It doesn’t matter where you live or work; the unsightly scene of black mould growing on your property should set the alarm belling ringing.
It is a common problem, particularly across Britain, given our climate and the condition of some of our housing stock. The variation in temperature we experience, the prevalence of poor damp-proofing solutions and the lack of knowledge about some simple fixes mean that it is a real problem for some.
Its ability to impact people’s health, and it’s often the tell-tale sign of a far more significant structural issue, means that it should be dealt with as quickly as possible, but it is frequently left to develop.
Here is a guide on black mould and finding a remedy to save your property.
What is Black Mould?
Mould is, to a large degree, just part of life. There are hundreds of strains of mould, and in some cases, they have been beneficial. However, mould that affects properties, like black mould, tends to be found in four main categories and is defined based on the colour it adopts.
Green Mould:
As you would expect, green mould appears green in colour in large patches or spots on various surfaces. It thrives in areas of high humidity or moisture, such as bathrooms, kitchens, or basements below ground.
Different strains, such as Cladosporium, are often found on materials such as wood, textiles and plasterboard. Others, like Aspergillus, are also green in colour and will eat away at your paint while releasing spores into the air. It will usually look fluffy and be found growing on damp walls, the back of cupboards, under carpets, and other damp fabrics.
Some research suggests that strains of green mould can cause sinus infections or inflammation of the lungs, potentially leading to bronchitis.
Blue Mould:
Another regular in the household mould family. It tends to be found around the wet areas of the house, including the bathroom and shower rooms. The steam from the shower provides the perfect breeding ground for mould to flourish.
White Mould:
In contrast to other types of damp, and often taking on a furry appearance, white mould tends to be found in colder surroundings and attaches to damp wood. You are likely to find it in cellars or basements, usually growing up a wall.
It can be confused with the remnants of rising damp, which leaves salt deposits on the wall as the water rises. These are the crystalline deposits known as efflorescence found on brickwork or concrete.
Black Mould:
All types of mould can be harmful, but in general, if treated early enough, with the right approach, there is nothing to worry about. Black mould comes from the same strain as green mould and, more often than not, can be treated similarly.
However, one incredibly challenging strain is Strachybotrys or toxic black mould. While it can be found in the soil, it is often attached to cellulose-rich building materials, such as wood, in damp-affected buildings.
Black mould produces mycotoxins, which are harmful to humans. While invisible to the human eye, the mycotoxins are inhaled or ingested by breathing in the spores floating in the atmosphere.
They can cause various problems, generally around the respiratory system, that can lead to other complications. If you are concerned, you should chat with our team to have the problem investigated.
Mould Spores
Mould produces spores or mycotoxins, which are half the size of a human hair and are invisible to the eye, that drift around in the air inside your house. These asexual allergens reproduce to further the growth of the mould. When they get into your airways or land on your skin, they can lead to several complications.
The Health Problems From Mould?
There are health risks associated with dampness, mould and overexposure to it. It generally affects the lungs and people’s airways, but it can also cause problems for the skin and the eyes.
The risk is more significant for those with pre-existing conditions impacting their respiratory system.
It can lead to serious consequences, and it has, on some occasions, led to fatalities.
The other effect of mould is the mental impact it has on people. The anguish of living in a mould-infested property and the fear of suffering physically from it can affect a tenant’s mental health.
How To Get Rid of Black Mould
There are several approaches to getting rid of black mould; several have been passed down through the generations, and some are relatively successful.
However, as with all our approaches to treating issues relating to dampness, the key is identifying the source and finding the most appropriate solution.
So, here are a few of the best remedies passed down through the generations. Alternatively, you could bring in professional help to deal with the problem.
Treating Black Mould
Now that you have identified the issue, it is time to treat it. As we mentioned, there are several ways to approach the removal and treatment of Black Mould. Many of them you can try yourself, with a few caveats.
Treating Mould
First, it is crucial to clean off the mould that is showing.
To avoid coming into contact with the spores, prepare for cleaning with long rubber gloves, protective glasses, and potentially a mask if you are using bleach.
A few different cleaning solutions can help you clear the area of mould.
Bicarbonate of Soda
Bicarbonate of Soda, or baking soda, is a milder solution for a small mould outbreak on your property. While it has a pH of 8, its mild alkaline nature will restrict further mould growth. It will remove a lot of moisture from the area, working on porous and non-porous materials. Because it contains no harmful chemicals, it is harmless for pets or children in the area.
