Mold on walls is unsightly at best, but at worst it's a sign that there are structural or moisture issues in your home that need to be addressed urgently. For most of us, however, a bit of mold in the bathroom is a common complaint and is often the result of too much moisture in the air combined with poor ventilation - easy things to fix. .
But it's important not to ignore mold on walls: according to the NHS , mold produces allergens that can lead to asthma attacks, sneezing, skin rashes and eye irritation. Or worse, living in humid and poorly ventilated spaces can lead to other health problems like respiratory problems or infections.
If you've seen unsightly mold stains on your walls, we've got the information you need on how to deal with them and steps you can take to ensure they go away for good. .
READ MORE: Improve the air quality in your home with our pick of the best air purifiers
What Causes Mold on Walls?
Essentially, mold thrives in humid conditions, and this moisture can accumulate as a result of activities in your home. We all know the steam and condensation that comes from a long hot shower , but if you have a powerful exhaust fan in your bathroom and open the windows frequently, it tends to dissipate. However, in poorly ventilated or windowless bathrooms, excessive humidity can quickly become a problem.
Similarly, moisture from cooking, such as cooking, can build up in kitchens. B. boiling pots on the counter, quickly accumulate in the air. And if it doesn't get anywhere, it can cling to cold walls and dampen them, which can lead to mold growth. And while it's not surprising that bathrooms and kitchens are major sources of moisture, you might not have thought of one of the often overlooked hidden causes of moisture in our homes: drying clothes. Water from freshly washed clothes drying in tumble dryers or radiators has to go somewhere, but in the dead of winter when all the windows are closed it can collect in the air, causing condensation on the walls and, before you know it, a mold problem.
These indoor sources of moisture are relatively easy to fix, but moisture from outside can also enter our homes and cause damp interior walls. And in these cases, you need some DIY skills or a handyman to help you fix the problem. Common external sources of moisture are leaking gutters and downspouts, tile or plumbing, but there are many other possible causes and if it's not obvious you may need to enlist the help of an expert to get to the root of the problem.
How to remove mold from walls
Washing the walls is the best way to get rid of visible mold growth. And while there are many mold-killing sprays you can buy, a solution of one part bleach to three parts water is an effective mold remover. Be sure to wear rubber gloves and, if possible, use a stiff brush to remove mold from crazing or chipped paintwork.
For a more eco-friendly approach, white vinegar will do the trick. Simply spray onto the area and leave on for at least 20 minutes before rubbing in and rinsing off.
However you decide to deal with mold, be vigilant: rinse and repeat the process to ensure all spores are removed, and always keep the wall as dry as possible.
Depending on the paint finish , black mold can sometimes stain walls and/or your scrubbing may have damaged the paint. If you do need to repaint the area, we recommend waiting a few weeks to make sure the mold is definitely gone so you don't paint the problem.
So make sure it's banned forever
It's worth paying a little more for a specific kitchen or bathroom color when it comes to painting or painting those misty rooms. Look for one that is moisture resistant and has mold or mildew resistant properties. In these high humidity areas, using the right wall paint can help prevent mold problems and if you need to address future mold growth they are a lot cleaner than ordinary emulsions.
Houses need to breathe, we can't stress this enough, so open those windows, even in winter! You don't have to let the house cool down, but take advantage of the hottest part of the day and open a few windows to let the air circulate. Ventilation is key to wicking away moisture and helping your home stay dry and mold free. Make sure the bathroom and kitchen hoods are working properly and are always on when you shower or cook. Never be tempted to stick with draft-powered exhaust fans; Replace them with a more efficient model instead.
When drying clothes indoors, place the dryer next to an open window if possible. You may also consider installing a dehumidifier nearby to remove excess moisture from the air while your clothes dry.
You may need to go to the attic and fix the insulation situation. If it's uneven, it can create cold spots that allow condensation to collect on the ceilings below. And, of course, you need to address any potential external sources of moisture: clean and inspect gutters regularly, and look out for slipped tiles or signs of water damage outside your home.
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