How To Remove Mould From Walls Without Damaging Paint

• What causes mould to grow on walls?
• The dangers of mould
• How to remove mould from a painted wall
• How to prevent mould on painted walls
• Get in touch

Black or green spots forming on your walls does not just detract from the appearance of your home. It can put people's health at risk, damage your property, and even ruin the paintwork it's growing on. 

Here at ICE Cleaning, we offer fast, effective mould remediation services. Our technicians are accredited by Dewpoint Professional and have the specialist equipment required to eliminate all traces of the mould in your home, including mould in the air. They are available nationwide, 24/7, 365 days a year. 

Keep reading to find out how to remove mould growing on your walls while keeping your paint in pristine condition. 

What causes mould to grow on walls?

Mould is a common problem in UK homes due to our cold, wet weather. This fungus grows in environments that contain excess moisture and is often caused by leaks in your plumbing or roof, damp, condensation, and high humidity.  

It is usually caused on walls specifically by condensation. When warm, humid air that contains lots of moisture comes in contact with a cold surface, the water vapour condenses and makes the surface damp. Condensation is normally found on cold windows and walls. 

Mould can also spread to walls from the windows, an area where mould can quickly grow and thrive. It feeds off organic material which can be found in paint, too, so painted, damp walls provide mould with its ideal conditions.

The dangers of mould

Mould produces allergens, irritants, and, on occasion, toxic chemicals. Breathing in spores can lead to a range of health issues like an allergic reaction which can cause symptoms like persistent coughing, sneezing, and eye irritation.

In extreme cases, long-term exposure to mould can trigger chronic lung illnesses. Certain types of mould, like Stachybotrys chartarum, can cause severe health problems when their toxins are inhaled or ingested, too. 

It's worth noting that some people are more susceptible to mould exposure than others. This includes infants and young children, elderly individuals, those living with asthma, allergies, or other respiratory conditions, as well as anyone with a weakened immune system.

Catching early signs of mould infestation allows for timely action before it becomes a big, more dangerous problem, saving both your health and wall decor.

How to remove mould from a painted wall

Removing mould without causing damage to painted walls can be a difficult task. DIY mould removal methods often recommend using strong chemicals like bleach, baking soda, and vinegar, and abrasive tools. Using them incorrectly can cause paint discolouration and damage to the surface over time.

A vigorous scrubbing approach can unintentionally remove layers of paint along with the mould spores. Even if the paint appears intact at first, an aggressive mould treatment for your walls can leave behind tiny scratches that weaken the protective coating.

Routine application of these mould treatments can also lead to the wearing away of your walls' finish, potentially causing damage like cracking or blistering which could ruin the paint's look and feel over time.

Another issue is that the homemade wall mould removers recommended online are not that effective. And any mould left behind will simply grow back. Cleaning mould without personal protective equipment (PPE) can put your health at risk as you will be far more likely to inhale, ingest, and touch it, as well. 

To ensure all the mould is removed from your walls while preserving the decor of your home, you should bring in mould remediation professionals, like our technicians. You can learn more about how to remove mould from walls permanently in this blog. 

How to prevent mould on painted walls

Make sure your home is well-ventilated: open windows regularly and use extractor fans in rooms that are prone to high humidity, such as kitchens and bathrooms. These actions help reduce moisture levels and lower the likelihood of condensation forming. 

Keep an eye on humidity levels: humidity levels must stay below 50% all day long. Consider buying a dehumidifier to help you ensure the humidity is always low. 

Deal with damp immediately: damp areas provide ideal conditions for mould spores to thrive and multiply rapidly. Bring in professionals to repair the issue and dry out the area as soon as you spot any damp in your home. 

Heat your home: to prevent surfaces getting too cold, keep the heating on when necessary and make sure it never cools down completely. 

Use anti-mould paint: to stop mould from growing on painted surfaces like the walls and the ceiling, repaint them with anti-mould paint which contains biocides that kill mould. 

Get in touch

Every mould removal service comes with a lifetime guarantee* so you can be sure your home will stay free of the fungus in the future. Our technicians can even advise on what has caused the mould in your home and provide tailored prevention advice. 

Contact our team on 0208 066 0360 or enquiries@icecleaning.co.uk to learn more about our mould remediation services and get a free, no-obligation quote. 

*subject to advisories