Why Does Black Mould Keep Coming Back?

• What is black mould?
• Why black mould keeps coming back after removal
• Ways to stop mould returning
• What to do if you spot black mould in your home
• Contact our team today

Most people remove mould themselves only to find it returns soon after. If the mould is not fully eradicated and the cause dealt with, the fungus will continue to spread. Black mould is particularly harmful and must be kept at bay. 

Here at ICE Cleaning, we offer long-lasting, thorough mould removal services. Our nine-stage mould treatment can get rid of the mould in your home, including airborne mould. They will also diagnose the cause of it in your home and advise on preventing mould. 

Keep reading to learn why mould keeps coming back and how to keep your home mould-free. 

What is black mould?

Black mould is a category of moulds that are dark or black in colour. Mould is a type of fungi that thrives on surfaces that contain excess moisture. Leaking pipes, condensation, and poor ventilation are usually the main causes of it. 

Black mould is not only a threat to the aesthetics of your home, it can also put people's health at risk. Prolonged exposure to black mould spores can lead to respiratory problems like asthma attacks or allergic reactions. People with pre-existing health conditions, and the elderly and young are particularly vulnerable to mould exposure. 

Some kinds of black mould, like Stachbotrys chartarum, Cladosporium, and Alternaria release toxins, too. They can lead to a number of serious health problems including fatal asthma attacks and sick building syndrome. 

Mould feeds off organic material like fabric, wood, and some building materials, as well. If left unchecked, it can damage your property and possessions overtime, and even lead to structural damage. 

The lifecycle of black mould

Mould spreads by releasing spores which are always floating in the air. Once they settle on a damp surface like the wall or ceiling, they start growing into visible colonies. This process takes roughly 24-48 hours.

A single patch may seem harmless, but each colony releases millions more invisible spores which can infest new areas. This makes removing mould early crucial.

Why black mould keeps coming back after removal

The main cause of mould returning after treatment is ineffective removal. DIY mould cleaning hacks and even some mould removal products cannot eradicate all traces of the mould. Any left behind will continue to grow and spread. 

If the conditions that enable mould growth persist, mould can regrow, too. This includes not cleaning up the leak or damp that caused the mould, or tackling the high humidity in your property.

You need to know what has specifically caused the mould to grow in your home in the first place, and then takes measures to prevent future growth. 

Ways to stop mould returning

• Use dehumidifiers and air conditioners to keep humidity levels below 50% all day 
• Regularly air out spaces by opening windows to bring in fresh air and get rid of humid air
• Repair any leaks promptly because they provide an ideal breeding ground for mould spores
• Use anti-mould paint on walls to deter the growth of new mould colonies
• Dry out your property after flooding as soon as possible 
• Avoid drying clothes indoors as this can make the air humid
• Use extractor fans in bathrooms and kitchens when washing and cooking
• Bring in professionals to take care of any rising damp and other damp problems in your home

What to do if you spot black mould in your home

It might seem tempting to clean the mould yourself, but this approach often exacerbates the problem. The wrong method will not get rid of all the mould. Abrasive techniques, like scrubbing it, will also potentially release more harmful spores into your home.

Professionals have the specialist equipment to remove the black mould and prevent it spreading during cleaning. For example, they will isolate the affected area using containment barriers.

Mould removal is dangerous without personal protective equipment (PPE), too. You will come in close contact with the harmful fungus and are likely to touch and inhale it. Mould specialists have the PPE and training to safely take care of your mould problem. 

Contact our team today

We offer a lifetime guarantee* with every mould removal. If the black mould in your home grows back after treatment, our technicians will remove it for free. 

If it's an emergency, they can be on site within several hours, no matter where you are in the UK.

You can learn more about our mould remediation services by calling our team on 0208 066 0360 or sending an email to enquiries@icecleaning.co.uk. We offer a free site survey and no-obligation quote with every service.

*subject to advisories