How to Remove Mold from a Popcorn Ceiling

Many homeowners face problems because of their popcorn ceilings. This texture easily collects moisture, which often causes mold growth.

Let’s discuss some ways that you can remove mold from popcorn ceilings.

Black Mold and Mold on Popcorn Ceiling

Water leaks or moisture buildup cause problems in popcorn texture. Many popcorn ceilings develop mold growth, especially when they are installed in bathrooms or kitchens. Homeowners might not even notice serious issues unless stains or black spots appear.

Black mold is the most dangerous mold growth, and you’ll want to remove it quickly to avoid health risks. It can cause respiratory issues, headaches, and fatigue.

Since bathrooms have very high humidity, black mold can grow very easily. Consistent warm showers without a proper ventilation system provide the ideal conditions for this problem. You could also see mold on the ceilings of kitchens or any room with a water leak.

Here are some more causes of mold growth:

• water leak
• humidity
• dampness
• poor ventilation
• darkness
• warm temperature

If the molded area is less than 10 square feet, you can clean it yourself. More extensive mold growth will require professional help.

Also see: Best Ways to a Clean Popcorn Ceiling

What Does Mold Look Like on Popcorn Ceiling?

Any water leaks in your ceiling will lead to mold growth. Homeowners should monitor any yellow stains that appear. If gone unchecked for a long period, you may see black spots on the ceiling.

Mildew appears gray, dry, and flat. Mold looks raised, fuzzy, and can be green, blue, or black.

When you see signs of mold or mildew growth, be sure to fix any water leaks and clean the area.

How To Remove Mold and Black Mold From Popcorn Ceiling

Popcorn Ceiling Cleaning Solution

There are a couple of different types of cleaning solutions for mold that you can make yourself. Many people choose to use either bleach or vinegar to kill mold growth.

Here are the steps for using bleach:

Step one: Put on gloves, protective eyewear, and a mask. Because bleach has dangerous fumes, make sure that the room is well ventilated.

Step two: Make a solution of one part bleach and ten parts water.

Step three: Dip a sponge or cloth into the mixture and squeeze to remove some water. Gently wipe away mold from the ceiling.

Step four: As soon as the mold is gone, take a dry cloth and use it to absorb the moisture.

Some people prefer to use vinegar because it doesn’t have dangerous fumes like bleach. Here is everything you need to know about cleaning mold with vinegar.

Step one: Use a spray bottle to spray vinegar onto the affected area. Do not dilute with water. Let it sit for at least an hour.

Step two: Use a clean cloth or sponge dipped in water to wipe away mold growth.

Step three: Absorb any moisture with a dry cloth.

Mold Cleaner For Ceiling

If you are hesitant to use a homemade cleaner, there are mold cleaners that you can buy from a store. At Lowe’s, you can get Concrobium Mold Control which effectively kills mold growth.

The process for applying mold cleaner is similar to household cleaners.

Step one: Spray a thin, even layer of the mold control onto the affected area.

Step two: Allow the surface to dry.

Step three: Use a dampened cloth to remove the mold growth.

Step four: Reapply a thin layer of mold control to prevent future growth.

Remove and Patch

If your popcorn ceiling has mold, you shouldn’t remove the popcorn texture by yourself. This process is best performed by professionals. However, you can avoid future mold growth by fully removing popcorn ceilings before problems arise.

Some homeowners opt to get rid of their popcorn ceilings. This avoids the hassle of moisture buildup, plus you can install a more aesthetically pleasing ceiling.

Step one: Check the ceiling for asbestos. This is best done by professionals, but you can use an at-home asbestos testing kit. If you have a modern home that was built before 1979, you don’t have to worry about this.

Step two: Move all furniture out of the room or cover them with a tarp. You can use plastic sheets to cover walls and light fixtures.

Step three: Put on proper safety gear and scrape off the popcorn texture. Many people use paint scrapers and dampen the texture for easy removal.

Step four: Patch imperfections in the drywall.

Step five: Prime and paint your ceiling.

Hire a Professional

Ceiling cleaners can be effective in getting rid of mold growth, but some things are better left to professionals. Because of the health risks of mold spores and the possibility of asbestos in the popcorn texture, it can be safer to ask for professional help.

Step one: Have a professional take a sample of your ceiling. They will be experienced in removing it safely and have access to testing labs.

Step two: Call a mold remediation and removal expert to perform a mold inspection. They can measure the atmospheric conditions of your home and advise how to proceed with the removal.

Step three: Have professionals remove the mold. You won’t have access to their professional knowledge and tools when performing DIY repairs and this could cause problems. Professionals can thoroughly and safely remove mold growth.

How To Clean Yellow Spots on Ceiling

Before you clean any water stains on your ceiling, be sure to find the source of the leak. If you don’t address the real problem, yellow spots could easily come back.

Once you have fixed the water leak and the ceiling has dried, you can clean the ceiling. You can make a bleach solvent that will eliminate stains or mold growth. Here are the detailed steps to clean those ugly yellow stains on your ceiling.

Step one: Identify the source of any water leaks.

Step two: Mix one cup bleach and three cups warm water.

Step three: Cover the floor underneath the stain with a dropcloth. Put on protective eyewear and gloves.

Step four: Climb a ladder and use a sponge to apply the cleaning solution to the ceiling.

Step five: Spray water onto the area and wipe away with a clean cloth.

Step six: Repaint the entire ceiling.

How To Clean Mildew Off Popcorn Ceiling

Unlike mold, mildew grows on the surface of objects. Because of this, it is much easier to clean. Common household cleaners are effective in getting rid of mildew from ceilings.

The cleaning process for mildew is similar to cleaning yellow stains.

Step one: Make a cleaning solution of one part bleach, five parts water.

Step two: Lightly mist the area. Don’t spray too much, as you do not want to create more water damage.

Step three: Let it dry for several hours.

Step four: If the mildew isn’t budging, you may need to add more bleach into your cleaning solution. Add a second layer of spray onto the affected area.

Step five: Repaint the ceiling.

Final Thoughts

There are a few ways that you can eliminate mold growth from popcorn ceilings. Household cleaners like bleach and vinegar can effectively remove mold, yellow stains, and mildew. You can easily perform this cleaning process by yourself.

However, mold spores are very dangerous, so the best option might be to seek professional help. Although it is more expensive, it may decrease health risks for your family.