Do you see something that looks like a fuzz or appears to be a stain, smudge or discoloration on your walls?
If so, it is a mould spreading around!
Mould is known to be a menace lurking too often around our homes in Australia.
At last, we miss it, and it goes on spreading unnoticed.
Indoor mould also sometimes referred to as mildew, is a fungal growth that develops on wet materials in interior spaces.
A natural part of the environment, mould plays an important part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees.
Mould reproduces by means of tiny spores. The spores are like seeds, but invisible to the naked eye, that float through the air and deposit on surfaces.
When the temperature, moisture, and available nutrient conditions are correct, the spores form into new mould colonies where they are deposited.
What causes Black Mould?
Sufficient moisture on a surface or humidity in the air are the main causes that lead to mould growth at your home.
However, PaintAccess experts list down some of the most common causes of mould growth at your Australian property.
1 – Leaky walls or roofs (includes blocked gutters and downpipes).
2 – Plumbing leaks.
3 – Poor air circulation (cooking condensation, showering, wet clothes etc).
How to identify Mould-prone areas
1 – Check for water damage on the walls.
2 – Inspect any signs of discolouration or peeling paint.
3 – Look for musty odours.
4 – Keep an eye on high moisture level areas such as bathrooms, kitchen and basement.
5 – Maintain proper ventilation to prevent condensation and moisture buildup.
Harmful effects of Black Mould
Black mould spores are strong allergens and irritants.
Your lungs get irritated, and an allergic reaction is triggered if inhaled.
Increased sneezing, runny nose and sore throat and some more common symptoms of mould attack on us.
Check with your doctor as soon as you suspect something as mould symptoms can be misdiagnosed as a cold or seasonal allergies.
Ignoring these could put you in serious health issues over time and in the long run.
In terms of harmful effects on your property, damage to your house’s structure is another severe consequence that can happen.
Mould goes deeply into your wall’s surfaces, weakening it overtime with unsightly marks.
If let ignored or unchecked, could result in a compromised structure/ ceiling, causing severe damage overtime.
Overtime eating away materials such as drywall and wood, compromising their strength and durability.
PaintAccess recommends regular maintenance and quick action as the key in preventing situations like these.
Tips for Mould Prevention
We at PaintAccess advice you to take precautionary measures to avoid mould growth at your property.
Here are some effective tips to keep those pesky spores off your painted walls for good.
1 – Regular guttering, plumbing as well as roof maintenance as defensive measures against dampness at your home.
2 – Regular check ins on your renders and sealants to stop moisture ingress.
3 – Regular home maintenance as plumbing and central heating are common causes of wall dampness.
4 – Don’t forget to service your boiler once a year.
How do you get mould off painted walls?
The experts at PaintAccess do not recommend using soapy water or any other traditional cleaning products found at your local stores near you.
A special mould spray or a bleach and water mixture is effective against tackling mould on your painted walls.
1 – Mix one part to four parts of water.
2 – Wipe and gently scrub the mould until its gone.
3 – Finish it off by again wiping away the bleach mixture.
4 – Lastly, dry the area well with a soft cloth.
*PRO TIP*
Don’t forget to protect yourself with an eye protection, gloves and a face mask.
We recommend going for an N95 mask, when worn will reduce or minimise exposure to most of the environmental hazards such as mould.
Important *Pro tip*
Test the product in a small area before continuing.
The Best Methods for Mould Removal from walls & ceiling
1 – Keep your windows open to allow good air circulation.
2 – Make use of fans to improve air circulation in enclosed areas.
3 – Take extra preventive measures during a humid day by using humidifier to maintain proper humidity levels. Our recommendation is between 30% to 50%.
4 – Fix any plumbing leakage immediately and as they occur.
How to get rid of mould on the ceiling and stop it from growing back?
Here are a detailed step by step guide by PaintAccess experts for effectively removing mould from painted walls without damaging the existing layer.
We cover different techniques for assessing the extent of the mould growth by mixing cleaning solutions that are easily found at home and specifically tailored for mould removal, gentle scrubbing the affected areas and penetrating underneath the paint if subsurface mould is present.
1 – Mix equal parts of vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
2 – Spray the solution onto the affected ceiling areas and let it stay for a few hours before wiping it off.
*PRO TIP* - The vinegar acidity will help to kill the mould spores and prevent regrowth without the use of harsh chemicals.
3 – Combine baking soda with a few drops of your favourite essential oils such as tea tree or lavender for added anti-microbial properties and a pleasant smell.
*PRO TIP* - Baking soda is an excellent moisture absorbent in preventing mould growth.
4 – Pour concentrated hydrogen peroxide into a spray bottle. Spray directly, then scrub gently, wipe and let it dry.
