Black mould growing in your home is bad news; it looks unsightly, makes your home smell bad, ruins your decor, and can negatively affect your health!
You know all this, which is why you're reading our blog right now. What you want is a definitive answer as to how to get rid of mould for good.
The first thing to say is that you've come to the right place: the PIV Team are experts in this field, with a great deal of experience in overcoming problems with condensation, dampness, and mould growth.
We sympathise with anyone struggling with this unwelcome visitor, and we want to help you overcome the problem.
To do this, we need to understand what we're dealing with, including its impact on our lives. We'll then explore a few of the more effective remedies and finish with one that will reduce the risk of black mould reappearing to virtually zero.
So, get comfortable and make your way through our suggestions for a mould-free future!
To start us off, let's get to grips with this nasty stuff to see what it is and why it appears.
Black mould, also known as Cladosporium (the most common variety, although there are about 20,000 others), is a type of fungus that grows in damp, humid environments. It is often found in homes, particularly in areas with inadequate ventilation or water damage.
Oddly enough, it's not just black! It can appear in a variety of other colours, including grey, green, or brown. It typically has a slimy or fuzzy texture and may have a musty smell.
Black mould thrives in conditions of high humidity and low temperatures, and it is commonly found in the following areas:
Black mould can cause a variety of health problems, including:
We should stress here that serious reactions are rare, despite the scaremongering tactics of tabloid newspapers. Most mould patches are pretty harmless, although they are still unwelcome!
That's not to say that extreme reactions don't happen, as witnessed in the tragic case of the Rochdale toddler who suffered fatal cardiac complications due to respiratory failure in 2020. However, most reactions to mould spores are limited to sneezing and cold-like symptoms or a worsening of respiratory issues, including asthma (which is why you need to take extra care if you have any pre-existing health problems).
Even so, you want to be rid of this blight - understandably - and we'll get to that very soon.
Check out: What Causes Damp Patches On Ceilings
Again, this has been overexaggerated in order to grab your attention, and any article concerning this is usually clickbait.
Let's deal with this now: real toxic black mould (Stachybotrys chartarum) is rare. Even then, there's some doubt as to whether it really causes the symptoms that have been attributed to it. The real risk comes from long periods of exposure to excessive amounts of any type of mould. That's why it's vital to remove mould as quickly and efficiently as possible.
If you're worried about this, you can have the mould tested to see which variety it is, but it's highly likely to be the more harmless one. Many so-called mould prevention experts or mould inspectors are basically out to frighten you into buying an expensive remedy, so be careful who you choose if you do go down that road.
Also, beware of online articles that refer to all moulds as toxic, as this is patently not the case! You can be 99% sure that when these sources refer to toxic mould or dangerous spores, they are sensationalizing the issue.
Although the risks are small, it is wise to eradicate mould within your home as soon as possible to protect your health, your belongings, and the fabric of the building.
It's especially important if there are babies or toddlers present, as their smaller airways are less able to cope with the mould spores, and they are more likely to suffer the ill effects. Anyone with asthma or allergies should also act quickly to reduce the chances of a bad reaction.
The biggest cause is excess moisture, high humidity, and condensation, and this is usually due to our lifestyles. Hot air settles on cool surfaces to produce condensation, which mould loves!
Cool, damp* conditions encourage spores from various moulds (brought into the home on clothing, shoes, heating systems, or simply through open windows) to germinate and thrive on surfaces, including walls, ceilings, and fabric - but more so on organic materials.
*Moulds also like warm conditions, but what they mostly need is moisture!
Here are a few factors that contribute to mould problems:
Some of these aren't the actual cause, but they introduce moist air that contributes to your mould problem. One way to test this is by using a moisture meter to test the humidity in your home.
Average humidity should sit at between 30 and 60%, and if it's higher than this, you probably have a problem with condensation and mould.
Mould grows best where humid air falls on a cold surface and produces condensation
And now, let's see about getting rid of this unpleasant stuff forever!
Take a look: How To Get Rid Of Condensation In Your Property
To get rid of mould completely, you need to clean off the visible stuff from all possible surfaces on your interior walls. But it's vital to bear in mind that this is only the first step and that you'll need to take further action if this venture is to be a success. Also, there may be mould that you can't see, lurking in dark, damp corners or nestled deep in the surface.
Before you start, make sure you have the right gear; long rubber gloves,
For plaster walls, the first step involves isolating the affected area. Start by creating a solution of warm water and mild detergent. Scrub the mould gently using this solution and a sponge or soft brush. After cleaning, ensure the area is thoroughly dried. A dehumidifier or increased ventilation can aid in drying the wall and preventing future growth.
Removing mould from wallpaper requires a delicate touch, as excessive moisture can damage the paper. Begin by vacuuming the area using a soft brush attachment to remove loose mould (taking care not to release mould spores!). Wipe the surface gently with a cloth dampened in a mild detergent solution, making sure to cover all the mould. Ensure not to oversaturate the wallpaper to prevent damage. Dry the area completely using fans or increased ventilation.
Again, removing mould from painted walls demands a cautious approach to prevent damaging the paint while effectively eliminating the mould. Begin by creating a solution of one part vinegar to one part water or using a commercial anti-mould cleaner suitable for painted surfaces.
Apply the solution to the affected area using a soft sponge or cloth, gently scrubbing to remove the mould. Avoid using abrasive materials that could scratch or remove the paint. Once cleaned, rinse the area with clean water and allow it to dry completely (use a dry cloth if necessary).
