How do I properly replace the internal door frame that has mold after ripping up old flooring due to a leak from the washer?
Asked by Elvira Solbu 
6 months ago
Last Updated: June 29, 2024
I was pulling up some old flooring because of a leak from the washer and discovered mold on the door frame. I’m not sure what to do next. I know I have to remove it all, but how do I go about cutting out and replacing the internal door frame (the jack stud)?
That seems like a minor issue. If it’s not rotten, I’d suggest drying it out, treating it with mold spray, and continuing with the restoration.
I was talking to a mold/mitigation expert and they mentioned that having a bit of mold doesn’t necessarily mean you need to panic. Mold doesn’t always grow unless there’s a lot of moisture and if your house has a ‘normal’ humidity level, it won’t support mold growth (aka spreading). So unless it has completely ruined the wood and it’s crumbling, just dry it out and move on. Replace the drywall and continue with your life. Unless mold specifically affects you, it’s not a huge concern since mold is part of our everyday lives in many forms and places. The expert I spoke with said that people tend to panic too much about mold. That’s just my opinion
It might be a good idea to consider hiring a professional for this job.
You do not have to remove the wooden structure. Any porous material like drywall that has been affected by microbial growth needs to be taken out and replaced. The wooden structure can be cleaned. Use a HEPA vacuum on the sill plate and framing, apply hydrogen peroxide to eliminate the roots, and then dry with air movement and heat.
You can actually skip the step of cutting out the wood. Just make sure to treat it properly. However, when it comes to drywall, you’ll have to remove and replace it. Make sure to cut out a portion that extends 9-12 inches beyond where the mold is visible.
Hey, what should I use to treat the wood? I’ve heard that wood is porous, so wouldn’t that be an issue?
Visit a commercial or industrial supply store and inquire about their recommendations. I did this and the product I purchased (costing less than $20 per bottle) worked wonders. Much better than anything you can find in regular stores.
Almost everything is porous. You can find products at Lowe’s/HD for this. Look up some videos on YouTube for DIY solutions. One thing I forgot to mention is to quickly rent a dehumidifier and run it for a few days. You’ll be surprised by how much water you collect in the first couple of days. I also suggest removing the drywall first. You’re likely to discover more mold on the joists behind it. According to industry standards, in case of significant water damage (e.g., dishwasher or water heater explosion), you should immediately remove the shoe molding and kick plate of cabinets and start using a humidifier. If you act within hours of the incident, you’ll be safe. However, if you find water damage after a long weekend away, you’ll have a bigger problem. According to industry standards, floors should be removed within 3 days, or mold will start appearing on your drywall. If the house has a crawl space, inspect the subfloor too. It might also need treatment. While it might seem intimidating, unless you have severe asthma, you can use a mask and handle it. Additionally, consider filing an insurance claim for remediation – the estimates will surprise you!
There are plenty of DIY mold spray recipes floating around on the internet. I once tried a simple mixture of bleach and water to spray on the affected area (make sure to remove the drywall first and let it dry properly) and it worked wonders. You can repeat the treatment for several days if needed. Once it’s completely dry, you’re good to go.
You should definitely use some mold-killing primer and paint to treat it. Kilz or Zinsser are good options.
Thank you all so much. Our previous home had a LOT of mold problems due to a constant leak in a washer hose. We were unwell for a long time and couldn’t figure out why, until we found the mold. Reading your comments now brings back memories of the restoration company not removing the wood. They only took out the drywall, treated the wood, used a humidifier and fan for days, and then rebuilt everything. And that was just a small part of what we discovered there. It still makes me nervous though, considering my past experience 😂