You’re heading across the room with a cup of tea, half-distracted by your to-do list, when your eyes land on a fuzzy patch blooming on the wall. You freeze, stare, and the only thought that manages to form is, ‘Brilliant… that’s new.’
Mould has a knack for popping up like a surprise guest who not only arrives uninvited but also takes it upon themselves to redecorate.
But don’t worry; you’ve got plenty of ways to show it the door and make sure it doesn’t sneak back in. Keep reading to learn how you can do this.
Address the Moisture Source
Mould doesn’t show up because it fancies your décor; it appears because conditions are just right—warmth, darkness, and above all, dampness. So, your first job is to track down what’s feeding the problem.
To do this, check for leaks in the roof, pipes, windows, and around sinks or baths. Even a slow drip can create a remarkably cosy holiday home for mould.
Pay attention to condensation, too, especially in kitchens, bathrooms, and rooms where you dry clothes. If you’ve recently experienced flooding, the affected area will need extra attention, as trapped water in walls and flooring can keep things damp far longer than you might expect.
Once you eliminate the moisture, you cut off the mould’s primary lifeline, and the real cleaning can begin.
Apply a Hydrogen Peroxide or Bleach Solution
Now that you’ve tackled the excess moisture, it’s time to get rid of any patches that made their way into your home.
Hydrogen peroxide (3% solution) or a diluted bleach mixture are both strong contenders for the job, and while neither smells particularly lovely, they provide great results.
If you’re using bleach, mix one cup of bleach with about four litres of water. As for peroxide, you don’t need to dilute it.
Either way, pop on gloves, ventilate the area, and resist the urge to wear your favourite top—splashes happen, and mould removal is not a fashion-forward activity.
Now, apply your chosen solution directly to non-porous surfaces, like tiles, metal, or sealed countertops.
Let it sit for around 10 minutes so it can work its magic, then scrub gently with a stiff brush or sponge. Finally, rinse the area with clean water and dry it thoroughly.
A word of caution, though: Never mix bleach and peroxide with other cleaners. Also, don’t use bleach on porous materials, like wood or unsealed grout, as it may only lighten the mould instead of killing it beneath the surface.
Use a HEPA Vacuum for Spores
Even after the visible mould is gone, its microscopic spores may still be lurking, waiting for a chance to sprout.
That’s where a HEPA vacuum comes in. Unlike regular vacuums, which can accidentally puff spores into the air like a tiny, dusty fireworks display, HEPA filters trap them securely.
Use the vacuum after cleaning and drying the area, running it over the floors, carpets, upholstery, and even hard surfaces where dust might have settled.
Go slowly and make sure to clean or replace the filter afterwards so the vacuum doesn’t become a mould storage unit.
If anyone in your home battles allergies or asthma, this step earns gold-star status. Getting rid of those drifting spores means fewer sniffles and a home that’s actually easier to breathe in.
Replace Heavily Infested Porous Materials
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, mould digs in so deep that it simply won’t budge.
Porous materials, like carpets, ceiling tiles, and certain types of wood, absorb moisture quickly, which is why they may turn into a five-star resort for mould colonies. If mould has penetrated these materials, the only option you have is to replace them.
When removing the affected materials, seal them in heavy-duty bags before carrying them through your home. This way, you’ll prevent spores from escaping en route to the bin. Trust us, there’s nothing worse than mould taking a farewell tour through the hallway!
Finally, once the materials are removed, allow the area to dry fully before installing replacements.
Wash Fabrics
Fabrics can be stubbornly absorbent, holding onto mould spores and that musty ‘old attic’ scent long after the original patch is gone. Curtains, bedding, cushions, and even soft toys may all need a wash if they’ve been in a mouldy room.
For the best results, wash your items on the hottest setting recommended for the fabric and use an oxygen-based cleaner.
For delicate fabrics, consider adding white vinegar or baking soda to neutralise odours and lift spores.
In any case, don’t soak fabrics in bleach unless they’re colour-fast and you’re prepared to risk creating tie-dye curtains by accident.
If an item is badly affected or still smells musty after washing, it’s probably best to part ways with it. Some things just aren’t worth the risk of bringing mould back into a freshly cleaned room.
Stay One Step Ahead
Once you’ve cleared the infestation and eliminated the root cause, you’ll want to make sure it stays gone. Here are some strategies to stop mould from gaining a foothold in the first place.
Improve Ventilation and Reduce Humidity
Good airflow is your best long-term solution. So, open your windows regularly, especially when cooking, showering, or drying clothes. If privacy or the weather makes that seem more like an endurance sport, you can use extractor fans instead.
Also, if you can, always keep the humidity between 30% and 50% inside your home. A small dehumidifier works wonders in damp-prone areas, such as basements, bathrooms, and utility rooms.
Even simple habits, like using lids when cooking or wiping down your shower walls, will help you keep moisture in check. Finally, if you notice persistent condensation on your windows or walls, consider upgrading your insulation or installing trickle vents.
Use Mould-Resistant Paint and Materials
If you’ve had to replace sections of drywall or repaint your walls, it’s the perfect moment to upgrade to mould-resistant options. These paints contain additives that prevent mould growth, particularly in moisture-prone spaces.
The same goes for building materials. Moisture-resistant drywall, also known as ‘green board,’ is a smart choice if you have areas that are regularly exposed to humidity.
While it won’t make your walls invincible, it will create an extra barrier that fungus finds far less appealing.
Think of it like giving your walls a protective coat of armour—quietly effective, reliably durable, and much cheaper than dealing with another large-scale clean-up later.
Maintain and Clean Your Home
Routine upkeep may not be thrilling, but it’s one of the best mould-prevention tools you’ve got.
Start with your HVAC system: change the filters regularly, clean the ducts when needed, and make sure that the system is working as it should.
Don’t forget gutters and downspouts. Blocked gutters can cause water to overflow and seep into walls, basements, or foundations. Fortunately, all you need to do is clean them twice a year.
And if the thought of scrubbing vents and hunting down damp corners doesn’t exactly spark joy, there’s no shame in getting cleaning help from a professional service.
Conclusion
Your home deserves better than surprise fungus guests, and you’re fully equipped to evict them.
So, try out our hacks today and don’t let mould even think about making a comeback. A fresher, cleaner version of your space is closer than you think.
