Despite mould being a nightmare for any homeowner, over 1 in 5 Brits sleep with dangerous mould in their rooms. Not only does it look unsightly, but 8% of people surveyed have health problems relating to mould, so it definitely isn’t something that shouldn’t be ignored.
If you’ve spotted mould in your home, don’t panic. Getting rid of it should be your priority to prevent it from spreading to a larger area. In this handy guide, we look at what causes mould, how to get rid of mould and how to prevent it.
What is mould?
Mould is a fungus that helps to break down organic material. It grows in our homes because they provide the optimum environment, with moisture, warmth and materials to feed on.
Mould thrives on moisture. That’s why 49% of people find mould in bathrooms, though it is also common in kitchens and utility rooms. Mould is typically a sign that your home has a damp problem.
How to get rid of mould in your home
The only way to permanently get rid of mould and ensure it doesn’t reappear is to eliminate any dampness in your home. You can discover how to deal with penetrating damp by reading our blog.
That said, it’s still possible to remove and limit mould. 12% of people don’t know how to safely remove mould, but we have a simple process to help you tackle it. Here’s what you’ll need…
Materials & Tools:
- Fungicidal wash
- Carpet shampoo
- Carpet cleaner
- Anti-mould paint
- Anti-mould wallpaper paste
- Gloves
- Mask
- Anti-mould sealant
Before you start, make sure that you wear protective gear such as a mask and gloves to limit exposure to black mould. 19% of people have black mould in their homes and, although the process to remove it is the same as with normal mould, it’s crucial to be cautious when trying to remove it. You should also open the windows and doors to ventilate the area.
1. Wipe walls and windows
When removing active mould, start by wiping down your walls and window frames with a fungicidal wash. Apply to all affected areas with a brush and leave for 24 hours. The following day, thoroughly rinse and scrub with clean water to remove any residue.
Top tip: Remember, bleach only kills surface-level mould and will not remove the spores. To stop mould coming back, be sure to use a fungicidal wash.
2. Dry clean clothes
Mould spores travel in the air and are attracted to damp clothes, so it’s important to get your clothes professionally dry cleaned to remove any mildew. Remember to thoroughly wash any clothes you wear during the mould removal process.
3. Wash carpets
Even if it appears that there is no mould on your carpets, mould spores will most likely have settled between the fibres. Clean your carpets thoroughly with a carpet wash or use a carpet washer.
If you think your carpet needs a professional deep clean, why not rent a Rug Doctor from your nearest Homebase store?
4. Keep your bathroom dry
Before applying the mould remover in your bathroom, remove any loose or surface mould by lightly brushing or vacuuming it. Remember to dispose of the cleaning tools and materials used for this step.
Spray or apply the commercial mould remover to the affected area according to the product’s instructions. Typically, you’ll spray it on and allow it to sit for a specified duration. If the mould is stubborn, use a soft-bristle brush, sponge, or cloth to gently scrub the area, taking care not to damage the surface itself. After the specified time, rinse the area thoroughly with clean water. Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe away any remaining cleaning solution.
Top tip: Be cautious when brushing or vacuuming mould, we suggest wearing a mask whilst doing this.