The most straightforward application is to dissolve half a teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda in four cups of water and then add that to a spray bottle.
Apply it to the surface area and use a wet cloth to remove the mould. Remember to dispose of the cloths used.
The bicarbonate will keep the mould at bay for a while and remove the musty smell; however, it is essential to resolve the environmental conditions that have led to mould forming in the first place.
Vinegar
Another household solution is vinegar. This acidic solution has a pH of around 2.5 and will attack the fundamentals of the mould, breaking it down and killing it. Just as with the Bicarbonate of Soda, this is a natural solution that won’t cause any harm to family or pets.
Simply spray it directly on the affected area, leave it for a quarter of an hour and repeat. Then, wipe away any remaining residue with a damp cloth.
Again, like bicarbonate of soda, vinegar is perfect for a mild outbreak but would not tackle a more aggressive incidence of mould. The main disadvantage of using vinegar is the sharp smell, but this is only temporary.
Bleach
Some householders reach for the bleach when faced with an outbreak of mould. There is nothing wrong with this, as the chlorine in the bleach kills off the mould spores at the source; however, it is less effective on porous surfaces such as wood or plasterboard.
If you are going to use bleach, it is worth preparing for it before you start.
Fill a bucket or basin with water and bleach, and prepare a plastic bag to remove any clothing, toys, or furniture that requires professional cleaning.
Use a disposable cloth dipped in water to wipe away the black mould. It is important to dab the mould away rather than brush it, as brushing will agitate the spores and send them into the air around the room.
Dry the affected area with a dry cloth before you dispose of all the cleaning materials in the bag. Then, ensure the rest of the furniture and all other surfaces are thoroughly cleaned, removing any remaining spores from the room.
To protect the rest of the house, close yourself into the room and open the window to allow the air to flow. Also, keep children and pets out of the area, as exposure to bleach can be harmful.
Specialist Treatment
Finally, you can pitch for specialist products to tackle the mould outbreak. The other approaches are generally odourless and relatively friendly to pets and children. However, they are only suitable for small instances of Black Mould. If the mould starts getting out of hand, you will need something more robust and potentially even professional help.
Again, isolating the area to protect the rest of the house is crucial and preparing your area with disposable bags, gloves, and protective glasses will prevent any issues.
While these treatments, which include household names like Dettoll, can prove very effective in the short term, the mould will almost certainly return unless a preventative measure is taken.
Always seek advice from those selling the products for the best solution, and take the proper measures to prevent the damp from returning.
Preventing Black Mould Returning
While we have discussed some of the treatments for black mould, combining them with preventative treatment is essential to avoid its return. So here are a few ideas on how to avoid the dreaded mould returning.
Black mould is very often the result of condensation and will occur where it can enjoy the three key elements that help it thrive:
- The right material – organic materials like plasterboard, timber, etc
- Dampness
- Oxygen
Bathrooms, kitchens, and anywhere else where excess moisture is caused by higher humidity in the air are perfect breeding grounds for mould.
Good ventilation and maintenance
So, to support your treatment and avoid condensation build-up, some preventative measures will help.
Your bathroom should have an extractor fan to help remove any steam build-up. Make sure it is operating effectively, is on every time someone uses the shower or takes a bath and that the window is open to encourage airflow.
Regularly check that your windows aren’t faulty and let in rainwater, potentially through damaged sealant. Most new windows should come with ventilation; however, if your windows have poor ventilation, try to keep them in a locked open position to ensure a regular flow of air and avoid temperature variations.
If there is excess water, clean it up as quickly as possible to avoid adding to the moisture in the air.
Also, perform a regular check on your rainwater goods around the house. Broken downpipes and gutters are a regular source of dampness and mould.
Finally, monitoring and managing the moisture in the air is essential. It is possible to pick up a moisture meter relatively cheaply for your house so you can monitor the percentage moisture content. You should be aiming for between 30-60% humidity.
How to get rid of Black Mould
So, if you are experiencing black mould, you should act quickly and decisively and put in place the proper measures to prevent its return.
If you want to have a go yourself, there are several DIY approaches that can help; otherwise, ask our team to come in and take a look and eradicate Black mould as soon as you can.