*PRO TIP* Hydrogen peroxide could also be one of the effective mould killing solutions as it’s anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial.
Keep in mind that hydrogen peroxide acts like a bleach and affects delicate surfaces.
The experts at PaintAccess advice you to use mould-resistant paint or mould inhibitors to paint to reduce mould growth.
Supplies for Removing Mould Growth
- A Bucket filled with warm soapy water.
- Good quality scrubbing brushes (stiff natural or synthetic bristles).
- Any old rag or sponges.
- A good quality paint scraper/ putty knife.
- Detergent or a dish soap.
- White vinegar.
- Garbage Bags.
- Drop cloths/ plastic sheets.
Tips for Containing the Mould area
1 – Seal off the affected area with plastic sheets and tape.
2 – Use proper ventilation with open windows and fans.
|
Humidity levels |
Temperature Range |
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High humidity levels promote mould growth |
Mould spores thrive in temperatures between 77 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit. |
How do I stop mould from coming through my ceiling?
We believe that condensation is one of the biggest causes of mould problems on ceilings.
Due to damp conditions in your bathroom and kitchens, these areas are the worst to suffer mould growth infestation with patches of growth in ceilings where air is more still.
PaintAccess’ tips to prevent mould growth on your ceiling is by:
1 – Drying your clothes outside.
2 – Opening windows and shutting the doors.
3 – Stop over stuffing your bedroom wardrobes and kitchen cupboards.
4 – Get rid of dust mites as soon as possible.
5 – Clean your carpet regularly and promptly.
6 – There is no substitute for proper ventilation.
We recommend:
Can mould on ceiling be fixed?
Here are some of the pointers to keep in mind:
1 – Does your ceiling contain insulation? If it’s your top floor ceiling it should be insulated.
2 – Your attic insulation could lack insulation as its located on the roof sheathing.
3 – Uninsulated Inner ceilings are less likely to support mould growth and easy to fix if mould growth ever occurs.
4 – If your mould growth is because of liquid water intrusion (roof leak) a replacement is recommended.
5 – If your ceiling mould growth is due to condensation, the ceiling can be repaired without replacing it.
Remember
Materials most affected by Mould
1 – Organic materials (wood, paper and fabric).
2 – Porous materials (drywall, plaster and concrete).
Note: Fabrics such as curtains, upholstery and carpets are breeding grounds for mould of not kept dry or properly maintained.
Mould growth quickly spreads if porous materials are exposed to high humidity levels or water damage.
Keep in mind that porous materials with visible mould growth (rotted wood, wallpaper, carpets etc.) cannot be cleaned and should be thrown away instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
1 – What is the fastest way to remove mould from the walls?
With diluted vinegar and a microfibre cloth. If this method doesn’t work, mixing of diluted bleach or commercial product may be required.
2 – Is bleach or vinegar better to kill mould?
Vinegar is a safer choice than bleach. On porous surfaces, vinegar can penetrate deep into the surface pores killing around 82% of it. Moulds on carpets or upholstery may be treated with vinegar for better results.
3 - Can I paint over black mould?
You can’t paint over damp or mould in the hope it will disappear. Even if you use waterproof paint, it can still seep through over time. Depending on the mould growth problem, you could be able to clean the area without repainting it.
4 - Does vinegar remove mould from painted walls?
Spray the vinegar directly on to the affected area, or you could also spray the vinegar on to a rag and then apply it on the mould. Wait for 15 minutes and repeat the process and them finish it off by wiping the area clean with a damp rag.
5 – Will mould come back after using vinegar?
Using vinegar will help eradicate any remaining mould and prevent it from growing back.
6 – What kills mould 100%?
Bleach kills mould 100% as it’s a potent biocide. The bleach’s active ingredient sodium hypochlorite reacts with water to form hypochlorous acid, killing mould by denaturing proteins, inactivating enzymes and destroying other cellular components.
7 – Can a mould grow on painted walls?
Yes, Mould can grow due to condensation on painted walls or other non-porous surfaces. It can be removed by vacuuming, washing with dilute biocide and detergent, cleaning thoroughly, drying and repainting.
8 – Can mould on the walls make you sick?
Yes, mould exposure leads to symptoms such as stuffy nose, wheezing and red or itchy eyes, or skin. People with severe health issues or life-threatening allergies may have intense reactions.
9 – What does a mould cough sound like?
The mould cough is typically dry and non-productive and does not bring up mucus. It is sometimes described as ‘barking’ or ‘hacking’ sound.
Do you need a Mould Removal Professional?
If any of the above-mentioned tips and tricks don’t work out for you.
Visit our website’s directory:
www.paintaccess.com.au/collections/accredited-painters
Our experts will call, schedule, inspect and treat and make sure that your home is kept safe and free from mould for good.
