Why Does Mould Keep Coming Back?

• What causes mould?
• Why mould comes back after treatment
• How to stop mould coming back
• How to remove mould
• Get in touch

Many people use mould removers or mould cleaning hacks only to find that the unsightly fungus returns shortly after. To get rid of mould for good, you need to remove all traces of it and tackle its specific cause. 

Here at ICE Cleaning, we offer our mould remediation services nationwide. We are a corporate member of Dewpoint Professional, and our nine-stage mould cleaning process can eradicate all the mould in your home, including mould in the air. 

Keep reading to find out why mould keeps coming back after you remove it and how to prevent regrowth. 

What causes mould?

Mould is a type of fungus that is ever-present in our environment. Its spores are always floating in the air, and when they settle on surfaces where there is excess moisture and organic material for it to feed off, they start to grow. You can find out more about how mould grows in this blog.

The main cause of this excess moisture is high humidity. Warm, moist air holds lots of water vapour which condenses on cold surfaces like walls and windows, making them damp. This is why it's so common to find mould growing on and around windows. 

Another cause is penetrating and rising damp. Damp patches from leaks or spills can also make way for rapid fungal development if not addressed promptly. Poor ventilation and airflow can trap in humid air, enabling it to make surfaces damp. 

Why mould comes back after treatment

Mould is a stubborn problem that requires specialist expertise and equipment to eliminate. The main reason why it comes back is that mould spores are microscopic and can easily spread through air currents or attach themselves onto people and pets. If any mould is left behind during the mould cleaning, they might start to regrow.

Lots of people can't diagnose what is causing the mould in their home, either, so after the mould is removed the conditions conducive to its growth are still there. 

Many DIY mould cleaning methods, like scrubbing with bleach, fail to get rid of the mould and may even encourage it to spread, as well. Scrubbing, for example, can aggravate the mould and cause it to release spores into the air. 

Ineffective cleaning techniques merely remove surface-level visible mould, too. They don't deal with the root causes such as hidden infestations behind walls or inadequate ventilation systems.

How to stop mould coming back

Firstly, make sure you keep humidity levels below 50% throughout the day with dehumidifiers and air conditioners. 

Ensure rooms prone to high humidity, such as bathrooms or kitchens, are regularly ventilated, too. This includes opening windows during or after cooking and washing, or installing extractor fans to bring in fresh air.

Frequently cleaning your home can get rid of any dirt, dust, and dead bugs that mould can feed off. Don't forget to have any leaks or other sources of moisture fixed immediately by professionals and dry out any of the dampness it may cause. 

You should also avoid drying clothes indoors as the water vapour can make the air humid.

It is recommended you use mould-resistant paint, particularly in the bathroom and kitchen. You can learn more about the best ways to prevent mould growth here. 

How to remove mould

You should not try to clean mould yourself unless you have the training, personal protective equipment, and specialist tools to do so. Without PPE, for example, you could end up inhaling or touching the harmful spores. This might put you at risk of various health problems, including allergic reactions.

Many household cleaners don’t completely eliminate mould but merely bleach it white or get rid of the surface spores. This can give you false reassurance while the issue continues beneath the surface.

Mould removal professionals can give you peace of mind that they will remove all the mould while containing its spread effectively. They can even identify the specific cause of the mould in your home and advise on how best to prevent it returning. 

Get in touch

Our technicians have many years of experience remediating mould in domestic and commercial properties. They can even send a sample of the mould to a lab to determine the specific kind of mould growing in your property. This will enable us to can pinpoint the optimal mould cleaning method. 

With every mould remediation we also offer a lifetime guarantee*, so if it comes back we will remove it for free.

Contact our friendly team today on 0208 066 0360 or via enquiries@icecleaning.co.uk to learn more about our mould removal services.

*subject to advisories