How Can I Get Rid Of Mould?

What causes mould?

Mould is a microscopic organism related to fungus that is common in homes. Mould can grow anywhere in your home provided that it has access to the following:

• Organic materials (including, wood, plaster or paper)

• Moisture

• Oxygen

Over time mould will destroy whatever it grows on because it consumes the material and uses it for nutrients. As mould matures, it releases microscopic spores that are carried on the air to other places.  In some mould 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.

Mould can become a problem in your home quickly.  If the conditions are right for it to grow, it will soon spread on walls and ceilings to create large dark patches that can affect your health.  If your home is suffering with mould, you want the best mould treatment and a quick and effective solution. If you are concerned about mould growth, you should seek advice form an experienced professional.

Moulds are destructive, and aside from causing serious damage to the fabric of your home, they also compromise air quality and can affect your health.  If you live in a property where mould is established, people with compromised immune systems and young chuldren can be at risk of serious health problems.

Mould requres access to a sustained source of moisture  in order to grow.  In most homes, mould spreads out from damp patches on your walls where moisture from a leaking pipe or condensation builds up.  Activities such as cooking, bathing, drying clothes indoors and breathing all contribute to excess moisture in the air.  Without adequate ventilation, droplets of condensation can form on indoor surfaces such as mirrors, windowsills and on walls, particularly when they're cold.

Treating Mould

Mould can be temporarily cleaned from walls, but it is important to protect yourself from the spores by wearing goggles, long rubber gloves and a mask that covers your nose and mouth. Keep the doors of the room where you are cleaning closed to stop mould spores escaping into other areas of the house, but leave the windows open to ensure that the air is circulating..

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

Tips for Mould Prevention

Finding the source of moisture that could allow mould to grow is an important first step in preventing mould.

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 is the most common factor allowing domestic mould to grow.  It usually occurs as a direct result of poor or inadequate ventilation allowing humidity levels to rise.  Once the ventilation issue has been remedied, It will help prevent condensation and mould. 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. 

Mould usually spreads out from the damp patch where it initially grew.  It will form dark patches on walls or your ceiling, and there may be a musty smell in the room where it is growing.

Find out more

Avoid condensation damp from becoming a problem in your home. Contact us today to book your free home survey. Our local ventilation specialists can visit your home to identify the causes of condensation and provide advice about the best ways to deal with it. Simply fill in your postcode to find a local expert who can help you.