Mould is a frequent issue in both residential and commercial properties that can become quite a hassle if left unattended. Mould can be caused by various factors, including floods, one of the most common reasons. Not only can mould cause health problems, but it can also damage the paint on walls and other surfaces. If you need to remove mould from your walls without causing harm to the paint, this is the right place for you to find effective solutions. This article will cover different methods for removing mould and weigh their advantages and disadvantages. Additionally, we’ll provide advice from a cleaning expert on how to remove mould effectively. Read on to learn more.
Why Mould Should Be Addressed in a Timely Manner
When dealing with mould, time is of the essence. Mould spores are easily spread through the air and can land on furniture or your child’s room murals within minutes after being released from one infestation area. If you act slowly, the problem might become better than initially thought and could require professional help to eliminate it.
Furthermore, leaving mould untreated may cause damage to the structure of your home or business building if not taken care of properly. As the fungi feed off dampness and moisture-rich areas like walls or ceilings, there’s a risk that rot could set in over time if not addressed immediately upon discovery.
Mould has also been linked to numerous health problems, including skin irritation, headaches, coughing fits and respiratory illnesses like asthma attacks, all conditions which could be avoided by promptly removing any signs of infestation at home or work. Allergies are another major concern related to mould since some species produce allergens which may worsen symptoms for those who suffer from them already.
Effective Methods to Remove Mould From Walls
Mould can pose both aesthetic and health risks to your home, but there are solutions to prevent it. You can easily remove mould with the proper cleaning methods without damaging your wall’s paint. Read on for tips from a professional house cleaner on effectively removing mould from walls without damaging the paint.
- Clean the Surface. Start by thoroughly cleaning the affected area with warm soapy water and a soft-bristled brush or cloth, ensuring it gets into all the crevices. This will help loosen any dirt and debris trapped in the mould spores, allowing them to be more easily removed.
- Use Vinegar. White vinegar is an effective natural disinfectant that kills mould spores and many other bacteria and viruses. Mix one part white vinegar with three parts water in a spray bottle and lightly mist the affected area until completely saturated. Wait 15 minutes after applying the cleaning agent before wiping it down from the surface for the best results.
- Use Baking Soda. Baking soda is another natural disinfectant that removes mould from walls without damaging paint finishes as long as used properly. To create a paste, combine baking soda with warm water. Apply to the affected area using your hands or the brush applicator tool you can find in the closest hardware store. Rub gently yet firmly until all the mould has been removed, then wipe clean with a damp cloth or sponge afterwards.
- Use Hydrogen Peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide works great for removing stubborn mould from walls without causing damage due to its bleaching properties. It works great for breaking down organic matter such as mould spores without harming surfaces like paint finishes (make sure not to use hydrogen peroxide on porous surfaces like wood). Mix three percent hydrogen peroxide solution with equal parts water in a spray bottle, then apply liberally onto affected areas before wiping clean with a damp cloth or sponge.
- Rinse Well. Finally, after using any of these methods above (or even if you choose not to), always rinse any residual soap or cleaner residue left behind with warm water before drying completely with an absorbent towel or cloth. This will help ensure that no further mould growth occurs due to leftover residue being left behind on surfaces which can serve as food sources for further mould growth if left unchecked!
Pros and Cons of Each Method
When removing mould from walls, a few different methods can be used. Each has pros and cons, so it is vital to consider them all carefully before beginning the job.
Warm Soapy Water
Warm soapy water is a gentle yet effective option for cleaning walls with mould. The mild detergent will help break down dirt or grime on the surface, while the warm water will help loosen and lift away any accumulated mould spores. This method is safe for most paint finishes and requires no special equipment or products. The downside is that it may take longer to clean than some other options.
White Vinegar
White vinegar is an acid-based cleaner that can kill off mould spores without damaging paint finishes. It can also penetrate porous surfaces like carpets or fabrics, making it ideal for removing mould from more difficult-to-reach areas. However, some people find the smell of white vinegar unpleasant and may not be suitable for certain paints or surfaces.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is another natural option for cleaning walls with mould. Its mildly abrasive texture helps scrub away any dirt or grime on the surface without damaging paint finishes, while its alkaline pH kills off most types of moulds in minutes. In addition, baking soda leaves no harsh odours after use and requires no special equipment or tools to use effectively. While this approach can be effective, it may necessitate a surface being treated multiple times to eradicate mould completely, making the process lengthy and physically demanding.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a powerful oxidising agent that can kill off stubborn moulds deep within porous materials like carpets or fabrics and hard surfaces like walls or floors without damaging painted finishes. Using hydrogen peroxide should be avoided unless absolutely necessary. This is because of its corrosive character, which can cause damage to surfaces when used incorrectly. Also, leaving it on a painted area too long before rinsing with water may lead to discolouration.
Final Thoughts
Mould removal isn’t something anyone enjoys, but having the right information and supplies on hand makes the process much easier. By following our domestic cleaning expert steps and using an appropriate cleaning solution tailored towards your wall’s finish type, you can effectively remove mould without risking damage or discolouration of your walls.