How To Clean Mould Off Walls

• What causes mould on walls?
• The effects of mould growth on walls
• How to remove mould from walls
• How to prevent mould growing on walls
• Book your mould remediation

A fuzzy, discoloured patch of mould is not just a visual blight in your home. It can put people's health at risk and damage your paint and wallpaper. If left untreated, it can quickly spread across your property, too, and lead to mould elsewhere. 

Here at ICE Cleaning, we offer thorough, long-lasting mould remediation services. Our nine-stage mould removal process can eliminate all the mould in your home, including airborne mould, and significantly improve the air quality in your property. We can be on site within hours of your call if it's an emergency. 

Keep reading to find out the best ways to clean mould off walls.

What causes mould on walls?

Mould grows in environments that contain excess moisture. Usually dampness, condensation, high humidity, and lack of ventilation are the main causes of the fungus.

Condensation is the primary cause of mould growth on walls: when warm, moist air comes in contact with a cold surface, the water vapour in it becomes a liquid, making the surface wet.

Mould also needs organic material to feed upon to grow and spread. Walls often provide this in the form of dust particles, wood fibres from paper-based wallpaper or paint, and even the adhesives used during decoration.

Poor insulation can contribute to wall mould as it leads to condensation, too. Another key factor is a lack of light. Mould prefers low-light conditions where it's less likely to dry out quickly, so walls in basements and bathrooms without windows can become hotspots for mould growth. You can learn more about what causes mould to grow on walls in this blog. 

The effects of mould growth on walls

Mould infestation can lead to a host of issues, affecting both your property and health. First and foremost, it compromises the aesthetics of your space. It's an unsightly blight that causes paint and wallpaper to peel or bubble.

Mould also emits a distinct unpleasant odour that pervades through the entire room. This damp, earthy smell is not only bothersome but serves as an alarming indicator of serious underlying damp problems within the structure, too. 

The health risks associated with mould exposure cannot be overstated either. It releases allergens, irritants, and sometimes toxic compounds. When inhaled, ingested, and touched, mould can trigger a number of health problems including allergic reactions and respiratory infections, as well as asthma attacks.

In severe cases, prolonged exposure may even result in neurological symptoms such as memory loss or anxiety disorders due to the mycotoxins released by certain types of mould.

If you suspect any signs of mould infestation in your home, you must take immediate action before you experience these adverse impacts.

How to remove mould from walls

Cleaning black mould off walls by yourself might seem tempting, particularly with the number of mould cleaning hacks shared online, but it's not advisable. 

Mould is not just a surface problem - it penetrates deep into your walls. Simply wiping off visible mould does not get rid of the spores hidden in wall crevices and under paint or wallpaper.

It can be dangerous, too. You will be much more likely to touch, inhale, and ingest the mould while cleaning it unless you are wearing sufficient personal protective equipment. 

The wrong cleaning method can cause more harm than good, as well. Bleach, for example, just changes the colour of mould, leaving behind an invisible but still growing patch. Bleach can even discolour your wall, making the affected area look worse.

The benefits of professional mould removal

Hiring professionals can give you assurance that the job is done right without requiring you to put your health or property at risk. They use specialised equipment and cleaning agents which are safe for humans but effective on stubborn mould.

They will also have the expertise to clean delicate surfaces, including painted walls, and can restore your property to its previous conditions. Mould experts can even diagnose the cause of the mould in your home and advise you on how to prevent it returning in the future. 

How to prevent mould growing on walls

Maintaining a dry and well-ventilated environment is key to preventing mould growth. Regularly open windows and use extractor fans, particularly in damp-prone areas like bathrooms and kitchens, to get rid of humid air and bring in fresh air. 

Besides ventilation, another essential aspect of prevention is moisture control. Make sure any leaks are promptly fixed and surfaces dried quickly after cleaning or spills. Dehumidifiers can be useful, too, particularly during humid seasons to keep humidity levels low.

Furthermore, temperature regulation plays a significant role as colder surfaces often become hotspots for condensation build-up. Use the heating to ensure the temperature inside the property does not fall below 14°C.

Good insulation can also maintain an even surface temperature on your walls, reducing the chances of condensation.

Book your mould remediation

We offer a lifetime guarantee* with every mould removal so if it returns after treatment, our technicians will return to site to remove it for free. They are available 24/7, 365 days a year, nationwide to deal with your mould problem. 

Get in touch with our team on 0208 066 0360 or enquiries@icecleaning.co.uk to find out more about our mould cleaning services. 

*subject to advisories