The ‘dangerous and expensive’ reason you must never paint over mould in your home – three tips to tackle it instead
THINGS are heating up and many households may be wondering what to do when mould creeps its way back into homes.
If left untreated growing mould can be harmful to your health.
The NHS warns that inhaling or touching mould spores could trigger allergic reactions or even cause more serious health issues, such as bronchitis and asthma attacks.
Your first instinct when spotting mould may be to simply paint over it but it is probably one of the worst things you can do.
Expert Michael Rolland from The Paint Shed says: “Painting over mould does not get rid of the problem, it only temporarily hides it.
“Mould spores can penetrate through paint, leading to continued growth beneath the surface.”
“It’s not just your health you need to watch out for, though painting over mould can cause structural damage to the affected area.”
Michael explains mould is an issue which needs to be treated with more than just a lick of paint.
He said: “Mould weakens surfaces over time, leading to the potential deterioration of walls, ceilings, and other structures.”
“Ignoring the underlying issue of mould growth can result in costly repairs later down the line that could cost you hundreds of pounds to fix.”
“It’s crucial for homeowners to understand that mould thrives in moist environments, often indicating underlying moisture problems such as leaks or inadequate ventilation.”
Can I use anti-mould paint?
Anti-mould paint is a preventative measure which means it will stop mould growing in the future but this doesn’t help you if you already have a mould issue.
Michael says: “Properly dealing with the underlying moisture issues, and possibly even consulting with a professional mould specialist, is essential to solve your mould problem.”
How to deal with mould at home?
If you’re looking to tackle mould at home, you’ll want to tackle both the cause and the symptoms.
When dealing with mould you must clean the affected area thoroughly.
Micheal says: “For non-porous surfaces, a solution of one part bleach to three parts water can be effective.”
“Apply the solution, let it sit for 10 minutes, and then thoroughly rinse and dry the area.”
“For porous surfaces, however, consider using a mixture of vinegar and water, as bleach can damage these materials.”
How to prevent mould?
Ventilation
Mould is often caused by excess moisture in the home, the best way to beat this is to ensure your home is properly ventilated.
Open windows when you can especially when you have wet clothes drying or you are cooking.
Dehumidifiers
You can buy devices such as dehumidifiers which work to remove excess moisture from your home.
Electric dehumidifiers are great at removing mould and damp but they go for between £30 to £300.
Non-electric dehumidifiers which cost around £2, work well too but you will need to swap them out regularly.
Experts
In extreme cases of dampness and mould, it’s best to keep the windows open to allow airflow, consider using an anti-mould treatment to tackle the problem.
You can seek out an expert and if you are renting speak to your landlord about fixing the issue.
How can I remove mould if it's already there?
THERE are several easy and low-cost ways to remove mould from your home.
Bleach is usually all you need if you neither own nor want to buy specialised cleaning sprays and paints.
If using bleach, mix four parts of water with one part of bleach.
You’ll also need a stiff brush, a bucket of water with cloth, and another cloth for drying.
Apply your solution to the affected areas, including a few inches around the visible mould to kill any mould not yet visible.
Scrub it firmly with a strong brush.
Wait as long as possible or until the mould disappears from sight and rinse the treated areas thoroughly.
Pat dry the area and allow it to completely dry before moving any furniture or placing items in front of it.
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