How to Remove Mould from Walls in Australia？[Reduced Mould by 95%]
Mould is not only ugly but it’s also a serious health risk. It loves damp, poorly ventilated areas especially in homes with high humidity or water leaks. If left untreated mould can spread fast and cause damage to your home and your health. But removing mould from walls and preventing it from coming back is possible with the right methods.
This article will show you 3 effective expert ways to get rid of mould from walls and some preventive measures and FAQs about mould removal.
In this article
Things to Prepare Before Removing Mould from Walls
To safeguard against exposure to mould spores, wear personal protective equipment such as an N95 mask, safety goggles, and rubber gloves.
Cleaning Solution
Select an appropriate mould remover based on how severe the mould is and the type of surface you're treating. For mild cases, natural solutions are worth trying first, but more persistent mould may require a specialised commercial cleaner.
Spray Bottle
Use a spray bottle to apply your chosen cleaning solution directly to the affected areas during the cleaning process.
Scrubbing Tools
Depending on the surface and size of the mould patches, use tools like a stiff brush, microfiber cloth, or even an old toothbrush for tight corners. A scrubbing sponge is useful for uneven or porous surfaces.
Plastic Coverings
Protect furniture and other unaffected areas with plastic sheeting to contain mould spores and prevent contamination.
Ventilation Equipment
Good airflow and moisture control are essential to stopping mould from returning. Use fans and dehumidifiers during and after cleaning to help the space dry out properly.
Waste Disposal Bags
Keep heavy-duty bin bags nearby to safely dispose of mouldy items, used cleaning materials, and any single-use protective gear.
How to Remove Mould From Walls [3 Effective Ways]
- Never mix chlorine bleach with ammonia or any products containing ammonia, as this creates highly toxic fumes that can lead to severe respiratory issues and other serious health problems.
- Likewise, avoid combining chlorine bleach with vinegar or hydrogen peroxide. This can produce harmful compounds like peracetic acid, which can severely irritate the eyes, skin, and lungs. To prevent dangerous reactions from leftover cleaning products, always use a fresh, clean spray bottle for each solution and clearly label each bottle to prevent confusion.
Method 1: Hydrogen Peroxide and Dish Soap Solution
When it comes to cleaning mould off walls, traditional bleach may not always be the best solution. While bleach can make mould less visible by lightening it, it does not kill the roots of the mould, allowing it to grow back quickly. A much more effective solution is a combination of hydrogen peroxide and dish soap.
Ingredients: 3 parts hydrogen peroxide (3% solution) + 1 part dish soap
Steps to Clean Mould:
- 1. Mix the hydrogen peroxide and dish soap in a spray bottle.
- 2. Spray the mixture directly onto the mouldy areas of the wall, ensuring the entire surface is covered.
- 3. Let the solution sit for about 10 minutes. This will give it time to penetrate the mould and break it down.
- 4. After 10 minutes, use a scrubbing brush or sponge to scrub the mould off the wall gently. Be careful not to scrub too harshly as this can release more spores into the air.
- 5. Once the wall is clean, rinse the area with water to remove any remaining cleaning solution.
- 6. Dry the area thoroughly with a clean towel or cloth.
This method is effective for small to medium areas of mould and can be repeated if necessary. The hydrogen peroxide kills the mould, while the soap acts as a surfactant, helping the solution to stick to the surface for longer.
Method 2: Using Bleach Solution (for Non-Porous Surfaces Only)
A bleach solution is suitable for killing surface mold on hard, non-porous surfaces such as shower walls, countertops, tile, and sealed, scrubbable painted walls. However, it is crucial to heed warnings that bleach should not be used on porous surfaces like untreated wood or drywall. On these materials, bleach will only affect the surface mold, and its high water content can actually provide moisture to the embedded roots, potentially exacerbating the problem.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Application:
- 1. Prepare the Solution: A common and effective solution is to mix one tablespoon of dishwashing liquid, 1/2 cup of chlorine bleach, and one cup of warm water in a spray bottle. The dishwashing liquid helps the solution adhere to vertical surfaces. Alternatively, a simpler ratio is one cup of bleach in a gallon of water. For larger areas, a ratio of 1 cup bleach to 3 gallons of water can be used.
- 2. Apply to Mold: Apply the cleaning solution using a spray bottle or a sponge. When cleaning walls, it is advisable to start at the bottom and work upwards. This technique helps prevent spores from spreading downwards and minimises streaking of the cleaning solution.
- 3. Allow to Air-Dry: Crucially, do not rinse off the bleach solution. Allow the treated wall surface to air-dry completely.
