Struggling with mold and peeling wasn’t really on my bingo card, and yet there I was. Messy mold is gross, and I mean really gross to me. They are right up there with the horror of sending a “LOL look at this” text to the wrong person … to some loser like my boss instead of my bestie. But it’s not like that embarrassing text you had to quickly apologize for and move on from. Mold does not retreat — it advances. One minute your walls are all good, the next they’re straight out of a terrible horror movie, and you’re just there like “How did it get this bad?”
So now what? Calling in a pro? Yes, if you’re willing to spend a couple hundred bucks. But me? I wasn’t about to do that. If you are experiencing peeling, bubbling or that nasty, dreaded moldy look on your walls, please do not freak out (okay, maybe freak out a little; I did)—but you can totally handle this. I’ve been there. And I’ve got you. So, let’s get to fixing moldy or peeling walls — fast, easy and on the cheap.
Why Are Your Walls Peeling or Growing Mold?
Before we fix the problem, let’s get to the root cause. Otherwise, you’ll be playing wall repair whack-a-mole for the rest of your life.
- Moisture is your enemy – If you have high humidity levels, leaks, or insufficient ventilation, it can lead to the growth of mold and your paint or plaster could peel.Bad painting – Buy cheap paint or neglect the primer and the peeling will come.Water damage — Leaky pipes or a leaky roof may result in damp walls, which is simultaneously mold and peel inducing.Old paint layers – If the wall has layers and layers of multiple paint coats (hello 1970’s green), you might not get good adhesion and they may in turn peel.Now that we know what your walls are doing to you, let’s get them sorted out.
Get Rid of the Mold (If You Have It)
If mold has made itself at home, it’s time to evict it immediately. Here’s how:
What You’ll Need:
- White vinegar or hydrogen peroxide (your choice)
- Baking soda
- A scrub brush
- Gloves and a mask (don’t forget those, your health is the most important)
How to Remove Mold:
Spray the mold: You can also mix one part vinegar with one part water in a spray bottle and spray it directly on the mold. Let it sit for i don’t know for 10 minutes? not less than that.
Scrub it clean — Brush away the mold using a scrub brush. If it’s stubborn, form a paste with baking soda and try scrubbing again.
Wipe clean and dry – Wipe the wall dry with a clean towel. Ensure the area is thoroughly dry before continuing. Mold loves moisture.
Scrape Off the Peeling Paint
Now that your walls are mold-free (thank, god), it’s time to tackle that ugly peeling (Aghhh, I hate it) paint.
What You’ll Need:
- A paint scraper or putty knife
- Sandpaper (medium and fine-grit)
- A damp cloth
How to Do It:
- Scrape off loose paint – Use the scraper (be careful though) to remove any peeling or bubbling paint.
- Sand the area – First, use medium-grit sandpaper to smooth out the edges, then go over it with fine-grit for a smooth finish.
- Wipe off dust – Use a damp cloth to remove dust and debris so the new paint sticks properly. I always do like this.
Fix Any Wall Damage
If the peeling paint left behind holes or cracks, let’s patch them up.
What You’ll Need:
- Spackling paste or wall filler
- A putty knife
- Sandpaper
How to Do It:
- Fill the holes – Use the putty knife to apply spackling paste to any cracks or holes.
- Smooth it out – Let it dry, then sand it smooth.
- Wipe clean – Remove dust with a cloth before painting.
Prime and Paint Like a Pro
If you don’t want to be repeating this process in six months, don’t skip this part.
What You’ll Need:
- High-quality primer
- Mold-resistant paint (if moisture was the issue)
- A paint roller and brush
How to Do It:
- Apply primer – A good primer will help the paint stick better and prevent future peeling. Let it dry completely.
- Paint in thin layers – Apply your paint in thin, even coats. Let each coat dry before adding another.
- Ventilate the room – Keep windows open to help the paint dry and reduce moisture buildup.
Prevent Future Peeling and Mold Growth
Now we’re going to make sure you never have to do this again.
Control moisture: Use a dehumidifier, or keep windows open (I leave my windows open in summer and sometimes in winter too) in moist areas, such as bathrooms.
Fix leaks quickly: If you have a sneaky plumbing or roof leak, tend to it sooner rather than later. We had a damaged roof and my husband fixed it, and that’s very important to avoid possible mold growth.
Paint with mold inhibitors: Especially in areas prone to dampness, such as your kitchen and bathrooms. Those two rooms can get moldy very easily.
Ventilation is everything: If your room feels like a sauna, stick in an exhaust fan or open a window.
For me, the thought of repairing moldy or peeling walls seemed like a total nightmare at first—but to be honest, it really wasn’t that bad. With just a handful of basic tools and some elbow grease, I had things looking fresh again far faster than I expected — and I didn’t have to call in a pricey pro to do it.
