What Kills Mould On Walls?

• What causes mould on walls?
• Is mould dangerous?
• How to remove mould from walls
• How to prevent mould growth on walls
• Book your mould removal today

One of the most common places to find mould growing in the home is on walls. Not only can mould cause unsightly stains as well as unpleasant odours, it can put people's health at risk. Thorough, prompt removal by professionals is critical to protect your home and residents and visitors against mould. 

Here at ICE Cleaning, we offer our mould cleaning services nationwide. Our specialist cleaners have been accredited by Dewpoint Professional, and are available 24/7, 365 days a year. If it is an emergency, they can be on site within several hours

Keep reading to learn more about how to remove mould from walls. 

What causes mould on walls?

Excess moisture

The primary cause of mould on walls is excess moisture. This can result from various sources such as leaking pipes, condensation, or high humidity levels within the home. 

Poor ventilation

A lack of proper ventilation contributes significantly to moisture accumulation as it allows humid air to get trapped inside a property.

Lack of sunlight

Mould prefers dark conditions. Rooms that receive little natural light are more susceptible to developing mould issues. 

Mould growth on walls is usually caused specifically by either rising or penetrating damp, or by condensation forming on the cold surface and making it damp. 

Another contributing factor to mould on walls is the presence of wallpaper and paint. If they contain organic material, mould can feed off of it, encouraging it to grow and spread quickly. 

Mould underneath wallpaper is a particularly common issue if moisture is present, too. It thrives behind wallpaper due to the presence of dirt and dust as well as the dark conditions. You can find out more about what causes mould underneath wallpaper in this blog. 

Is mould dangerous?

Mould produces allergens, irritants, and sometimes toxic substances known as mycotoxins. Inhaling or touching mould spores may cause allergic reactions such as sneezing, red eyes, skin rash, and even asthma attacks for those with pre-existing conditions. Long-term exposure can lead to more severe health issues.

Young children, elderly people, people with pre-existing skin and respiratory conditions, and people with weak immune systems are particularly vulnerable to mould exposure. 

Mould can eat away at organic material, like wood and paper, too, slowly causing the possessions or surfaces it is growing on to deteriorate. Should it start growing on building materials, it can even affect the structural integrity of your home. 

Black mould on walls can be particularly harmful as some kinds of black mould produce mycotoxins. The toxic compounds are associated with more serious health issues like sick building syndrome and fatal asthma attacks. 

How to remove mould from walls

Attempting to remove mould without the proper knowledge or equipment can exacerbate the problem. Disturbing mould colonies can release spores into the air, increasing exposure and potential health risks such as respiratory issues or allergic reactions. Moreover, without addressing the root cause of moisture, you may only achieve a temporary solution, allowing mould growth to recur.

Professional mould removal services possess both the expertise, specialised tools, and industrial-grade fungicides necessary for effective mould eradication. Professionals will conduct a thorough assessment identifying both visible and hidden sources of mould before devising a strategic plan tailored specifically for your situation.

They will also know how to safely clean mould, such as wearing full personal protective equipment (PPE) during mould remediation and covering doorways to stop mould spores spreading around the property, too.

Mould remediation experts can even provide you with personal recommendations on how to prevent mould returning in the future. 

How to prevent mould growth on walls

Maintain low humidity levels

Mould can start growing in rooms with 60% humidity, so monitor humidity levels and make sure they stay well below this. Using dehumidifiers and air conditioners can help reduce moisture in the air significantly.

Ensure proper ventilation

Regularly open windows to allow fresh air to flow around the property and remove any humid, stale air. You should also use exhaust fans or vents in bathrooms and kitchens when washing or cooking to ensure moisture is directed outside of your property.

Fix leaks and damp immediately

Frequently inspect your home for leaks and signs of damp, and bring in professionals as soon as possible to fix the issue and dry out the area.  

Heat your home properly

To stop condensation forming on walls, make sure your property is well-heated so the surfaces do not get too cold. Wiping down surfaces with condensation on them can help prevent mould growth, too. 

Book your mould removal today

Every mould remediation comes with a lifetime guarantee* so in the unlikely event the mould comes back after treatment, our technicians will return to site and remove it for free. 

To find out more contact our team on 0208 066 0360 or enquiries@icecleaning.co.uk. They will be happy to provide you with answer advice about the mould in your home and can give you a free, no-obligation quote for our mould removal services.  

*subject to advisories