Whether you are a home owner, tenant or landlord, mould is a common problem in homes and flats, especially in areas with high humidity or poor ventilation. Not only is mould unsightly, but it can also cause health issues and serious damage to your property. If you’ve found mould growing in your home, don’t panic! This guide will walk you through the causes of mould, the health risks it presents, how it can damage your property, and step-by-step instructions on how to remove mould. Plus, we’ll share tips on how to prevent mould from returning.
Health Concerns Associated with Mould
Property Damage Caused by Mould
How to Stop Mould from Coming Back?
What Causes Mould?
Mould is a fungus that thrives in damp, humid environments, making bathrooms, kitchens, basements, and attics prime locations for growth. The key conditions that encourage mould growth are:
- Excess moisture: Leaky pipes, cracked window seals, poor insulation, or simply high indoor humidity levels can create the perfect breeding ground for mould.
- Poor ventilation: Not letting enough fresh air circulate, especially in bathrooms and kitchens tends to trap moisture, creating an environment where mould can grow.
- Condensation: Condensation occurs when warm, moist air comes into contact with cooler surfaces. This is especially common on windows, walls, and ceilings during colder months. Steam from showers, cooking, or even breathing can turn into water droplets on cold surfaces.
- Flooding or water damage: If your property has been affected by flooding or water leaks, mould can begin to grow within 24-48 hours if not dealt with quickly. Even if the flooding was some time ago, hidden damp patches may remain.
- Rising Damp: Moisture rising up from the ground due to a failed damp-proof course can be a source of sufficient moisture for mould to grow.
Sources:
- CDC – Mould and Health: https://www.cdc.gov/mould/faqs.htm
- UK Health Security Agency – Mould and Damp in Homes: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/mould-and-damp-in-homes
- Shelter Scotland – Types of damp and mould https://scotland.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/repairs/damp_mould_responsibilities
Health Concerns associated with Mould
Mould isn’t just unpleasant to look at – it can affect your health, especially if you’re sensitive or have existing health conditions.
Exposure to mould can cause a variety of health problems, particularly for vulnerable individuals. The spores released by mould can irritate the respiratory system, trigger allergic reactions, and even lead to more serious health issues over time.
Common health effects of mould exposure include:
- Allergic reactions: Sneezing, runny nose, red or itchy eyes, and skin rashes are common.
- Respiratory issues: Mould can exacerbate asthma, cause wheezing, coughing, or even lead to chronic bronchitis.
- Sinus problems: Sinus congestion, headaches, and pressure can result from mould spores in the air.
- Infections: People with weakened immune systems or pre-existing lung conditions may be at higher risk of fungal infections.
At-Risk Groups:
- Children and the elderly are especially at risk
- People with respiratory issues (e.g., asthma, COPD)
- Those with weakened immune systems (e.g., chemotherapy patients)
It’s important to take immediate action if you notice mould in your home to protect your health. Left untreated, mould can spread quickly and cause significant health problems.
Sources:
- NHS Inform – Damp and mould indoors https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/indoor-health/damp-and-mould-indoors/
- Mayo Clinic – Mould Exposure Symptoms: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mould-exposure/symptoms-causes/syc-20373102
Property Damage caused by Mould
Mould doesn’t just affect your health—it can also cause significant damage to your property. If left untreated, mould can spread and destroy building materials, furniture, and personal items.
Potential damage includes:
- Structural damage: If left untreated, mould can eat away at plaster, wallpaper, wooden beams and joists, even floorboards, leading to costly repairs.
- Damage to furniture and textiles: Upholstered furniture, carpets, and clothing can absorb moisture and become mouldy, resulting in staining, odour, and permanent damage.
- Paint and wallpaper damage: Mould often leaves behind unsightly black, green and brown stains on painted walls and can cause wallpaper to peel away.
- Foul smells: Mouldy areas often emit a musty, damp smell that, if left untreated, can be hard to remove and affect the air quality in your home.
Source:
- Healthy Home – Mould Damage to Property: https://www.healthyhomes.org.nz/mould-damage
How to Remove Mould Safely?
