How To Get Rid of Mould And Damp In Your Home

Despite mould being a nightmare for any homeowner, many people still sleep with dangerous mould in their rooms. Not only does it look unsightly, but it can cause health problems, 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 it is often found in bathrooms,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.

Lots 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. 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.

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.

How do you stop mould?

We’ve tackled how to get rid of mould, but here are a few ways you can reduce the likelihood of mould coming back.

Dehumidifier

Consider using a dehumidifier, especially in areas with high humidity. It helps reduce moisture in the air, making it less inviting for mould.

Anti-mould paint

This paint contains additives that discourage mould on your walls and ceilings. Be sure to read the manufacturer instructions how to use anti mould paint before you start the process.

Top tip: Don’t forget to make sure you have the best paint brushes and put down a dust sheet before painting. Ensure you keep the room well-ventilated and wear old clothes that you don’t mind staining.

Anti-mould sealant

Anti-mould sealants for caulking and grouting in bathrooms and kitchens are designed to resist mould, providing an extra layer of defence. This can also save you having to later replace sealant that has started growing mould.

Regular cleaning and inspections

To prevent mould, it’s important to stay on top of cleaning, especially in damp-prone spots like bathrooms or kitchens. Wipe down surfaces regularly and ensure they are thoroughly dry. Don't forget to inspect your home for any signs of mould growth so you can catch it early.

How do you remove damp from walls?

Removing and preventing dampness from walls is essential to ensuring mould doesn’t come back again. How to best remove and treat damp from walls depends on the cause. However, there are several steps to take in most situations:

1. Identify the source

As mentioned, you should determine the source of dampness first. It could be due to water leaks, condensation, or poor ventilation.

2. Take safety precautions and ventilate the area

As with removing mould, you should wear protective gear including gloves and a mask when tackling damp. You must also ensure the area has a good air flow by opening any doors or windows.

3. Remove damaged materials

Inspect the walls for any materials that may need removing, such as damaged drywall, insulation, or wallpaper. Dampness can cause structural issues and mould growth in these materials.

4. Repair leaks

If the dampness is caused by water leaks, identify, and fix them promptly. You should also resolve any issues with your plumbing, roof, or walls as necessary to prevent further water infiltration.

5. Dry the walls

You can use fans, dehumidifiers, and open windows to accelerate the drying process. Ensure the walls are completely dry before proceeding with repairs or renovations.

6. Replace insulation and drywall

If the dampness has caused significant damage to insulation or drywall, you will need to replace these materials. Ensure that the new materials are properly installed and adequately insulated to prevent future issues.

7. Regular maintenance

Maintain good practices to prevent dampness in the future. This includes maintaining gutters and promptly addressing leaks. You can also keep a look out for signs of damp or mould.