How to Remove Mould (and Prevent it From Coming Back)
This is one household dilemma that needs to be kept in check. Here's how
There are many reasons why mould appears in a home – moisture in the air, leaks, poor ventilation – and it can cause damage to the surfaces it is growing on. It can also have an adverse affect on your health, so you should never ignore it. If you have a significant mould problem, it’s advisable to contact a professional. If the outbreak is small, it is possible for you to deal with it on your own.
Be prepared
If you are handling mould, make sure you have goggles, gloves, protective clothing and a mask that will cover both your nose and your mouth. And, before you begin, open the windows in the room you are working in, but close the doors to ensure mould spores don’t spread to other areas of your home. When you have tackled a particular spot, it’s a good idea to wipe down all surfaces in the room and vacuum to remove spores. After vacuuming, throw away the bag or clean out the canister.
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If you are handling mould, make sure you have goggles, gloves, protective clothing and a mask that will cover both your nose and your mouth. And, before you begin, open the windows in the room you are working in, but close the doors to ensure mould spores don’t spread to other areas of your home. When you have tackled a particular spot, it’s a good idea to wipe down all surfaces in the room and vacuum to remove spores. After vacuuming, throw away the bag or clean out the canister.
In the mood to declutter as well as clean? Here are three decluttering jobs you can do in 60 minutes
Sort walls and windows
It’s not advisable to reach for the bleach. Instead, use a mixture consisting of water and mild detergent. Soak a rag in the soapy water and wipe away the mould. Don’t brush the mould as this can increase the chance of spores being released. Get a clean cloth and dry the wall/window. Put the rag you cleaned with in a plastic bag and throw the bag away.
It’s not advisable to reach for the bleach. Instead, use a mixture consisting of water and mild detergent. Soak a rag in the soapy water and wipe away the mould. Don’t brush the mould as this can increase the chance of spores being released. Get a clean cloth and dry the wall/window. Put the rag you cleaned with in a plastic bag and throw the bag away.
Clean the grout
Mould frequently turns up on grout. If it spreads to the tiles, use the method above to clean it, but for grout a baking soda paste, plus hydrogen peroxide, works a treat. Start by applying the paste (made by stirring half a cup of baking soda and a few teaspoons of water together) to the grout. Next, spray the paste with hydrogen peroxide. This will make the paste bubble. Leave to bubble for a bit, then, using an old toothbrush, gently brush away the mould. Rinse with water and repeat if necessary.
Whereas paint will cover any stains left from mould on walls, for grout it’s best to hide stains with a grout pen, available at DIY stores. If the sealant around your bath or sink has mould, experts advise replacing it.
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Mould frequently turns up on grout. If it spreads to the tiles, use the method above to clean it, but for grout a baking soda paste, plus hydrogen peroxide, works a treat. Start by applying the paste (made by stirring half a cup of baking soda and a few teaspoons of water together) to the grout. Next, spray the paste with hydrogen peroxide. This will make the paste bubble. Leave to bubble for a bit, then, using an old toothbrush, gently brush away the mould. Rinse with water and repeat if necessary.
Whereas paint will cover any stains left from mould on walls, for grout it’s best to hide stains with a grout pen, available at DIY stores. If the sealant around your bath or sink has mould, experts advise replacing it.
Now the mould is gone, feel like updating your bathroom? Shop for accessories here
Deal with the carpet
If mould has made its way to your carpets in a big way, it’s worth speaking to a professional carpet cleaner to see if the problem can be treated. Sometimes it’s impossible to completely remove mould from carpets (and also mattresses), as they are made from porous materials. Microscopic mould spores can remain unseen in the microscopic pores of the carpet fibres. It is because of this that, in many cases, a mouldy carpet will have to be replaced. If the mould is in a small, isolated area, vacuum that space then spray with a fungicide suitable for carpets. As mentioned earlier, after vacuuming mould, always throw away the bag or clean out the canister. Finish by using a sponge, water and a disinfectant to dab up any remaining marks.
If mould has made its way to your carpets in a big way, it’s worth speaking to a professional carpet cleaner to see if the problem can be treated. Sometimes it’s impossible to completely remove mould from carpets (and also mattresses), as they are made from porous materials. Microscopic mould spores can remain unseen in the microscopic pores of the carpet fibres. It is because of this that, in many cases, a mouldy carpet will have to be replaced. If the mould is in a small, isolated area, vacuum that space then spray with a fungicide suitable for carpets. As mentioned earlier, after vacuuming mould, always throw away the bag or clean out the canister. Finish by using a sponge, water and a disinfectant to dab up any remaining marks.
Free the fabric
If the mould has been on your curtains (or any other fabric) for a short period of time, simply laundering them should do the job – just follow manufacturer’s instructions. Hot water is best at killing mould spores, but you should always follow care label instructions for the safest temperature to wash your item. If the mould has been left untreated for a period of time, you may have to pre-soak your item (for at least an hour) before washing it. Putting a cup of white distilled vinegar in a bucket of water is a good option for a pre-soak.
If your curtains or soft furnishings are non-washable, dry-cleaning can remove mould – just make the dry-cleaner aware of the problem.
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If the mould has been on your curtains (or any other fabric) for a short period of time, simply laundering them should do the job – just follow manufacturer’s instructions. Hot water is best at killing mould spores, but you should always follow care label instructions for the safest temperature to wash your item. If the mould has been left untreated for a period of time, you may have to pre-soak your item (for at least an hour) before washing it. Putting a cup of white distilled vinegar in a bucket of water is a good option for a pre-soak.
If your curtains or soft furnishings are non-washable, dry-cleaning can remove mould – just make the dry-cleaner aware of the problem.
Want to simplify your cleaning routine? Here are 10 jobs to stop doing right now (because life’s too short)
Keep it at bay
Mould is caused by excess moisture, and this can be brought about from issues such as leaks, rising damp and condensation. There are simple steps you can take to help stop mould from forming, including:
Do you have any tips for getting rid of mould? Share your ideas in the Comments section.
Mould is caused by excess moisture, and this can be brought about from issues such as leaks, rising damp and condensation. There are simple steps you can take to help stop mould from forming, including:
- Fixing leaks straightaway
- Using a dehumidifier to keep humidity in check
- Preventing condensation by making sure your home is insulated properly, heating it a little more, ventilating rooms regularly, not drying clothing inside, and using extractor fans in the kitchen and bathroom
- Cleaning the fabrics in your home regularly and keeping them dry
Do you have any tips for getting rid of mould? Share your ideas in the Comments section.
The moulds that crop up on window frames, behind bookcases, on grout, and on fabrics and carpets can all make you unwell. Moulds (there are different types) produce allergens, irritants and sometimes even toxic substances that can cause respiratory problems and affect your immune system. Stachybotrys mould, or toxic black mould, should always be dealt with by a professional (you can buy mould test kits online to confirm what type you have), but here’s how to deal with other moulds, wherever you may find them.