We have a mold problem on one wall in our temporary accommodation.
The issue has been ongoing for some time. Last autumn, we tried treating it with a mold removal kit that I had good experience with before, but unfortunately, it didn’t achieve the desired result. The likely cause is that the wall keeps getting wet at that spot.
The stains are limited to about 1m² (11 sq ft) of wall surface. Within this area, the problem is steadily getting worse, but it is not spreading beyond that. On the opposite side of the wall is the shower in the bathroom. We suspect that something is leaking there, which causes the wall to become damp and mold to develop. For context, the wall was freshly wallpapered in July 2022. When we moved in, there was no visible issue. However, we are the first ones to really use this shower, since my uncle who previously lived here rarely used it. 🙄
To my great frustration, the affected wall is in our son’s nursery. So far, we had controlled the problem by placing a changing table in front of the wall. The changing pad on top ensured he couldn’t reach behind it, and the table was always kept about 20cm (8 inches) away from the wall.
Now we have to move the changing pad because baby number two is on the way. We’re wondering what to do with the wall. We have to stay here for about another 3 to 4 months until we can move out.
If I remove the changing pad, the table would be close to the moldy wall. That wouldn’t be too bad; I would probably just get rid of the table anyway rather than risk bringing mold into the new house over a $100 piece of furniture. That thought makes me shudder. :/
Still, I’m worried that the mold might get worse if a piece of furniture is placed directly against the wall. It would be especially bad if the mold started spreading sideways.
In the bathroom, we temporarily fixed black mold spots on the plasterboard ceiling by covering them with vinyl foil. It’s not pretty, but it at least provides a barrier between us and whatever is living in the ceiling. The advantage there is that we have shut off that bathroom (which was causing the ceiling to get wet). So while the ceiling is stained, it is now dry.
We can’t do the same for the children’s room wall. The shower next door is the only one in the house still in use.
Would taping plastic foil over the affected area work if the wall keeps getting wet? Or would it be better to push the table close to the wall without any foil?
Does anyone have a completely different, clever idea on how to solve this?
The issue has been ongoing for some time. Last autumn, we tried treating it with a mold removal kit that I had good experience with before, but unfortunately, it didn’t achieve the desired result. The likely cause is that the wall keeps getting wet at that spot.
The stains are limited to about 1m² (11 sq ft) of wall surface. Within this area, the problem is steadily getting worse, but it is not spreading beyond that. On the opposite side of the wall is the shower in the bathroom. We suspect that something is leaking there, which causes the wall to become damp and mold to develop. For context, the wall was freshly wallpapered in July 2022. When we moved in, there was no visible issue. However, we are the first ones to really use this shower, since my uncle who previously lived here rarely used it. 🙄
To my great frustration, the affected wall is in our son’s nursery. So far, we had controlled the problem by placing a changing table in front of the wall. The changing pad on top ensured he couldn’t reach behind it, and the table was always kept about 20cm (8 inches) away from the wall.
Now we have to move the changing pad because baby number two is on the way. We’re wondering what to do with the wall. We have to stay here for about another 3 to 4 months until we can move out.
If I remove the changing pad, the table would be close to the moldy wall. That wouldn’t be too bad; I would probably just get rid of the table anyway rather than risk bringing mold into the new house over a $100 piece of furniture. That thought makes me shudder. :/
Still, I’m worried that the mold might get worse if a piece of furniture is placed directly against the wall. It would be especially bad if the mold started spreading sideways.
In the bathroom, we temporarily fixed black mold spots on the plasterboard ceiling by covering them with vinyl foil. It’s not pretty, but it at least provides a barrier between us and whatever is living in the ceiling. The advantage there is that we have shut off that bathroom (which was causing the ceiling to get wet). So while the ceiling is stained, it is now dry.
We can’t do the same for the children’s room wall. The shower next door is the only one in the house still in use.
Would taping plastic foil over the affected area work if the wall keeps getting wet? Or would it be better to push the table close to the wall without any foil?
Does anyone have a completely different, clever idea on how to solve this?
Yes, remove the wallpaper (preferably also the plaster underneath). Do not trap moisture with vinyl. Then possibly paint it white using lime paint, which is tolerant of moisture, highly alkaline, and should at least delay new mold growth. Is the boy now old enough to be told not to touch it? In case there are still spores or something there...
Yes, he usually doesn’t go near it, but I want to lock it just in case so he can’t access it. We just thought that we could also order a second changing unit, so we can leave his room as it is, keeping him away from that wall without anything placed directly against it. This also helps prevent jealousy (“why does the baby get my things”), so it kills two birds with one stone.
Still, thanks for your tips. The option to remove the wallpaper and paint with lime paint, as suggested here, is something we could consider doing after the baby is born.
Still, thanks for your tips. The option to remove the wallpaper and paint with lime paint, as suggested here, is something we could consider doing after the baby is born.
kati1337 schrieb:
This also helps prevent jealousy ("why does the baby get my things")He learns this quickly and cares for his sibling without jealousy. The baby also has "his" mom 😉 ,
and the older ones happily take care of the younger ones.
Nida35a schrieb:
He will learn quickly and take care of his sibling without jealousy.
The baby will also have "his" mom 😉 ,
and the "older ones" happily look after the "younger ones." Thank you – we’re really curious about how it will be with two. You often hear "one is none" from people who have several small children.
So far, he is very excited about his "baby sister" in the belly, but who knows how well a three-year-old can really understand that?
We will find out soon; the official ETA is less than 48 hours. 😉
SumsumBiene28 Feb 2023 18:58A three-year age gap is generally good. Two years apart can often be difficult. But I consider it a myth that older siblings like to take care of the younger ones.
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