Traces of Mould on the Walls: How to Tackle the Problem at the Source
Mould on the walls appears in the form of little black stains that spread quite quickly. These are microscopic fungi that create halos or even moss and are characterized by a musty smell. Several factors can cause this mould, but there are solutions for dealing with it permanently.
The causes of the appearance of mould on the walls
Excessive moisture is one cause of the appearance of mould. Most contemporary houses are now well insulated, but if your home isn’t sufficiently ventilated, traces of mould can appear on the walls.
Water damage or flooding can also lead to their appearance. In addition, water infiltration in the walls or floors and capillary rise are also factors in the spread of mould.
Where can mould be found?
Traces of mould can be found in the rooms that are most exposed to moisture, such as the bathroom or the kitchen, as well as the basement.
These fungi don’t just attack the walls; you can also discover them on fabrics and in tile or window joints.
How to clean mould from the walls
There are several possible solutions for cleaning mould from the walls. Here are a few of them:
- With ammonia or isopropyl alcohol, which is a solvent and a powerful disinfectant. Just soak a cloth in it, scrub, rinse, and dry quickly.
- With borax powder or soda crystals. Protect your hands and open the windows, mix the chosen product with hot water, soak a sponge in it, rinse, and dry.
- With bleach. This is the most effective solution. Protect your hands and scrub the wall with a sponge soaked in cold water and bleach, rinse, and dry. You can also spray this solution directly on the wall.
- With hydrogen peroxide or pure vinegar. Spray it on the wall, scrub with a cloth, rinse, and dry.
How to prevent mould from reappearing
By solving the moisture problems in your home, you can prevent the appearance of new mould stains on your walls.
For a ventilation problem, you’ll need to improve the air circulation in your house by regularly opening your windows and installing a mechanical ventilation system. A professional can recommend the one that will suit your home the best.
For damp rooms, using an electric or chemical moisture absorber can combat excess moisture. If you have a water infiltration or capillary rise, you’ll need to consider drying the walls, injecting resin into the walls, or applying an anti-moisture surface treatment. Call a professional if you’re considering this type of work.
It’s also possible to drain your land or basement or to install a waterproof membrane around the foundations.
Why is it important to clean mould?
Cleaning mould is essential for keeping your home clean and healthy. Indeed, it can cause allergic reactions; irritate your eyes, nose, or throat; and lead to breathing problems or even mycosis.
From an aesthetic standpoint, mould stains or halos aren’t pleasant to look at. In addition, mould degrades the wall coverings and joints. It’s also responsible for the appearance of cockroaches.
Cleaning mould shouldn’t be neglected: it’s dangerous for your health and it deteriorates your house. If you’re unable to get rid of it, don’t hesitate to call on professionals who will be able to advise you and propose effective solutions.
