Black mould isn’t just an ugly blotch on your walls—it’s a stubborn little menace that can mess with your health and home. Left unchecked, it spreads, throwing out spores that can trigger allergies, breathing problems, and general misery.
If you’ve spotted it, don’t panic. Just act fast. Here’s what to do.
Step 1: Gear Up Before You Start
Mould spores aren’t something you want floating around in your lungs, so protect yourself:
- Gloves – Your hands don’t need direct contact with this stuff.
- Goggles – Because eye irritation isn’t fun.
- Face mask – Breathing in spores? No thanks.
⚠ If it’s covering more than a square metre, call a pro. Sometimes DIY just isn’t worth the risk.
Step 2: Pick Your Weapon (Mould Removal Solutions)
Different cleaning solutions work better depending on the surface and how stubborn the mould is.
🟢 Natural & Non-Toxic Solutions
1️⃣ Vinegar – Kills mould at the root.
- Pour undiluted vinegar into a spray bottle.
- Spray directly onto the mould.
- Leave for an hour, then scrub and wipe clean.
2️⃣ Baking Soda – Good for porous surfaces.
- Mix ¼ teaspoon of baking soda with two cups of water.
- Spray the area, scrub with a brush, and wipe clean.
- Spray again and leave it to prevent regrowth.
⚠ Stronger Chemical Solutions
3️⃣ Bleach – Harsh but effective.
- Mix one part bleach with four parts water.
- Apply with a cloth or spray bottle.
- Scrub well and rinse thoroughly.
⚠ Do NOT mix bleach with anything else. Seriously.
4️⃣ Hydrogen Peroxide – A less toxic alternative.
- Use 3% hydrogen peroxide in a spray bottle.
- Spray, leave for 10 minutes, scrub, wipe, and rinse.
5️⃣ Commercial Mould Sprays
- Something like HG Mould Remover or Cillit Bang Black Mould Remover can work wonders.
- Follow the instructions on the bottle—no shortcuts.
Step 3: Scrub & Wipe (Don’t Just Smear It Around)
- Use a scrubbing brush or scourer to really get into it.
- Wipe with a clean cloth or paper towel.
- Dispose of used cloths immediately. Last thing you want is mould spores hitching a ride elsewhere.
Step 4: Dry It Out (Mould Loves Moisture)
- Wipe the area dry with a clean towel.
- Open windows or use an extractor fan.
- Consider a dehumidifier—especially if you’re constantly battling damp.
Step 5: Keep Black Mould from Coming Back
Cleaning it up is one thing—stopping it from returning is another. Here’s how:
💨 Improve Ventilation
- Open windows regularly, especially in bathrooms and kitchens.
- Use extractor fans when showering or cooking.
- Keep doors open for better airflow.
💧 Reduce Humidity
- Keep humidity below 60% (a dehumidifier helps).
- Wipe down condensation, especially around windows.
- Dry clothes outside when possible.
🛠 Fix Damp Issues at the Source
- Check for leaks in pipes, roofs, or walls.
- Ensure proper damp proofing and insulation.
- If condensation is constant, get professional help.
Removing Black Mould from Specific Surfaces
🖌 Painted Walls
- Use mild detergent and warm water.
- Gently scrub—don’t wreck your paint.
- Dry thoroughly.
🚿 Silicone Sealant
- Apply a baking soda and vinegar paste.
- Let it sit for 10-15 minutes, scrub, wipe, and dry.
- If the mould is deep in the sealant, you may need to replace it.
When to Call a Professional
Some jobs are too big (or too risky) to handle yourself. Call in an expert if:
- The mould keeps coming back.
- It covers a large area (more than one square metre).
- You or your family are constantly coughing or sneezing.
- You suspect toxic black mould (Stachybotrys Chartarum).
Need Expert Help?
Black mould is persistent, but we’re more stubborn. At Damp and Mould Solutions Ltd., we tackle damp at its source, so you don’t have to keep scrubbing your walls every few months.
📞 Call us at 020 4542 6114
📧 Email us at [email protected]
Let’s make your home mould-free for good.