What Causes Black Mould?

• What is black mould?
• What are the causes of black mould?
• Is black mould dangerous?
• What are the signs of black mould growth?
• What to do when black mould starts growing in your home
• Get in touch

Some kinds of black mould produce toxic substances which can cause serious health conditions and, in extreme situations, be lethal. To protect your home from the harmful growth, you should be aware of what specifically causes it so you can put in place the appropriate preventative measures. 

At ICE Cleaning, we offer fast and thorough mould removal services. Our technicians have the specialist equipment to eliminate all the mould in your property, including airborne mould. In an emergency, they can be on site in a matter of hours. 

Read on to find out what is causing black mould to grow in your home and how to get rid of it. 

What is black mould?

Black mould is an umbrella term for moulds that are black or dark in colour. There are several different kinds that can grow in your home including Stachybotrys chartarum, Alternaria, and Cladosporium. 

Moulds are decomposers, meaning they feed on organic materials like woodwork, plasterboard, and upholstery. This ability lets them invade our living spaces quite effectively when conditions are right for their growth.

What are the causes of black mould?

Black mould is a particular nuisance because it thrives in conditions that often exist within our homes, namely environments rich with moisture and organic material.

The main cause of this unsightly fungus is persistent dampness. Leaky pipes, condensation on windowsills, and even high humidity can lead to black mould growth.

It can usually be found in the bathroom and kitchen where humid conditions are produced while cooking and washing. Another key cause of mould is poor ventilation. Humid air can quickly build up if it's not able to leave your property. A lack of circulation could also contribute to mould growth as it allows moist pockets of air to sit behind furniture. 

Is black mould dangerous?

Mould produces allergens and irritants, and some kinds occasionally produce toxic chemicals known as mycotoxins. Ingesting or inhaling mould can trigger an allergic reaction, such as a stuffy nose, sneezing, coughing, and skin rashes, and lead to respiratory infections.

Some kinds of black mould, like Stachybotrys chartarum, do produce mycotoxins. Exposure to them can have more serious consequences, such as sick building syndrome. 

There are groups which are particularly sensitive to mould exposure including people with weakened immune systems or pre-existing respiratory and skin conditions, and young children and elderly people.

To keep yourself safe from these dangers, you need professional help as soon as you spot any type of mould in your home, especially black mould. 

What are the signs of black mould growth?

The presence of black mould can be identified by several tell-tale signs. One is the appearance of dark spots on your walls or ceilings.

This type of fungus usually shows itself as small clusters that expand over time if not addressed quickly. A musty smell may also be detected - this is caused by the emissions of microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs) during mould growth.

Another clear indication could be a sudden rise in allergic reactions or cold symptoms amongst those living in your home. Black mould spores can even trigger asthma attacks in asthmatics.

What to do when black mould starts growing in your home

If you spot black mould in your home, it's crucial not to try and remove it yourself. This is because the spores released during cleaning can be harmful if breathed in, and the wrong method could encourage them to spread around the rest of the property, potentially making your mould problem worse.

DIY and off-the-shelf black mould removers are usually not that effective, either, and any traces of mould left behind will quickly grow back. 

The best course of action is to seek professional help from companies like ICE Cleaning. They have experts who know how to safely get rid of black mould. ICE Cleaning also employs cutting-edge tools to detect and eliminate mould growth. They can even give you advice on keeping your property safe from further infestations. 

We can take a sample of the mould and send it to a lab, too, to pinpoint the kind of mould that is growing in your home to ensure we use the best treatment for your situation. 

Get in touch

Our mould removal experts are available nationwide, 24/7, 365 days a year. They have many years of experience with mould cleaning and can significantly improve the air quality in your home. With every mould remediation service, we offer a lifetime guarantee* so if the mould comes back we will get rid of it free of charge.

You can book our technicians for black mould removal today by calling 0208 066 0360 or sending an email to enquiries@icecleaning.co.uk. 

*subject to advisories