Why Does Mould Grow On Walls?

CONTENTS

• Why is there mould on my walls?
• The dangers of mould on walls
• How to remove mould from walls
• The best ways to prevent mould on walls
• Contact us today

If you have noticed dark stains on your walls, your wallpaper and paint bubbling, or a musty odour, mould could be growing. You should remove it as soon as possible to protect your health and minimise damage to your property. 

At ICE Cleaning, we offer rapid, thorough mould remediation services. Our technicians have been accredited by Dewpoint Professional, and are available nationwide, 24/7, 365 days a year. In an emergency, they can be onsite within hours of your call. 

Keep reading to find out what causes mould to grow on walls and how to remove it. 

Why is there mould on my walls?

Mould is a type of fungus that grows and thrives in environments that contain excess moisture. It is usually caused by penetrating and rising damp, condensation, high humidity, and poor ventilation. 

Walls and ceilings, as well as other cold surfaces, are especially vulnerable to mould growth. This is because condensation can form on them if they are too cold and there is moisture in the air. Rising and penetrating damp can make water seep into them, too.

Mould is particularly prone to forming on walls behind furniture. This is because pockets of humid air can get trapped between the two.

Paint and wallpaper can provide mould with the organic material it feeds on, as well, enabling it to grow and spread quickly. Mould can even grow underneath wallpaper and paint. 

The dangers of mould on walls

Mould poses a dual threat to your home and health. When it grows on walls, it may cause the wallpaper or paint to start peeling or flaking off. 

Furniture and fabrics are not safe either. Mould spores latch onto these materials, causing unsightly stains that are difficult to remove. If made of organic material like wood, they will slowly deteriorate as mould feeds on it. 

Prolonged exposure to mould could lead to various health problems, as well. Mould releases allergens, irritants, and occasionally toxic substances. Ingesting, inhaling, and touching mould can trigger allergic reactions, including sneezing, coughing, and skin irritation. It can even cause issues like asthma attacks and respiratory infections. 

Some kinds of mould, like Stachybotrys chartarum and Cladosporium, are particularly harmful as they produce mycotoxins. They can lead to more serious ailments like fatal asthma attacks and sick building syndrome. To minimise these risks, prompt action is crucial once you spot signs of mould on your walls.

How to remove mould from walls

If mould is growing in your home, we strongly recommend bringing in professional cleaners rather than tackling it alone. Mould cleaners have the training, experience, and specialist equipment designed specifically for such tasks.

They will know how to get rid of mould on walls and can even advise on how to prevent it in the future. Professional mould cleaners will give you peace of mind that the mould is gone for good. 

You should not attempt to remove mould yourself. Mould remediation will bring you in close contact with the spores, and you will be highly likely to touch, inhale, and ingest them. Mould cleaning hacks and mould removers are not that effective, either, and even the smallest trace of mould left behind will simply grow back. 

The wrong method like scrubbing the mould or not covering entryways to the affected area can allow the mould to spread. You can learn more about how to eliminate mould on walls in this blog. 

The best ways to prevent mould on walls

First, maintain good ventilation in your home. Regularly open windows and use extractor fans in bathrooms and kitchens to let out humid air and bring in fresh air. 

Good air flow will dislodge trapped pockets of humidity behind furniture, too. It is recommended you move furniture away from walls so air can flow freely between them.

Another crucial step is managing humidity levels. Dehumidifiers, air conditioners, and heating systems with humidistat control can help you monitor and lower humidity levels. 

You should always dry your clothes outside, as well, as drying them indoors can increase indoor humidity levels. 

Don't forget to regularly check for any leaks or damage that may cause dampness – especially after heavy rain or storms. A cleaning routine will also eliminate the dust, dirt, and dead bugs mould feeds off.

Contact us today

Our technicians have many years of experience tackling damp and mould in domestic and commercial properties. They can quickly and significantly improve the indoor air quality. 

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