Damp walls are a common problem in many Kenyan homes, especially during the rainy season or in humid areas like Mombasa, Kisumu, and coastal towns. If left untreated, damp walls can lead to mold, mildew, peeling paint, and bad odors, which can affect your health and home’s structure.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to clean damp walls effectively and prevent moisture buildup using affordable home remedies and simple tools.
Why Do Walls Get Damp?
Before cleaning, it’s important to understand what’s causing dampness on your walls. Common reasons include:
- Leaking roofs or plumbing pipes (water seeps into walls).
- Poor ventilation (moisture gets trapped inside the house).
- High humidity (coastal and rainy areas are more prone).
- Rising damp (water from the ground seeps up through walls).
- Cracks in walls (rainwater enters through small openings).
Pro Tip: Identifying the cause will help you prevent dampness from coming back after cleaning.
How to Clean Damp Walls Step-by-Step
What You’ll Need:
- A bucket of warm water
- White vinegar or bleach (for killing mold & bacteria)
- Dishwashing liquid (like Sunlight or Morning Fresh)
- Baking soda (for deep cleaning & deodorizing)
- A soft sponge or microfiber cloth
- A scrubbing brush or old toothbrush (for moldy spots)
- A dry towel or mop
- A fan or dehumidifier (for faster drying)
Step 1: Remove Surface Dirt & Mold
If the wall has mold or mildew, wear gloves and a mask to avoid inhaling spores.
Dip a sponge in warm, soapy water and wipe the wall to remove dust, dirt, and surface mold.
Use an old toothbrush for hard-to-reach corners or textured walls.
Why This Works: Removing the first layer of grime makes it easier to deep-clean damp stains.
Step 2: Kill Mold & Bacteria with Vinegar or Bleach
- For Natural Cleaning:
Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
Spray the affected areas and let it sit for 10–15 minutes.
Scrub lightly and wipe with a damp cloth.
- For Stronger Cleaning:
Mix one part bleach with three parts water.
Apply to moldy spots and let it sit for 10 minutes.
Scrub with a brush and rinse with clean water.
⚠ Caution: Never mix bleach with other chemicals like ammonia—it produces toxic fumes!
Best for: Killing mold and preventing it from returning.
Step 3: Remove Musty Odors with Baking Soda
- Sprinkle baking soda over damp areas and let it sit overnight.
- The next day, vacuum or wipe it away with a clean cloth.
- This helps absorb moisture and neutralize bad smells.
Why This Works: Baking soda naturally deodorizes and absorbs excess moisture from walls.
Step 4: Dry the Wall Completely
- Open windows and doors to improve air circulation.
- Place a fan or dehumidifier near the damp area to speed up drying.
- If the sun is out, let natural sunlight dry the walls—sunlight helps kill bacteria.
Best for: Preventing mold regrowth and keeping walls fresh.
How to Prevent Walls from Getting Damp Again
- Fix Leaks & Cracks: Check for roof leaks, plumbing issues, or wall cracks and repair them immediately.
- Improve Ventilation: Keep windows open during the day to let moisture escape.
- Use a Dehumidifier: If you live in a humid area, a dehumidifier or fan will help reduce dampness.
- Apply Anti-Mold Paint: If your walls are prone to dampness, use moisture-resistant or anti-mold paint.
- Keep Furniture Away from Walls: Leave a small gap between furniture and walls to allow air circulation.
Final Thoughts
Cleaning damp walls doesn’t have to be difficult! With simple home remedies like vinegar, baking soda, and bleach, you can remove mold, kill bacteria, and prevent moisture damage in your home.
If dampness keeps coming back, check for leaks, improve ventilation, and use dehumidifiers to control moisture levels.
Try these tips today and keep your home clean, fresh, and mold-free!