Indoor household mould very commonly occurs on painted surfaces such as walls, ceilings, painted doors, and window frames. Mould is very visible on these surfaces and if left over a period of time without treatment may very likely stain the surface particularly white plasterboard.
Follow these easy step by step instructions for removing and treating mould infestation on your walls and wooden surfaces.
Cleaning Mould from Walls & Wooden Surfaces
1. Personal Safety: To avoid inhalation and direct contact with mould and spores. Wear a mask to avoid inhaling the spores that become dislodged during cleaning. Wear goggles especially when cleaning a ceiling where you are looking upwards. Wear gloves.
2. Brush: Clear away surface spores by brushing over the surface with a clean, soft sponge or towel. This will help to clear the surface for the treatment of mould that is more difficult to remove.
3. Mould Treatment: Lightly spray the entire surface with your mould solution. Your solution may be a DIY Oil of Cloves for Mould solution or alternatively a solution that removes stains as well as killing mould, our Oil of Cloves Wall & Ceiling Mould Cleaner.
4. Remove: Once you have sprayed the entire surface, go over with a clean, damp cloth to remove mould, spores and excess residue.
5. Repeat: When treating for the first time, it is highly recommended to repeat the mould treatment again the following day.
Cleaning Mould from Ceilings
For ceilings and hard to reach areas follow the steps above using a clean sponge mop instead of a cloth.
Tough Mould on Walls & Wooden Surfaces
1. Pre Cleaning Solution: Very mouldy surfaces can be cleaned with a solution of vinegar and bicarb first. However, this solution is not suitable for polymarble surfaces as acid from the vinegar will affect the polymarble.
2. Spot Test First: Given the range of different paints and finishes it is always a good idea to spot test this solution on an inconspicuous area first.
3. Walls: Wet a clean cloth with white vinegar and lightly sprinkle with bicarb. Wipe over surface with the cloth. Go back over the surface with a clean, damp sponge to remove mould and residue in preparation for the mould treatment.
4. Ceilings: Use a stiff broom covered with a stocking. Wet the broom head with white vinegar and lightly sprinkle with bicarb. Scrub gently over the ceiling with the covered broom head. Go back over the ceiling with a clean, damp sponge mop to remove mould and residue in preparation for the mould treatment.
Persistent or Recurring Mould
Persistent Mould: If you can still see mould after cleaning and treating the surface it is most likely to be stained rather than mould. You can try cleaning the surface again using the ‘Pre-Cleaning Solution’ discussed above under ‘Tough Mould’ or use the Oil of Cloves Wall & Ceiling Mould Cleaner which is formulated to help lift staining as well as treat mould.
Recurring Mould: Mould that is successfully removed but then reappears quickly points to an underlying cause. During the rainy season or particularly wet and damp conditions, it may be a matter of regularly treating wall & ceiling surfaces for mould until the season passes.
If it is not environmental and the mould recurs there is likely to be a problem in the building which is causing dampness and mildew. There are consultants that can test for mould in your home and give advice on what will need to be repaired or removed.
Preventing Mould on Walls & Wooden Surfaces
I hope that you have found this article helpful for treating mould on your walls and ceilings. For strategies that help to prevent mould from growing, you may be interested in reading our blog ‘Good Home Hygiene Tips for Mould on Walls & Ceilings’. If you have found this article useful or know of someone that would, please share it on our social pages.
Leave a comment