Get rid of mould

Ugly dark spots on walls and ceilings, smelly and unhealthy — why should you take mould seriously?

It usually grows in places with a lot of moisture, such as roofs, windows, or walls. Mould grows well on paper products, GIB board, ceilings, and timber like jambs and sills. Mould can also grow in dust, paint, wallpaper, insulation, carpets, curtains, clothes, mattresses and upholstery — but also on hard surfaces like shower screens, glass, ceramic tiles and plastic curtains.

Where does it come from?

Moisture — produced by cooking, especially on gas stoves, secretion from our bodies, or condensation because of the temperature differences between interior and exterior air.

How does it affect us?

• When black mould spores are present in large quantities, they can present a health hazard to humans, potentially causing allergic reactions and respiratory problems.
• Some moulds also produce mycotoxins that can pose serious health risks to humans and animals. Exposure to high levels of mycotoxins can lead to neurological problems and in some cases death. Prolonged or daily exposure may be particularly harmful.
• Unseen mould can spread behind wall linings, timber framing or external cladding.
• Visual deterioration like ugly stains, nasty smells and swelling.
• Moisture trapped within a structure can result in structural decay like timber rot, sagging insulation or swelling GIB boards, which lead to costly repairs.
• A reduction in the building’s energy efficiency can occur due to moisture in the insulation and sagging of the insulation.

Controlling mould growth

• Control humidity levels with a dehumidifier.
• Fix leaky roofs, windows, and pipes.
• Thoroughly clean and dry after flooding.
• Ventilate shower, laundry, and cooking areas mechanically.
• Ventilate bedrooms and living rooms by opening windows.
• Replace single glazing with double glazing with the highest R value.
• Replace aluminium windows with uPVC or timber windows, or use thermally broken aluminium windows.
• Get rid of mould colonies before they start to spread.
• When infected building materials start to decompose, replacement may be the only solution.

How to get rid of mould

• Kill the visible mould and its invisible surroundings with a product like Selleys Rapid Mould Killer, 30 Seconds Mould Off or Exit Mould.
• Spray a large amount on the infected area.
• Scrub and wash off the residue.
• Apply a mould stop primer on large infested walls, ceilings and timber window sills.
• Repaint with a mould and mildew proof paint.
• Wash curtains.
• Spray carpets and mattresses with a suitable mould killer.

Never mix bleach with ammonia or other household cleaners. Mixing bleach with ammonia or other cleaning products will produce dangerous, toxic fumes. Use a face mask and protective clothes when handling mould.

DIY, or get a professional to do it for you.