To help keep your home mould free, our cleaning expert has shared practical and easy tips for preventing and removing mould. Whether you’re looking to protect your family’s health or maintain the value of your home, learning how to prevent, manage and remove mould is crucial.
What causes mould?
There are several factors that contribute to mould growth, such as moisture, poor ventilation and warmth. Although extreme conditions such as darkness and flooding can accelerate this process.
Bathrooms in particular are the perfect breeding ground for mould due to the damp conditions, poor ventilation and condensation from steam. You may notice mould forming on window ledges, tile grout, ceiling corners, the shower enclosure and directly above the bath or shower.
Not only is mould unpleasant to look at, but it can also be harmful to your health. Those with and without allergies may find themselves developing allergic reactions, such as a runny nose, sneezing, eye and skin irritations, coughing and in some cases, difficulty breathing.
As well as these side effects, being exposed to mould can also weaken your immune system and increase the risk of respiratory infections and lung conditions.
Therefore, it’s crucial to know how to properly remove mould so that it doesn’t continue to develop and grow.
How to prevent mould
Mould is a big fan of humid conditions, which is why it’s essential to keep your home below 60-65% humidity. The more you ventilate, clean and keep your space dry, the less likely you are to have mould sprouting.
These simple steps can help to keep mould at bay and prevent humidity from causing serious structural and health issues:
1. Open the windows
One of the easiest and cost effective ways of helping moisture leave the room is by opening the windows. This is especially beneficial in the cold winter months as it can help remove the heat built up inside the home from central heating, our bodies and our breath. It’s recommended to open the windows at least once a day to see the full benefits and prevent mould from building.
2. Wipe down surfaces
Another effective way to prevent mould and dampness is by wiping down wet surfaces immediately. This could be after washing up in the kitchen, or from the bathroom tiles when getting out of the shower. Accumulated water on tiles, no matter the room, can get into the grout which is where a build up of mould is likely to develop.
Use a cloth where possible, especially areas that get a lot of water residue. By following this method, it could eliminate up to 75% of moisture that will lead to mould.
3. Invest in ventilation
Similar to the first tip on opening the windows to ventilate the room, installing a high-power extractor fan or ventilation unit can really help to keep mould at bay. Extractor fans work by removing moisture from the air, thus reducing the amount of surface condensation.
It’s a good investment to consider installing a high quality extractor fan in your bathroom if you don’t already have one.
To make a big difference, ensure your extractor fan has an minimum extraction rate of 54m3 per hour to help prevent airborne pollutants such as odours and stale air, the effects of dampness to your property and other potential hazards such as electrical dangers.
It’s important to run your fan for at least half an hour after you’ve finished in the shower, as well as when the shower is being used. Remember to clean your extractor fan regularly to keep it in tip-top working condition.
4. Heating and insulation
With the cost of living being a concern for many, heating is something a lot of people avoid turning on in order to keep the costs down.
However, it’s important for your home to have adequate heating and insulation to prevent a build up of mould. Temperatures should be kept between 19-22 degrees celsius in kitchens, bathrooms and living rooms, whereas bedrooms should be between 16-20 degrees celsius.
Check out our guide on radiator types for tips on how to choose the right radiator for your room, as well as how to keep your bathroom warm in the winter
5. Avoid drying clothes on the radiator
Although it may seem like a quick fix for those without a tumble dryer or those who want to save money, drying clothes on radiators can lead to higher amounts of condensation due to the lack of airflow from having your radiators covered.
This leads to moisture lingering in your rooms, which can cause mould to grow. An alternative that is still cost effective in the long run is investing in a heated towel rail, which is the perfect way to avoid mildew-smelling clothes, black mould and asthma risks.
You may also wish to purchase a dehumidifier to remove water from the air in your home by preventing condensation from settling on cold surfaces.
How to get rid of mould
Whilst these tips are great for preventing mould, sometimes the mould has already accumulated in our home and we need to know the best ways to get rid of it:
1. Mould spray
If you’re looking for an easy, quick fix as opposed to a DIY cleaning concoction, then an anti-mould spray is the thing for you. They’re relatively inexpensive, and can be bought online from as little as £3.90 for a 750ml spray bottle.
Simply spray the affected surface from a distance, leave to settle for 30 minutes (or as per the manufacturer’s instructions), then clean with water and a sponge.
When cleaning with any toxic chemicals, we strongly advise wearing a face mask and gloves, as well as working with the windows wide open for ventilation.
2. White vinegar
White vinegar is another great, inexpensive way to get rid of mould, and you likely already have it in your cupboard. All you need to do is to dilute it with water in a spray bottle, using a ratio of two parts white vinegar to one part water. Next, spray the arrear affected by mould, leave to soak for 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how bad the mould is, then wipe away with a clean cloth.
3. Bleach
If you’re all out of white vinegar, then bleach is another inexpensive alternative that will ensure mould spores will be blasted away.
Begin by cleaning the base layer of the affected area with soapy water and a sponge, scrubbing in circular motions. Take time to rinse the sponge in clean water in between layers as this will help to remove the majority of the mould.
The next part is mixing bleach and warm water together, which you are then going to apply to the mould patches with the same sponge. Let this sit for around 5 minutes, and then rinse away with clean, warm water. If there is still some mould residue left, then repeat the process leaving the bleach to soak for 5 minutes longer at a time. Depending on the severity, you should see the mould disappear in an hour.
Remember to ensure that windows are wide open and the room is properly ventilated to stop the smell of bleach carrying through around your house.
4. Hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide can be a great product for cleaning mould, especially in the bathroom. It’s best to use a fairly mild 3% solution, but you can purchase various different strengths. Usually you can get this product from high street supermarkets or DIY suppliers and then mix the solution with a little bit of vinegar in a spray bottle to increase the effectiveness.
Spray the solution directly onto the mould spores and leave this on for 2-3 hours. It’s important to keep the room well ventilated when you’re doing this and that you’re also wearing protective gear. Once the time is up, simply wipe the surfaces with a clean cloth.
How to remove mould from grout
Mould often builds up around tiles or the bathtub, which can become a pain to remove. If mould has worked into the grout and has stained it permanently, it may be time to remove it. However, before we get to that last resort, there are a few steps you can take to remedy it.
Begin by preparing the surfaces by using a solution of either bleach and water, or bleach and baking soda, and use a toothbrush to work it into the grout. Then, use a grout remover tool and pull the tungsten tipped blade across the joint lines to start raking out the grout. Ensure you’re working a small area at a time to really remove the mould spores and prevent it from returning.
To ensure there’s no mould left, use an old paintbrush and some diluted bleach solution to clean the grout lines. This will also make re-grouting easier as it will be smooth and soft. To re-grout, use your grouting squeegee and ensure any remaining residue is cleaned off before letting it dry.
For further guidance, read our step-by-step guide on how to clean mould from bathroom tiles.
How to remove mould from walls
To remove mould from your walls without ruining the paintwork, you will need a solution of one part bleach to four parts water. Apply with a cloth or sponge and gently scrub the mouldy area. Let this sit for 10-15 minutes and then wipe away with a clean cloth.
Scrub carefully in circular motions to avoid damaging the paint and frequently rinse or change the sponge so you're not rubbing dirty solution onto the same area. This way, the paste will be able to lift the mould from underneath the paint without damaging it.
To remove stubborn mould, use a paint scraper and hold it at a low angle against the surface and gently scrape to lift off the mould. Keep the blade as flat as possible to prevent damage to the paintwork.
How to get rid of black mould
Now, mould in general is horrible to look at and has a number of health consequences as mentioned above. However, not all mould is the same and some types require different methods of cleaning.
Black mould distinguishes itself from general mould by being more slimy and wet, whilst also growing in small clusters that make it look like dots. Often, this mould will have a slightly unpleasant smell coming from it as well.
Although you can get black mould anywhere in your home, the most common locations are in your bathroom where there’s more moisture and less ventilation, as well as in your bedroom; behind wardrobes, beds and in the corners of your room.
If you have black mould in your home, follow these steps:
1. Ventilate the room
Make sure the area you’re working in is well ventilated as inhaling mould can be damaging to your health, but also so spores don’t spread through your home. Keep the door of the room you’re in closed, but open all windows in the room to create air flow. You can also wear a face mask for an extra layer of protection.
2. Avoid dry rubbing the mould
One of the biggest mistakes to make is rubbing the mould whilst it’s dry, as this can release millions of spores. Instead, spray the mould with a tea tree oil solution and follow the instructions in step three.
3. Create a tea tree oil solution
Not only can it work wonders on your skin, but tea tree oil is a great natural way of removing black mould. Simply mix together 2 teaspoons of tea tree oil with 2 cups of water in a spray bottle. Once you’ve created this mixture, spray directly onto the mould and leave to soak for around 60 minutes. Then, scrub and wipe away with a clean cloth!
How to remove black mould from silicone sealant
Silicone sealant is used for sealing and bonding surfaces and is known for being long-lasting and weather-resistant. However, it’s also possible for mould to form on this gel-like adhesive. This is usually due to high levels of moisture and poor air circulation.
Firstly, rub together a paste of one cup white vinegar and 2-3 teaspoons of baking soda into the mouldy areas. You can use a damp rag or cloth for this, but ensure you’ve got a thick layer over the mould. Leave to soak for around 5 minutes and then, using a stiff-bristled brush, scrub the black mould away from the sealant.
Ensure you’re scrubbing firmly, but not too rough because silicone sealant is delicate. Once this has been done use a clean, cold wet sponge to rinse.
A similar process can be used with a combination of bleach and water. Simply spray a solution of one part bleach to four parts water over the mould and leave to evaporate. Use cool water and a sponge to rinse and then dry this with a clean microfibre cloth.
How to get rid of green and blue mould
Green mould usually grows in high moisture areas, especially on various surfaces and in damp environments. Most types are not harmful, although some such as Aspergillus and Penicillium can cause respiratory problems and allergic reactions in some.
Blue mould, known for its rapid growth, tends to grow on surfaces, walls and ceilings. Similar to green mould, it’s commonly found in areas where condensation occurs and water leakage. Unlike black mould, blue mould doesn’t pose severe health risks, but it can still cause allergic reactions and respiratory issues.
Just like getting rid of general mould, bleach, white vinegar and hydrogen peroxide are effective treatments for getting rid of green and blue. Once you’ve tackled the area, dispose of any contaminated materials in a plastic bag to prevent the spores from spreading.
In the long run, make sure you’re checking for any water leaks, as this could be the root cause of why there’s more moisture in your home which as such, can lead to mould growth. Also, work on keeping the humidity levels low and properly insulate your home
By following preventative measures and using effective cleaning techniques, you can create a healthier and mould free bathroom environment. If you want to keep your bathroom clean and warm all year round, you may want to read some of our useful guides:
