‘Mould’, the gross-looking stains on your walls, clothes, or bathroom tiles, are not just eyesores. These microorganisms can ruin your home’s aesthetics and create health risks for you and your family. So, you should get rid of them as soon as you discover their presence and make sure they don’t show up again. But do you know how to remove mould from walls? How do we prevent their growth?
If your answer is no, then buckle up. This blog will tell you about moulds and how to keep your home fresh and mould-free. Stay tuned!
Table of Contents
What is Mould?
Before you learn how to remove mould from walls, you have to deepen your understanding of mould. Mould is a type of fungus that possesses a multicellular structure. These structures are known as hyphae. This common organism is found both indoors and outdoors. The spores of this fungus float in the air, and when they come across moisture and organic materials, they begin to grow and reproduce.
Mould are a significant part of our ecosystem as they help decompose organic matter. However, mould is not so helpful when it appears on your walls and furniture. Mould inside the house not only damages your property but also imposes many health risks. That is why we need to know about mould.
What Causes Moulds?
The root cause of mould growing inside your house is excessive moisture and condensation. There are many reasons for too much moisture in the house, such as leaky pipelines, leaky walls, foundation and ceiling, and poor ventilation.
When the moisture is excessive, and there is poor ventilation, condensation occurs in different areas of the house. Mould spores settle in these damp areas and gradually spread around them. Sometimes, the outside weather can cause dampness inside. For people who live in coastal areas or where it rains a lot, the wet surroundings of the house make the inside cold and damp.
Along with moisture, mould needs oxygen and organic materials to grow. Therefore, damp carpets, wallpapers and furniture are excellent mould breeding grounds. If you do not dry them out or dump them, there is a high possibility your house will grow moulds.
What are the Different Types of Moulds?
There are different types of mould that can grow in the wet and damp areas of your house. You can differentiate one mould from another through its colours. Usually, there are 4 common types of mould that grow inside homes. These are –
- Black Mould
- White Mould
- Blue Mould
- Green Mould
Black Mould
The most common type of black mould found in our homes is Stachybotrys chartarum.
Black mould is a type of mould caused by excessive moisture, leaks and condensation inside the home. It produces mycotoxins that are harmful to humans and pets. These mycotoxins can be seriously harmful to children, older people, and people with asthma.
White Mould
Like other moulds, white mould grows in cool and damp places. It looks like a layer of thin cotton. Generally, white mould is harmless. However, if it gets mixed with other allergens, it can become harmful to health and cause symptoms like sneezing, skin irritations, etc.
Blue Mould
Blue mould is usually found on surfaces damaged by water, like carpets, bathrooms, wallpaper, drywall etc. Living in a house with blue mould and inhaling the spores can be injurious to your health. It can cause chest pain, inflammation of the lungs, allergic reactions and more.
Green Mould
Cladosporium and Aspergillus are the two common types of green mould that grow in damp areas of your house. Green mould can be in different shades of green and has a fluffy texture. Along with posing respiratory risks, green mould can damage the paint on your walls.
How to Identify Mould on Your Walls?
Sometimes, moulds go unnoticed because they grow in hidden places. Here are some signs you can use to identify mould in your house.
Marks and Discolourations
Marks with green, blue, and black hues are the easiest way to identify moulds. You may also see discolourations on the wall that look like water damage. Some mould, like white mould, looks like minerals that drip out from walls or foundations.
Musty Smell
A musty or earthy smell is also a sign of mould infestation. This smell does not clear out from the house. Even if you keep your house clean, you can still smell this unpleasant odour. When you start smelling something musty, look for mould around the house. Check the bathrooms, the plumbing in the kitchen, and other places where moisture is present.
Allergic Reactions
Due to mould, you can have many allergic reactions. These reactions include sneezing, skin irritation, breathing problems etc. Try to understand if these reactions happen only when you are inside the house. If they only occur inside, it is a prominent indication of mould in the house.
Decaying Walls
When mould attacks your walls from the inside, it damages their structure. Walls made with organic materials like wood and drywall are more prone to mould. If you see the walls bending or decaying or the paint peeling off, your walls may have mould growing inside.
How to Remove Mould from Walls?
Mould can have a lasting impact on the structure of your walls, making them weak and warped. In addition, moulds can cause long-term and short-term health issues, from allergic reactions to pneumonia. Therefore, it’s important to treat mould as early as possible. So, learn how to remove mould from walls and keep mould away from your home.
Before removing mould from walls or any other surface, wear protective gear such as musk, goggles, and gloves. When you clean the mould, the spores can cause irritation, sneezing, and other issues. That’s why it’s important to wear protection.
Remove furniture or any other objects near the wall to give it access to ventilation. Turn on the fan and open the windows to let the cleared area dry properly. Also, duct tape and plastic sheets should be used to cover the furniture and the non-affected regions to prevent further infestation.
After you have taken the protective measures, it’s time to start the main procedures. Follow these easy steps and remove mould from your wall.
Step 1: Mix a solution of bleach and water. Combine 1 part bleach with 4 parts water and pour the mixture into a spray bottle.
Step 2: Apply the solution to the mould. Then, wait for a few minutes, scrub gently, and whip the mould off the surface.
Step 3: Clean the wall and wipe any remaining bleach solution. Let the wall dry properly.
How to Remove Mould from Painted Walls?
When you are removing mould from a painted wall, you have to be extra careful as you just want to remove the mould and not the paint.
To remove the mould, you have to make a mixture of vinegar and dish soap with warm water. Take a bucket of warm water and add 1 cup of vinegar with ¼ cup of dish soap. Now, dip a sponge in the solution and apply it to the mould-affected areas. Rub the wall with the sponge until the mould is out. Once satisfied with the results, take a clean cloth and wipe down the wet areas.
If the mould has suppressed the paint’s surface, you can use a mixture of borax and water to clean the paint underneath. Take borax and water to create a paste. Apply a thin layer of the paste to the affected area and wait for around 30–60 minutes. After 30–60 minutes, the paste will break down the mould underneath.
Now, take a stiff brush and scrape the mould off. Be careful when you scrub, as scrubbing too hard will remove the paint. Also, never use bleach to clean mould from painted walls, as bleach will remove the colour from the wall.
How to Get Rid of Black Mould on Walls?
Compared to other types of mould, black mould is more dangerous for your health. It releases millions of harmful spores into the air. Hence, you have to be extra careful when removing black mould from your home.
Take all protective measures, such as wearing gloves, masks, and goggles. Close the room door so that the spores can’t enter other areas of the house.
Many chemical products are available in the market that you can use to remove moulds. However, there are other methods you can use to remove black mould from your home.
But before you start, assess the area first. If there is extensive mould growth, it’s not wise to do it yourself. In such cases, you must call the professionals to take care of it. However, if the growth is not major, you can use the following techniques.
Bleach
Bleach is an effective remedy for removing black mould from the walls. To cover a small area, make a mixture of ½ cup bleach, 1 tablespoon of dishwashing soap, and 1 cup of warm water in a spray bottle. However, if you have a bigger area to clean, take a bucket and add one part dishwashing liquid with 10 parts bleach and 20 parts water.
After you have made the mixture, apply it on the walls. Scrub the walls gently till all the mould is removed. Wipe down the remaining residue and let the walls air dry. However, this method is for non-porous surfaces, as bleach can’t penetrate porous surfaces.
Vinegar
White distilled vinegar is an easy and affordable way to remove black mould from your home. Vinegar is acidic, so it is highly effective in breaking down the mould’s structure. Spray white vinegar directly on the affected area. Let it sit for a while, and then use a brush or towel to wipe the mould off the walls. Clean the area with a damp cloth and let it dry.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is also commonly used to remove black mould from walls. It is a natural disinfectant that works on porous and non-porous surfaces. You have to mix ¼ baking soda with 2 cups of water. Then, use a spray bottle to apply the solution to the mould. Use a brush to scrub the mould. Once the mould and stains are removed, rinse the area and dry it properly.
The problem with using baking soda is that it’s only suitable for minor mould infestations. In order to cover a more serious attack, you should opt for stronger chemical products, such as bleach or commercial cleaning products.
How to Get Rid of Black Moulds on Plasterboard Walls?
If you notice mould growth on your plasterboard or drywalls, do not get worried. Unless and until the mould growth is extreme, you can fix it yourself. If your plasterboard is painted, you can use the following techniques to remove the mould.
Make a solution with 1 part baking soda and 5 parts water if the mould is minor, and you need a mild cleaner. To make a stronger solution, use vinegar. You can use vinegar directly or mix equal parts of vinegar and water. Now, put the solution in a spray bottle and spray it onto the mould. After that, scrub the area with an old toothbrush or a brush to scrape off the mould. Wipe the area with a clean and dry cloth and let it dry.
On the other hand, if your plasterboard is not painted, it is better to replace the affected area. If you have the right equipment at home, you can cut out the mouldy area and replace it with a new piece. However, in case you do not have the tools or want to avoid the hassle, you can hire a professional to replace it.
How to Get Rid of Mould on Shower Tile and Grout?
Shower tiles and grout are the best breeding grounds for mould. Due to moisture and a damp environment inside the shower, mould grows very fast. There are a few effective ways to remove mould from grout and shower tiles.
You can use vinegar, which is an excellent weapon for killing moulds. As vinegar is an acid, it breaks down the cell membrane of the moulds. Put vinegar in a spray bottle and spray it on the mould. Let it soak overnight, and then scrub it off with a brush. Rinse the area clean and wipe it with a dry cloth.
Bleach is also a very effective method for cleaning mould from shower tiles and grouts. It kills the moulds, removes discolouration, and brightens the area. Take 1 part bleach and four parts water to create the solution. Then, spray on the mould, and after 15–30 minutes, scrub the mould off the grout. Rinse thoroughly with water and ensure there is no bleach left.
How to Remove Mould from Plastic Shower Curtains and Liners?
Shower curtains and liners are most prone to mould as they are used in the most humid areas of the house. The dampness and the continuous condensation cause serious mould growth on the shower curtains. However, if you find mould in your curtains and liners, you do not have to throw them away. Instead, you can use the following methods to clean and reuse them.
Use Borax
For this method, you have to mix a cup of borax with every gallon of water. You have to dip the whole curtain in the solution, so make sure there is enough to submerge it. Wait for an hour and let the curtain soak properly. Then, wash the curtain and hang it for drying.
Use Hydrogen Peroxide
Dip a nylon brush in a bowl of hydrogen peroxide and scrub the mouldy areas with it. If your curtain is dark-coloured, dilute the hydrogen peroxide with water to avoid discolouration. Wait for 15 minutes and let the hydrogen peroxide do the magic. After that, wash and dry the curtain as you usually do.
Use Chlorine Bleach
Bleach is a potent agent for clearing stains and dirt. It can also remove mould from shower curtains and liners. First, you have to create a solution of water and chlorine bleach. Mix ½ cup of bleach with per gallon of warm water. Submerge the whole curtain in the bleach mixture and soak it for at least 10 minutes. The next step is to wash it properly so that there is no leftover bleach residue.
How to Get Rid of Mould on Fabric?
When you keep your clothes in damp places or an area where condensation occurs, you may find black marks and stains on your clothes. Yes, they are mould, and you should get rid of them as soon as possible.
As you already know, vinegar is effective in removing mould. Like other surfaces, vinegar also works on fabric. All you have to do is put 2 cups of distilled white vinegar in the washing machine. Then run the hot water cycle and wash your clothes. If there is too much mould, you can soak the fabric in vinegar. After soaking for 15–20 minutes, wash the cloth.
Borax is also an excellent remedy for moulds and stains. When borax comes in contact with water, the reaction creates hydrogen peroxide, which is an excellent fungicide. Mix borax with hot water and soak your garment for 20–30 minutes. Next, put the cloth in the washing machine with regular detergent and hot water cycle.
Tea tree oil is another effective ingredient for removing mould. This oil works as a fungicide and contains antibacterial properties, perfect for killing spores. Mix one teaspoon of tea tree oil with one cup of water. Spray the solution on the mouldy area and wait for 10–15 minutes. Then, put the cloth in the washing machine with hot water and add the remaining mixture.
How to Remove Mould from Wood?
Wood provides the nutrients mould needs to thrive. As a result, mould grows on wood very fast. The good news is there are some easy techniques to remove mould from wooden walls and furniture.
Add a few drops of dish soap to a spray bottle with warm water. Shake the bottle well and spray the mixture on the mouldy parts. Let it sit for a bit, and then scrub the area in a circular motion. Use a dry and clean cloth to wipe off the mould particles and dish soap residue.
Another process of getting rid of mould is using undiluted white vinegar. Spray the vinegar on the mould and wait for an hour so that it can break down the mould cells. Use a sponge and soap water to remove the remaining mould and vinegar. End the process by drying the area with a cloth.
How to Prevent Moulds?
Prevention is better than cure, and it’s no different regarding mould. By using some easy techniques, you can keep mould away from your home. You already know that moisture is the main source of mould growth in your house. So, preventing condensation and reducing moisture will prevent mould growth. But first, let’s see what causes moisture build-up and helps mould grow.
List of Things that Help Mould Grow
This list will help you understand what can encourage the growth of moulds in your home.
- Faulty pipes, poor ventilation, leaks and cracks on walls and windows are the pain sources of moisture build-up.
- Indoor plants such as ferns and other tropical plants require a humid environment.
- Fish tanks also play a significant role in increasing the moisture in your home.
- The outside weather can increase the moisture in your home as well. For example, excessive rain.
How to Reduce Condensation and Prevent Mould in Your Home?
Now that you know the sources, let’s check out the tips to reduce condensation and prevent mould in your home.
- Ensure there are no leaks and checks in your house. If you find any, fix them as soon as possible.
- Keep the windows open and let air and sunlight flow. Take other essential steps to improve the ventilation of your home, such as adding an exhaust fan in the area where condensation occurs.
- While choosing your indoor plant, try to select plants that require less humidity
- Keep your bathroom tiles clean and wipe off the soap scum regularly so that mould can not feed off them.
- If carpets, furniture, or curtains become wet, put them for drying without delay. If that is not possible, remove or replace them.
How to Get Rid of Mould on Walls Permanently?
You can get rid of mould by using different methods or different types of clears. However, they can not remove mould permanently. To do so, you must go to the root of the problem. The continuous build-up of moisture in your home is the main culprit. Therefore, you must reduce the moisture and dampness to remove mould permanently. Here are some effective strategies you can use –
- Check for the source of the mould. For example, check if you have any leaks in the walls or faulty pipelines. Once you find the source, fix the problem to prevent further dampness.
- Poor ventilation plays a significant role in causing dampness and condensation around the house. So, if you want to make sure the mould does not come back, improve the ventilation of your house. Keep the windows open and let air flow through.
- You can use a dehumidifier to keep the humidity level low in your house. You can also be an exhaust fan for better ventilation.
- If your furniture or carpet gets wet, take it outside and let it dry properly. If you are unable to dry it right away, it’s better to remove it, as wet carpets and furniture are ideal breeding grounds for mould.
- If you are painting your house or plan to paint in the future, add mould inhibitors. This is an effective way to keep moulds at bay.
How to Paint Over Mould?
Mould can cause serious damage to your walls. Due to mould, you can get stains and discolouration on your walls. In addition, mould can grow inside the walls and make it weak. Many people think painting over mould can solve the problem. However, it is the opposite. If you paint on mouldy walls after a while, your paint will become flaky and peel off. Therefore, it is vital to treat the mouldy walls before you start painting.
How to Treat Damp Walls Before Painting?
You have to follow a few steps to teat your damp walls before you paint them. The steps are –
Step 1: Clean the Surface
The first step is to clean the surface of the wall and remove mould and dirt. You can use a wire brush to scratch off the mould and stains. It’s okay if the old paint also peels off, along with the mould and dirt.
Step 2: Fill the Cracks and Holes
Use wall putty to fill up the tiny holes and cracks in the wall. For bigger cracks or dipper holes, use plaster patches. After the plaster is dry, sand down the wall to create a smooth surface.
Step 3: Apply a Protective Layer
Before you start painting your wall, apply a coat of waterproof seal. It will protect your walls from dampness and prevent further mould growth. This is an important step for kitchen and bathroom walls, as the majority of the condensation occurs in these rooms.
Step 4: Paint
Your wall is ready to paint after the waterproof seal is completely dry. For extra protection, you can add mould inhibitors to your paint. This mould inhibitor will prevent the mould spores from colonising and spreading on the paint’s surface.
Decorating Tips for Mould-Affected Walls
Here are some tips that can help you make your walls look good as new.
- Paint the wall to cover the stains and discolouration. But paint it only after treating and sealing the damp wall properly.
- Wallpapers are excellent for decorating a wall. However, before adding wallpaper, you have to ensure the mould problem is solved and the wall is appropriately treated. In addition, check and remove any sources of moisture that can cause mould growth on the wallpapers.
- If the stain is small, you can use pictures or different types of wall decor to hide the mark and give the wall a makeover.
- Arranging your furniture strategically is an easy way to cover up mould-affected areas of a wall. You can use bookshelves, cabinets, or shelves to hide the stains.
Summary
Mould silently sabotages the beauty and safety of your home. Therefore, if it’s left unchecked, it will not only damage the property that you built with love and care but also leave a mark on your health. However, now that you know how to remove mould from walls, there is nothing to worry about, you can keep your home and your family safe and sound.
FAQ
Mould and mildew are the same thing. The only difference is that mildew refers to minor mould problems.
Yes, black mould is harmful to our health. Black mould can spread mycotoxins that can cause respiratory illnesses, asthma, irritation and other symptoms.
If the mould infestation is severe, it’s better to leave it in the hands of professionals, especially if it’s black mould, the most harmful type.
When mould growth is extreme, and home remedies are not enough to remove it, you should call the professionals.
Yes, vinegar is a mild acid that can kill mould.
Like vinegar, bleach can also kill moulds.
Bleach and vinegar can both kill mould. However, vinegar is better as it works on both porous and non-porous surfaces and is also non-toxic.
To get rid of dampness, you have to make sure your house is well-ventilated.
A dehumidifier and exhaust fan should be used to keep the humidity level low.
Painting over the moulds on the walls is a bad decision. Painting can trap the moisture and increase the mould growth.
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