Guide for homeowners
Dealing with mould in the home can be daunting, but it is essential for your family’s health and your property’s longevity. If you or anyone in your home has breathing difficulties, asthma, allergies, or a weakened immune system, please speak to your GP before tackling a large area of mould yourself. Mould spores can trigger serious health reactions.
Note: If mould covers more than 1 square metre, or keeps coming back quickly, contact your landlord or local council for professional assistance.
Step 1 — Before You Start: Stay Safe
Always protect yourself before cleaning mould. You’ll need:
- Rubber or non-porous gloves
- A face mask — a P2 or FFP2 respirator (not just a paper or cloth mask)
- Safety goggles or glasses
- Old clothing
💡 Tip: Never dry-brush mould. This flicks spores into the air. Always dampen the area before you touch it.
Step 2 — Choose Your Cleaning Method
White Vinegar (Recommended for Walls)
White vinegar is non-toxic, cheap, and kills around 82% of mould types. Unlike bleach, it soaks into porous surfaces like plaster to kill mould at the root.
- Pour undiluted distilled vinegar (at least 5% acidity) into a spray bottle.
- For painted walls, mix 50/50 with water.
- Spray directly onto the mould and leave for at least 60 minutes.
- Gently scrub with a soft brush and wipe clean with a damp cloth.
Household Bleach (Non-porous surfaces only)
Bleach works well on tiles and baths, but it doesn’t soak into plaster. Mix 1 part bleach with 4 parts water, apply, scrub gently, and rinse. Never mix bleach with vinegar.
Step 3 — Redecorating After Mould Removal
Rushing straight to painting is a common mistake. If the wall is still damp, the mould will return.
- Sterilise: Apply a fungicidal wash to kill remaining spores.
- Dry Out: Ensure the wall is completely dry. Use a damp meter if unsure. For a professional assessment, you can contact Alba Damp Property Consulting.
- Breathable Paint: Use a vapour-permeable paint during the drying period to allow moisture to escape.
- Anti-Fungal Paint: Once dry, apply anti-fungal or mould-resistant paints (such as lime-based or silicate paints).
Step 4 — Stop It Coming Back
Mould needs moisture to grow. Here is how to keep it away:
- Keep the Air Moving: Use extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms. Open windows for 15 minutes daily.
- Keep Your Home Warm: Aim for 18–21°C. Cold walls are more likely to develop condensation.
- Furniture Spacing: Leave a 5–10 cm gap between furniture and external walls to allow air circulation.
- Fix Leaks: Check for penetrating damp from external cracks or leaking pipes.
| Task | Action |
|---|---|
| Cleaning | White vinegar (60 mins), scrub. |
| Safety | Gloves, FFP2 mask, goggles. |
| Painting | Apply fungicidal wash and wait for full drying. |
| Prevention | Heat home to 18-21°C, use fans. |
For more professional guidance on damp and mould issues in the UK, visit adpc.co.uk.
https://www.gov.scot/publications/repairing-standard-statutory-guidance-private-landlords/pages/11