The short answer
Start with a Visual and Smell Inspection
Examine your walls carefully before touching the wallpaper. Look for any bubbling, peeling edges, or discolored patches on the paper itself. These signs often point to moisture trapped underneath. Pay close attention to the smell in the room. A persistent earthy or musty odor is a common clue that mold is growing out of sight, even if the surface looks clean.
Check areas near plumbing fixtures, windows, and exterior walls where condensation or leaks are more likely. Water stains or warping on the wallpaper can signal a hidden problem. If you live in Los Angeles, be especially vigilant in rooms with poor ventilation. Remember, the pros use tools to detect moisture you cannot see, but your own senses are a good first step.
Safely Peel Back a Corner for a Look
To get a direct view, you need to carefully lift a section of wallpaper. Choose an inconspicuous spot, like behind furniture or in a closet corner. Gently loosen a seam or edge with a putty knife. Work slowly to avoid tearing the paper if you plan to re-adhere it later. Peeling back just a few inches can reveal the wall surface underneath.
Inspect the exposed wall and the back of the wallpaper. Look for clusters of black, green, brown, or white specks or streaks. Mold behind wallpaper often appears as fuzzy or slimy patches. If the wall feels damp or the adhesive is stained, moisture is present. This visual confirmation is key to understanding the problem's scope before deciding on next steps.
- Select a hidden area to test, minimizing visible damage.
- Use a thin, flat tool to gently lift the paper's edge.
- Look for discoloration or fuzzy growth on the wall.
- Check the wallpaper's backing for stains or spots.
- Feel for dampness or softness on the wall surface.
- Take a photo for reference if you contact a professional.
When to Call a Water Damage Professional
If your inspection reveals extensive mold, significant moisture, or a continuing leak, it is time to call local water damage pros. They have specialized equipment like moisture meters and thermal imaging cameras to map the full extent of water damage without causing unnecessary destruction. They can also identify the exact source of moisture that needs to be repaired first.
Addressing the Problem and Preventing Recurrence
After finding mold, the immediate goal is to dry the area completely. This may require removing sections of wallpaper and wallboard to allow air circulation. Dehumidifiers and air movers are essential tools for this drying process. Simply cleaning visible mold without addressing the hidden moisture will lead to rapid regrowth. The underlying cause must be fixed permanently.
To prevent future issues, ensure any leaks are repaired by a qualified plumber or roofer. Improve room ventilation, especially in kitchens and bathrooms. Consider using mold-resistant primers and paints if you replace the wall materials. Before hanging new wallpaper, make absolutely certain the wall is completely dry and without any residual moisture or mold spores.
- Stop the water source before any cleanup begins.
- Remove wet or moldy wall materials to allow proper drying.
- Use industrial dehumidifiers to reduce humidity in the room.
- Clean remaining surfaces with appropriate solutions.
- Ensure the wall cavity is dry before making repairs.
- Fix ventilation issues to reduce condensation risks.
Water damage does not wait
Every hour counts once water gets into floors and walls. One call starts the response.
Call Now (323) 736-5640Frequently asked questions
Can I just bleach the mold I find behind the wallpaper?
Bleaching surface mold on non-porous materials is a common step, but it does not kill roots inside porous drywall. More importantly, if the wall remains wet, mold will return quickly. Bleach also does not address the health risk from airborne spores released during cleaning. For porous materials and larger areas, professional remediation is the safer choice.
Will my homeowner's insurance cover mold removal behind wallpaper?
Coverage depends on the source of the water damage. Sudden, accidental leaks like a burst pipe are more likely to be covered than damage from long-term humidity or condensation. You must report the leak promptly. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. Review your policy and document the damage and its cause with photos.
What if I only smell mold but cannot see anything?
A musty smell is a reliable indicator of hidden mold growth. The mold could be inside the wall cavity, under flooring, or in your HVAC system. In this case, a professional inspection with moisture-detection equipment is the best way to find the source. Do not ignore the smell, as the problem will likely worsen and could affect air quality.