In cases where mould has penetrated the paint or caused significant damage, repainting might be necessary after ensuring the surface is thoroughly cleaned and dried. Consider using mould-resistant paint to prevent future growth in susceptible areas.
Explore: What Causes Condensation On Walls
Interior walls made of exposed brick, being porous, pose a challenge in mould removal. Bleach, a commonly used agent, isn't advisable on a porous surface due to its inability to penetrate deeply into the material. Instead, opt for a mixture of vinegar and water in a spray bottle or a commercial anti-mould spray formulated for porous surfaces. Scrub the area gently, rinse with clean water, and allow it to dry thoroughly.
Wood surfaces, whether painted or not, require careful treatment to prevent damage. Begin by vacuuming the area to remove loose spores. Next, use a solution of detergent and warm water to clean mould from the wood. Avoid saturating the wood and ensure complete drying afterward. Sanding and refinishing may be necessary if the mould has deeply penetrated the wood.
Bleach, while effective for surface mould on non-porous surfaces like glass or tiles, isn't suitable for porous materials. Porous surfaces like wood or brick have tiny crevices where mould can root deeply. Bleach sits on the surface and doesn’t penetrate these pores, leaving behind moisture that can promote further mould growth.
Using bleach often forces the mould deeper into the pores, where it fights back and becomes stronger! If possible, use a branded anti-mould spray, or, if you prefer a more environmentally friendly solution, use vinegar and bicarbonate of soda, as this penetrates deeper into the pores and kills mould more effectively than bleach.
You may also wish to substitute bleach with hydrogen peroxide when cleaning internal walls, but both require very careful handling. For your safety, it's best to use a branded anti-mould solution and never mix detergents and bleach!
Now that we've looked in depth at getting rid of mould on walls permanently, we can turn our attention to ceilings.
Mould creeping across ceilings is a common issue, often stemming from excess moisture, poor ventilation, or water leaks. Eliminating it requires a systematic approach to ensure its permanent removal without causing damage to the ceiling surface. Here are some effective methods to tackle and prevent the return of mould on ceilings, bearing in mind once again that this has to be combined with other steps.
Ceiling mould is typically caused by moisture build-up, making bathrooms, kitchens, and poorly ventilated rooms prime spots for its growth. It appears as black spots or patches and can spread rapidly if left unchecked, posing health risks and damaging the ceiling's aesthetics.
Before you begin, ensure adequate ventilation by opening windows or using fans to create airflow. Wear protective gear such as gloves, goggles, and a mask to shield yourself from spores and cleaning agents.
For painted ceilings, a detergent solution or a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water serves as an effective cleaning agent. Apply the solution to the area using a sponge or cloth, gently scrubbing the mould patches (it's a good idea to vacuum the area first, especially if you have one with a HEPA filter, or you may spread the spores further).
Avoid abrasive materials to prevent damaging the paint. Rinse with clean water and ensure the ceiling is thoroughly dried.
Textured or Artexed ceilings pose a challenge due to their uneven surface. Begin by vacuuming the mouldy area using a soft brush attachment to remove loose spores. Next, use a cleaning solution suitable for painted surfaces, applying it gently with a soft brush or cloth. Ensure not to oversaturate the textured surface and dry it completely.
Plasterboard ceilings require a delicate approach to prevent damage. Create a solution of detergent and water. Use a sponge or cloth to clean the area, ensuring gentle scrubbing to avoid harming the plasterboard. Thoroughly dry the surface using fans or increased ventilation.
Persistent mould may require stronger treatments. Commercial anti-mould sprays, hydrogen peroxide diluted with water, or even a vinegar and bicarbonate of soda mixture can be effective on tougher mould stains. Apply these solutions according to the product instructions and ensure proper ventilation during and after application.
We've discovered what causes your mould problem and looked at some great ways to deal with it, but, as we mentioned a couple of times, this may not be the last you see of it.
You can clean mould as much as you like, but if you don't tackle the root cause, you'll soon see those telltale black spots.
As we promised at the start, the PIV Team has one of the best ways of eliminating mould for good, and we'll share this with you in just a moment. Before that, we'll give you some tips for preventing mould:
We are the PIV Team, and we install Positive Input Ventilation systems to help our customers overcome problems with dampness, mould, mildew, and excess moisture.
In our honest opinion, this is one of the best ways to prevent condensation, the main cause of mould in the home.
But it's not just us: research conducted independently has revealed that Positive Input Ventilation can be incredibly effective in lowering indoor humidity levels, drastically reducing or even completely eliminating condensation. Additionally, it significantly enhances the overall air quality in your home. For example, a study featured in the "Building and Environment" journal found that PIV decreased indoor humidity by up to 30% and completely eradicated condensation in 90% of the homes investigated. Quite impressive, wouldn't you agree?
Uncover more: What Is A PIV Unit
PIV tackles the main cause: too much moisture in your home. The key is to reduce condensation and improve the airflow, which is exactly what a PIV unit does. Installed in your loft (usually), this unit pulls in air from outside, filters it, and uses a fan to push it gently through ducts to the rest of the building, where it creates a slight positive pressure.
Stale, humid air is forced through gaps in the structure, leaving clean air to flow around the spaces.
So, you've used our tips to clean mould on walls and ceilings, and you've maybe applied anti-mould paint. Your next step, if you want a permanent solution, is to invest in a Positive Input Ventilation system.
When you want to get rid of mould in your home, the PIV Team has the perfect system to suit your living space, so contact us for more information and get ready to lose that mould forever!
Learn more: How Does A PIV Unit Work
