Why it grows
Mould grows where there is damp air, little sun and no air movement: behind cupboards, in corners, bathrooms, and on cloth, leather and carpets that stayed wet. Cleaning the mould without drying the place will let it come back, so dry first and clean second. If a wall keeps getting wet from a leak or from rain, the leak needs repair, since cleaning alone will not fix it.
Cleaning safely
- Open windows and doors, wear a mask, gloves and old clothes, and keep children, pets and anyone with asthma or allergies away while you clean.
- Dry the area with fans and fresh air first. Take carpets, cushions and mats out into the sun and air if you can.
- Wipe hard surfaces with a cloth and soapy water, then dry. Throw the cloth away or wash it hot afterwards.
- If you use bleach, use it only on hard surfaces, never mix it with any other cleaner, and especially not with acids or ammonia, because the mix makes a poisonous gas.
When to call a cleaning team
- A large area of mould, or mould in the walls and ceilings of several rooms.
- Mould deep in sofas, mattresses or large carpets that you cannot dry yourself.
- Anyone at home has a cough, wheeze or allergy that gets worse in the damp area. See a doctor as well.