- 4. Check and Repeat: Once the wall is thoroughly dry, inspect the area for any remaining dark stains. If stains persist, repeat the steps with a freshly prepared chlorine bleach cleaning solution.
Method 3: Commercial Mould Removers
If the mould problem persists or is widespread, you may need to use a commercial mould remover. These products are designed specifically for mould removal and can effectively kill mould and prevent future growth. Many of these products are available in spray bottles and are easy to use.
Instructions:
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully when using a mould remover.
- Spray the product directly onto the mouldy surface and let it sit for the recommended time.
- Use a brush to scrub the mould away.
- Rinse the area with water and allow it to dry completely.
These products tend to be more expensive, but they are a good choice for dealing with large mould infestations or for areas that have been difficult to treat with DIY methods.
How to Prevent Mould in House and Bathroom
While mould removal is important, prevention is key to avoiding recurring mould problems. Taking steps to reduce moisture levels and improve ventilation in your home will help prevent the growth of mould in the first place. Here are some tips to prevent mould from returning:
Improve Ventilation
Mould thrives in damp, poorly ventilated environments. To prevent mould from growing in your home, it’s essential to improve airflow. In areas like bathrooms and kitchens, where moisture is high, use exhaust fans to help remove humid air. Make sure that these fans are running during and after showers, cooking, or any activity that produces steam.
In rooms where there are no exhaust fans, consider installing them or opening windows regularly to let fresh air in. In colder months, even when the windows are closed, ensure there’s still some ventilation by keeping vents open in the windows or walls.
Control Humidity Levels
Maintaining a humidity level of 30-50% inside your home is crucial for mould prevention. If the humidity level exceeds this range, you’re at a higher risk of mould growth. You can monitor the humidity level with a weather station , which is a small, inexpensive device that tells you the moisture level in your home.
Use a Dehumidifier
A dehumidifier is one of the most effective tools for preventing mould in damp areas. It works by extracting excess moisture from the air, making it less favourable for mould growth. This is especially important in areas like basements, attics, or rooms with poor airflow.
We recommend using the Newentor Dehumidifier, a high-quality product that efficiently removes moisture from the air. The Newentor dehumidifier is particularly effective in areas with high humidity and can help you maintain optimal humidity levels in your home, preventing the growth of mould and mildew. Its sleek design and quiet operation make it ideal for use in bedrooms, bathrooms, and living rooms.
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By using the Newentor dehumidifier regularly, you can drastically reduce the chances of mould returning to your home, ensuring a healthier living environment for you and your family.
FAQs about Mould Removal
Will Mould Come Back After Cleaning?
Yes, mould will come back if you don’t take preventative measures. Just cleaning the mould without fixing the underlying issue—like excess moisture or poor ventilation—will likely have the mould come back. You need to control humidity, fix leaks and have good airflow to prevent mould from coming back.
Does Vinegar Kill Mould?
Vinegar can prevent mould growth but it won’t kill all live mould. It’s good for surface mould and will prevent it from spreading but for stubborn or extensive mould infestations, stronger cleaning agents like hydrogen peroxide might be more effective.
Does Bleach Kill Mould?
Bleach can kill mould on non-porous surfaces but it won’t kill mould on porous materials like wood or drywall. While bleach might remove the appearance of mould it doesn’t fix the root cause so mould will come back. And bleach can be harmful to your health if not used properly and can make the problem worse by releasing toxic fumes.
How to Get Rid of Mould in Shower?
To get rid of mould in the shower:
- Mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle.
- Spray the affected areas generously, especially corners and grout lines.
- Let it sit for at least 10–15 minutes.
- Scrub with a stiff-bristled brush to remove the mould.
- Rinse with warm water.
- Use a dehumidifier or ventilation fan to dry the area thoroughly to prevent future growth.
How to Remove Mould from Painted Walls?
To remove mould from painted walls:
- Mix water and mild detergent, or use hydrogen peroxide for more stubborn mould.
- Spray the solution onto the affected area and let it sit for a few minutes.
- Gently scrub the mould off with a soft brush or sponge. Don’t scrub too hard to prevent damaging the paint.
- Rinse the area with clean water and dry thoroughly.
- If the mould persists, consider using a mould remover or repaint the wall with mould-resistant paint.
Bottom Lines
Removing mould is just the first step; preventing its growth is the most important part. This guide introduces 3 effective ways for how to remove mould from walls and also provides three effective tips for mould prevention. Among these, using a dehumidifier is one of the most effective ways to maintain a mould-free environment. Ready to banish mould for good?
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