How Can I Get Rid Of Mould Permanently?

What causes mould?

Mould is a microscopic organism that requires the following to grow:

• Any organic material (for example, wood or paper)
• Oxygen
• Moisture

Eventually mould destroys whatever it grows on because it consumes the material and uses it for nutrients. As it matures, mould releases tiny spores that travel through the air; in some species, these spores have mycotoxins and allergens attached to them. It is the mycotoxins and allergens that can affect our health and cause allergic reactions.

If your home is suffering with black or any other type of mould you want the best mould treatment and a quick and effective solution. You should always seek specialist advice and trust an experienced professional.

Moulds are unsightly and destructive, and if left unattended they cause serious damage to decorations, furnishings and fabrics, as well as compromising air quality. Living in a property where mould is prevanelt can be unhealthy, particularly for the vulnerable; young children, elderly or people with weak or compromised immune systems.

For mould to thrive it requres access to a sustained source of moisture.  In a home this is usually in the form of a damp patch in a wall caused by leaking pipe  or the condensation created by our lifestyles. Cooking, bathing, drying clothes indoors and breathing without adequate ventilation all contribute to excess moisture in the air. Droplets can form on indoor surfaces such as mirrors, windowsills and on walls, particularly when they're cold.

Treating Mould

When you are removing mould it is important to protect yourself from the spores by wearing goggles, long rubber gloves and a mask that covers your nose and mouth. Open the windows but keep doors closed to prevent spores spreading to other areas of the house.

• have a plastic bag ready to take away any soft furnishings, clothes and soft toys that are mouldy. Soft furnishings should be shampooed and clothes professionally dry cleaned
• fill a bucket with water and some mild detergent, such as washing-up liquid or a soap used for hand-washing clothes
• use a rag dipped in the soapy water to carefully wipe the mould off the wall. Be careful not to brush it, as this can release mould spores
• when you've finished, use a dry rag to remove the moisture from the wall
• afterwards, put the rags in a plastic bag and throw them away
• all the surfaces in the room should be thoroughly cleaned by either wet wiping or vacuuming to remove any spores

Mould Prevention Tips

• Check to see if your windows are allowing rain to seep in and if the sealant around them is damaged.  
• Always make sure that you dry wet areas immediately. Wipe up spillages and make sure to dry floors and walls after you take a bath or shower. 
• Available from most DIY shops, a moisture meter is the best way to measure humidity in your home.  Ideally humidity should be between 30-60%.  Any higher and your risk of condensation and mould increases.
• Leaks are commonly caused by broken gutters or drainpipes. Make sure to inspect the exterior of your house regularly.
• Finally, it is important to let air circulate through your home. Keep internal doors open as much as possible and move the furniture away from walls. Open windows on dry days to let fresh air blow into your home, which will reduce moisture and therefore help to prevent mould.

Condensation Damp

Condensation damp occurs as a direct result of poor or inadequate ventilation, and once the ventilation issue has been remedied, the condensation and mould should no longer appear. The usual first signs of condensation appear around the window frames as the excess moisture in the property is trying to escape. 

Dampness and mould are often found together but different form of damp can be a lot more severe than mould. Rising damp for example, will most probably need professional removal. You can read about the different forms of damp here.  

Mould and mildew can often be a problem in houses that have naturally high humidity levels, like those near the coast or beside a lake. The moisture levels in the air can increase during long periods of unpleasant weather, and if mould spores get into your property it can lead to patches appearing. 

Removing Black Mould

Some moulds are particularly dangerous to your health and need to be removed professionally. Toxic black mould, also known as Stachybotrys Chartarum has long been the curse of homeowners.  it is found growing in bathrooms, as well as bedrooms, behind furniture, around windows and even on floors and clothes.

If you do have black mould growing or starting to grow in any areas of your home, get rid of it immediately and then get rid of the source of moisture. If you find a colony of toxic mould, it is very important that you do not disturb it. Touching or moving the mould can cause an enormous amount of harmful spores to be released in the air, to the detriment of you and the people you share your home with. In this instance it is imperative that you seek a mould specialist as soon as possible and even consider staying in alternative accommodation. 

How to Clean Mould on Walls in Three Steps

Soapy water and traditional cleaning products aren't powerful enough to tackle mould. so you will need a mould spray. However, a solution of bleach and water can be affective against tackling mould. Take care to protect yourself by wearing eye protection, gloves, and a facemask, if necessary, and test the product in a small area first before continuing.

How to Clean Mould on Walls in Three Steps -

1. Mix one part bleach to four parts water.
2. Wipe and gently scrub the mould until it is gone.
3. Finish by wiping away the bleach mixture and dry the area well with a soft cloth.

Cleaning mould is not a permanent solution.  Unless you tackle the cause of the mould it will grow back quickly. 

Getting Rid of Mould

If your home is suffering from mould as a result of condensation dampness, it is important to understand that bleach and household products are not effective mould removal treatments.

Many also look to homemade solutions that are more natural cleaners such as vinegar or bicarbonate of soda. You can read more about these organic cleaners in our article - How To Remove Black Mould: Do Those Old Wives' Tales Really Work?

However again those methods still don't tackle the cause of the mould and the source of the moisture and therefore are not a long-term solution to your mould or mildew problems. Mould doesn't just appear on the surface it goes deep into your internal walls and once you have sprayed or soaked the mould in bleach the mould continues to spread within the brickwork.

Only specialist mould removal products and proper ventilation can completely remove the underlying cause of the problem. 

How to remove mould and keep it away permanently

The only effective way to permanently get rid of mould problems is by reducing the build-up of moisture in your home.  This can only be achieved through better ventilation.  A dehumidifier can remove some moisture, but it not as effective at controlling hihg levels of water vapour in the air in bathrooms or kitchens and can significantly increase energy bills.  

EnviroVent has a range of ventilation systems designed to prevent condensation and mould problems. The units work by delivering fresh, filtered and clean air into the property, gently ventilating it, leaving you with a fresh and healthy indoor environment all year round. 

Seek an expert solution today and contact EnviroVent to resolve your mould problems.