It might initially seem like a bit of imperfection of dirt on your wall. As the days pass, you might notice that dark patch in the corner of your wall growing steadily. That’s when you might’ve figured out the culprit, mould. You’ve probably heard of it accumulating in leftover food for God knows how long, but it can also appear in other forms. Mould can creep through your ceilings, walls, and windows. You’re probably thinking about how to remove it from walls, ceilings, and windows. Luckily, it doesn’t involve a lot of purchases. You’ll mainly need bleach. It’ll help you kill the mould population growing in your walls.
Stick around to get more information on mould removal and prevention.
Where Does Mould Come from?
Before you get your hands dirty, you might want to know how mould found its way to your walls, ceilings, and windows. Mould is a kind of fungus that loves moisture-filled areas. It can thrive in many areas, including drywall, wallpaper, dust, carpets, and insulation. If it grows in your home, you might want to check how well-ventilated that region is. Humid weather and condensation can also be breeding grounds for mould.
In most cases, it takes an open window to keep it at bay. Otherwise, it can sometimes require professional cleaning if it grows within your walls. This could point to a leak or water damage in your walls, so you’ll want to act fast before it causes any structural damage.
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How to Remove Mould from Walls and Ceilings
Getting rid of mould from the ceiling is not only necessary for your house’s hygiene but for your health as well. It can adversely affect your respiratory health, especially if you have a mould allergy. Nevertheless, you can also attempt to remove the mould with these steps. In this case, we believe consulting a professional would be smarter.
Step #1: Prepare Your Cleaning Solution and Working Area
First things first, you need to concoct the mould-killing solution. There are a few options you can choose from. While bleach is a standard solution, it might be too harsh on the walls and cause more damage. Instead, you can opt for a borax and vinegar solution. Mix two tablespoons of borax, a quarter cup of vinegar, and two cups of hot water. These ingredients won’t cause as much harm as bleach and will give off less toxic and headache-inducing fumes.
Now that you have your cleaning solution in a spray bottle, it’s time to prepare yourself with safety goggles, gloves, and a gas mask. Alternatively, you can use baking soda and 3% hydrogen peroxide; for a more natural solution, you can use tea tree oil. Then, depending on the mould-affected region, you can use a ladder to reach the ceiling or wall. Make sure to open a window since you’ll be working with chemicals.
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Step #2: Apply the Solution to Your Walls and Ceiling
Before you get to spraying, take another look at the affected area. Is there paint chipping? These excess chips are infected with the mould and must be scraped off. Afterwards, you can apply your spray solution to the moulded region. You don’t want it to be soaking, where it would accidentally drip on you. If you’re using a vinegar solution, wait around an hour for it to take effect.
Step #3: Scrub the Mould off the Walls and Ceiling
Scrub all the visible mould with the rough side of a sponge. You can also use a hard-bristled brush instead if the mould is too stubborn. While using these tools to wash them out, you must ensure you rinse them out occasionally. You can also use a new cleaning cloth after each scrub. This will help prevent any further mould infestations around your house.
Step #4: Dry the Area
If you leave the cleaned region damp, you’ll risk another mould infestation. Remember, excess moisture equals mould. You can proceed with a couple of options here. If you want to let it air dry, ensure your fan is directly on the wall or ceiling and keep the windows open. On the other hand, you can dry it faster by using a microfiber cleaning cloth. You need to apply pressure on the damp region. Don’t rub the cleaning cloth. Otherwise, you’ll smear the mould around the wall or ceiling.
Step #5: Prevention
To maintain a mould-free space, you might need to repeat this process regularly until the fungus is gone. In the long run, you’ll want to keep the windows open and check for leaks or water damage. If there are any signs of water damage, act on them because it only needs about a day to bloom and get cosy on your walls.
Mould is more common in the bathroom because of the high moisture levels, especially after a hot shower. Always open the windows for at least half an hour to allow the moisture to escape. Try to also keep the tub door open during the shower. If you’re looking for moisture-absorbing tools, use a jar full of desiccant or a dehumidifier. In some cases, if the mould has deeply penetrated your drywall, you might need to replace the entire tile.
How to Remove Mould from Windows
If mould grows on your windows, it would be relatively easier to tackle since it’s a more accessible spot. Here are a few steps to remove the mould.
- Open the windows and vacuum the infested area to give it a good dry clean.
- Spray the mould-removal solution around the window sill.
- Wipe away the mould while rinsing the cloth repetitively.
- Use a dry piece of cloth to blot out any excess moisture.
- Get rid of the infected rags used.
- Repeat when necessary.
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To Conclude
Don’t wait too long if you spot a speck of mould. The earlier you target it, the easier it will be to remove. If it’s dug too deep into your wall, you might need to spend more time and money removing it. The primary process involves preparing the cleaning agent, scrubbing it, and wiping away the excess moisture. By following these steps regularly, the mould should be gone quickly. If it persists, it might be time to leave it to the stain removing professionals.
