How to remove moisture from walls so it never comes back

Surely humidity and mould on the walls of the house will have affected us at some point in our lives, however we may think that it is not so serious that this invades a certain environment of our home. But far from thinking like this, each case is different and must be evaluated individually by a professional.

Keep in mind that most houses are built with a foundation structure that is in direct contact with the ground, so moisture is always present. It happens that over time, masonry walls absorb moisture that rises through the walls, forming mold. Therefore, we always recommend consulting a construction professional to verify that it is not a structural problem (to also rule out a water leak in a pipe, for example).

Usually when we notice the problem on the walls, we act immediately with cleaning and painting to leave them as good as new. However, the reality is that over the months and years, the humidity returns, ruining the rooms of the house.

Below we will look at a series of practical recommendations for a definitive solution to this problem:

Talcum powder to remove moisture

Although it may seem strange, talcum powder is undoubtedly a faithful ally when it comes to combating humidity. Think about how a little talcum powder removes moisture from your sneakers or shoes, and in the same way it can help combat mold on walls.

To do this, simply sprinkle talcum powder on the wall and then rub it with a cloth to allow it to penetrate.

Repeat the process several times to make it more effective until all traces of moisture are eliminated.

Removing mold with bleach

In this case, the solution is palliative, because with this method the mold will be completely eliminated but the humidity will continue inside the walls.

• We start by mixing one part bleach with one part water, then add it to a spray bottle, also making sure to wear rubber gloves, safety glasses and a mask. Finally, we take a brush, spray and scrub vigorously.
• We must be patient because it will take time, we must do it a little every day or week, because the smell is very strong and can even cause dizziness. Another measure we must take is to do this without other people around, and in a very ventilated environment.
• An important recommendation, if we use chlorine bleach on colored walls, it will fade. Therefore, it is especially recommended for white walls and surfaces.

Removing mold with hydrogen peroxide

Another alternative product that can help remove mold is hydrogen peroxide, but it is best used on smaller spots as it requires a little more work.

• We simply soak a cloth in hydrogen peroxide, apply it to the mold to be wet and leave it to act for 15 minutes. Then we rub it well until it comes off.
• This product also requires you to wear gloves and a protective mask and to take care to ventilate the environment.
• Do not allow children access to the room during the procedure.

Remove mold with water, vinegar and alcohol

For a more homemade mixture that won’t discolor the wall color, there is an easier method.

• You can mix warm water with 1 cup of vinegar and 1 cup of alcohol. Together, mixed well, they will soften the mold, remove the stain, and promote cleaning.

Eliminates moisture by correcting the structure

If we want to get rid of damp and mould in our house permanently, we will need to look for other solutions. To do this, it is essential to have the advice of a professional, who will assess the structure of the house and help us determine the best solution.

• Once the cause has been determined, the solution will come, which generally consists of removing the current plaster and redoing it. In this case, a waterproofing liquid will be used in the mixture of the new plaster.
• In some cases, if the problem comes from below, it may be necessary to break up the first meter of wall and redo that part with the addition of a waterproofing mat.
• There is no need to break the entire wall, just the bottom and little by little. When this part is protected, the top will no longer absorb the moisture coming from the ground.

Other methods to remove moisture that may also work for you

• Sea salt is very good for combating humidity, since it has a function quite similar to baking soda. In addition, it is very easy to use, you will simply place containers with sea salt on the foot or shelves of the walls and voila, it will begin to absorb all the humidity little by little.
• Baking soda can also be used in the same way as sea salt, simply by placing a few containers near the damp area on the walls and you will see results in no time.
• Tea tree oil is also an excellent trick to eliminate dampness on walls. To do this, simply mix two tablespoons of this oil with two cups or gourds, mixing the ingredients well, and then apply to the damp areas.

We also recommend you read: Learn step by step how to close cracks and fissures in walls