mucous membranes in the eyes, nose and throat. Allergic reactions such as sneezing, rashes or watery eyes also often occur. Long-term contact with mold can also cause headaches, fatigue and concentration problems. If the immune system is weakened, there is a risk of serious infections of the lungs or other organs. Mycotoxins, which are produced by some types of mold and can lead to organ damage if exposed for a long time, are particularly dangerous. If health problems occur without an identifiable cause, mold infestation in the home should be ruled out.
Don't give mold a chance! – Preventive measures against mold formation
To prevent mold from forming in living spaces, a combination of proper ventilation, heating and humidity control is essential. Mold forms primarily where moisture can penetrate and cannot escape and settles on cold surfaces. This risk can be significantly reduced by taking targeted measures.
Optimal humidity and proper ventilation
A relative humidity of 40-60% is ideal and can be checked with a hygrometer. Regular shock and cross ventilation reduces the humidity in the bathroom, kitchen and bedroom. Windows should be opened completely for a few minutes several times a day instead of just tilting them.
Dehumidifiers & Air Purifiers
Dehumidifiers help with permanently high humidity by removing water from the room air. In poorly ventilated rooms such as basements or windowless bathrooms, they effectively prevent mold. Air purifiers with HEPA filters also reduce mold spores and pollutants in the room air.
Proper Heating
A consistent room climate prevents condensation. Living spaces should be heated to a constant room temperature of around 20 °C, and less used areas to at least 17 °C. Large temperature differences between rooms encourage the formation of moisture. Doors between rooms of different temperatures should remain closed.
Place furniture correctly and minimize sources of moisture
Furniture should be at least 5-10 cm away from external walls so that the air can circulate behind them. Damp surfaces should be dried immediately after showering or cooking. In windowless bathrooms, electric fans are a useful addition to keep the humidity under control.
Correct structural defects and use preventive materials
Damp walls, poor insulation or burst pipes should be remedied at an early stage. Anti-mould paints and special impregnations in vulnerable areas help prevent this.
FAQ – Frequently asked questions about mold removal
Mold in silicone joints is often stubborn. Smaller mold spots can be treated with alcohol (at least 70%), hydrogen peroxide or a mold remover. If the infestation is severe, the joints should be removed and re-grouted. To prevent mold from forming, the bathroom should be regularly aired and kept dry.
Simply covering up mold with a new coat of paint is not a solution - on the contrary, it can actually make the problem worse. Paint may cover the stains, but the mold spores remain active and continue to find a breeding ground for growth. Without removing the mold from the wall, eliminating the cause of the moisture and thoroughly drying the affected area, the mold will come back sooner or later.
If the wall is to be painted after the mold has been thoroughly removed, a special anti-mold paint with fungicidal or moisture-regulating properties is recommended. This prevents new growth, but is no substitute for actually combating the mold.
Musty smells, damp walls, peeling wallpaper or health problems without any apparent cause can indicate hidden mold. This is often located deep in the building structure and remains undetected for a long time. Experts can carry out a detailed examination.
When removing mold, spores are released that can be harmful to health. In addition, some mold removers contain chlorine, which can irritate the skin, eyes and respiratory tract. Suitable protective clothing is therefore essential:
- Respiratory mask (FFP2 or FFP3): Prevents the inhalation of mold spores.
- Safety glasses: Protect the eyes from fine particles.
- Protective gloves: Prevent direct skin contact with mold and cleaning agents.
- Long clothing and protective suit: Avoids skin contact and the spread of spores to other rooms.
After removing mold, protective clothing should be carefully cleaned or disposed of to prevent further spread of mold spores.
You can find further information on the topic of removing mold on the websites of the Federal Environment Agency and the Consumer Advice Center. The Federal Environment Agency offers comprehensive information on the causes, dangers and how to combat mold indoors. There you will learn how to recognize mold infestation, which preventive measures are useful and which methods are recommended for removing mold.
The consumer advice center also gives you helpful tips on how to ventilate and heat properly. It also provides information on legal issues surrounding mold in rented apartments and shows what rights tenants and landlords have. You will also receive practical advice on suitable cleaning methods and effective mold removers.
Visit the official sites for detailed information on how to remove mold from walls.

Our remedy for removing mold:
BAUFIX mold remover
- highly effective against mold and mildew
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