Removing mould can be a straightforward task, but it’s important to follow the correct steps to ensure your safety and the effective removal of mould. Here’s how Aquashield Solutions do it:
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
Before you begin, make sure you have everything you need:
- Rubber gloves and a mask (FFP2 or N95 recommended), don’t forget eye protection as well; avoid contact with the mould spores
- Scrubbing brushes or sponges – non abrasive
- Bucket of warm water
- A specialised mould remover – Aquashield Solutions Mould – Check
- Fans or a dehumidifier
Step 2: Remove Excess Moisture
Use fans, a dehumidifier, or open windows to reduce humidity levels in the affected area. Ensure the space is as dry as possible before cleaning.
Step 3: Clean the Affected Areas
- Do not dry brush: Never try to brush mould off while it is dry. This releases millions of spores into the air, spreading the infection and risking your health.
- Non-porous surfaces (like tiles or glass): Use a commercial mould cleaner such as Mould – Check. Spray it on the mould and agitate the area with a brush.
Avoid using bleach, it may clean the area but might not kill the mould at source. Additionally, bleach can irreversibly change the colour of the item being cleaned. - Porous surfaces (like drywall or wood): If mould has penetrated deep into porous materials, it may need to be removed and replaced. For smaller areas, you can try using a mould remover, but be prepared for potential permanent damage.
- Wipe the cleaned area with a damp cloth to remove all cleaning residue and dry thoroughly – don’t let the mould come back.
- Dispose of all cleaning materials in a sealed bag. Don’t put them under the sink for another time, that is giving the mould a chance to attack a new location.
- Wash any clothes you were wearing during the cleaning process, they may be contaminated with mould spores. Even better, wear a disposable coverall that you can get rid of once the job is done.
Step 4: Dispose of Contaminated Materials
If you have mouldy items that can’t be cleaned (like carpets, clothing or insulation), dispose of them properly in sealed plastic bags; leaving them in the home will allow mould to reappear.
Step 5: Prevent Future Mould Growth
Once you’ve removed the mould, use a mould-resistant primer or paint (Aquashield Solutions – Sporex) to help prevent future mould growth for up to five years.
When to Call a Professional… If the mould covers a large area (bigger than a metre square), keeps coming back or if it’s in areas you cannot access (such as behind walls), it’s best to seek help from a specialist mould removal company.
How to stop Mould from Coming Back?
Prevention is key when it comes to mould. Once you’ve removed the mould, here are some steps you can take to ensure it doesn’t return:
- Reduce humidity: Use a dehumidifier to keep the humidity levels in your home between 30-50%. If your home is particularly prone to moisture, consider investing in a larger whole-house dehumidifier. These are incredibly cheap to run and can prevent mould from returning – ConEx Positive Input Ventilation unit.
- Reduce moisture: wipe down shower tiles and windows after use to remove condensation. When cooking, put lids on pans to keep moisture out of the air.
- Heat Your Home Keep your property at a steady temperature (around 18°C). Cold walls attract condensation which will lead to mould becoming established.
- Dry Clothes Outdoors: If possible, avoid drying your clothes indoors. If you must, use a tumble dryer vented to the outside or place a dehumidifier nearby. Alternatively, if drying indoors is unavoidable, use a heated airer or a small room with the window open and door closed.
- Increase ventilation: Open windows when possible – even in winter, use extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms, and keep trickle vents open in double-glazed windows; this all might feel counter intuitive but ventilation is critical to keeping mould at bay. Consider installing air vents in rooms that lack airflow or asking your landlord to do this.
- Move Furniture Away from Walls: Allow air to circulate behind sofas, beds, and wardrobes.
- Fix leaks immediately: Repair any leaks in the roof, pipes, or walls to prevent water from entering your home.
- Regular cleaning: Mould thrives in dust and dirt. Regularly clean areas prone to moisture, like bathroom tiles, windowsills, and the fridge drip pan, to prevent build-up.
- Install mould-resistant products: Mould-resistant paints, primers, and materials can be a valuable investment in moisture-prone areas like bathrooms and basements.
By following these steps, you can keep your home mould-free and maintain a healthy living environment.
Final Thoughts
Mould is more than just an aesthetic issue; it can cause serious health concerns and damage your property. With the right knowledge and tools, you can successfully remove mould from your home and prevent it from coming back. By staying vigilant about moisture levels, improving ventilation, and using the right cleaning products, you’ll be able to keep your home mould-free for years to come.
If you’re dealing with a severe mould infestation, it’s always a good idea to consult a professional to ensure the problem is fully addressed.
If you’re struggling with mould, remember, you’re not alone – and there’s plenty you can do to tackle the problem. A few changes today can make your home healthier, safer, and far more comfortable.