Here’s How to Get Rid of Mould in Your Home

Mould can appear in different areas within your home, especially areas that accumulate moisture. Mould is unsightly and can trigger allergies or bring on even more serious health concerns. Removing mould before it gets out of hand is essential to keeping your home safe. Here are some tips on how to get rid of mould in your home.

Household Mould 101

There are basic types of household moulds, each with their own host of symptoms: 

• Allergenic moulds can trigger allergic reactions and asthma attacks.

• Pathogenic moulds can trigger symptoms in people whose immune systems are compromised. 

• Toxigenic moulds can bring about serious health issues: the most common and serious of these is black mould. Exposure can result in severe headaches, nosebleeds, fatigue, and even breathing difficulties. If the damage is large, you should call in an expert to determine how to get rid of black mould in this particular area of your home. Professional mould remediation may be necessary.

Mould Removal Tools & Materials

Here’s a list of items to have on hand for safe mould removal in your home:

• Mould removers and preventers 

• Disinfectants 

• Breathing protection 

• Eye protection 

• Disposable rubber gloves 

• Stiff bristle brush 

• Sponges 

• Rags 

• Pail 

• Spray bottle

How to Get Rid of Mould on Walls

While wall mould can appear anywhere on the wall, mould on the ceiling is especially common in areas that are damp and may not have good ventilation. There are some excellent commercial mould killers and removers available. You can also follow this DIY method to get rid of mould on walls. Before you start, be sure to keep the area you’re working in well ventilated.

1. Wear protective gear to help prevent health issues or irritation as you remove the mould. 

2. Saturate the mouldy area with a solution that is one-part bleach, three parts water. 

3. Let the solution soak in for 10 minutes before removing it with a scrubbing brush to help clean up the marks caused by the mould. 

4. Spray the area with undiluted white vinegar and let it dry to help kill the roots of the mould and reduce the chance it will return.

IMPORTANT! Bleach and vinegar should never be mixed together.  

Bathroom Mould Removal & Prevention

Your bathroom can be a breeding ground for mould due to poor ventilation, humidity and moisture from shower use. Here’s how to tackle it:

Mould Removal:

• Use a bathroom-specific mould killer or the same DIY method from above 

• Mix baking soda and water into a paste, apply it to the mould for 10 minutes, then scrub it off 

• Note: if there is drywall mould or it appears to be growing beneath tiles, it’s best to call a professional

Mould Prevention: 

• Check for leaky faucets, valves, or clogged drains, and repair any plumbing issues as soon as you find them 

• Reapply grout sealer yearly 

• Make sure the bathroom is properly ventilated 

• Remove excess water from the floor 

• Hang-dry towels and bathmats 

• Use mould-resistant paint 

• Run a dehumidifier or have some moisture-absorbing desiccant somewhere in your bathroom 

• Clean the bathroom weekly including areas underneath bottles where water may accumulate and sit for long periods

How to Get Rid of Mould Around Windows

It is also common to find mould on windows (the wood frames and sills). The condensation that naturally collects on windows offers the perfect conditions for mould to grow. Here’s some easy steps to get rid of it: 

1. Open the window to allow air circulation 

2. Combine a small amount of dish soap, baking soda, and warm water to wipe away any visible mould 

3. Use a plastic scraper to remove any remaining spots 

4. Scrub the area with a mixture of ¼ cup of bleach and one gallon of water, then allow to sit for 15 minutes 

5. Rinse with clean water and allow to dry

How to Get Rid of Mould in Your Washing Machine

Another area that may host mould growth is inside your washing machine, more specifically, the rubber gasket of the washing machine door. A good commercial washing machine cleaner will help inhibit mould growth. Here’s some steps to follow for removal if you do find mould:

1.  Use a mildew remover in a spray bottle to mist over the mould on the gasket 

2. Let the solution sit for a couple of minutes 

3. Run a cycle on the hottest setting with a bit of mould remover added to rinse the drums and hoses within the washer  

4. If you suspect mould behind the drum, call in a qualified repair person

How to Get Rid of Mould in Your Dishwasher

Similar to the washing machine, the humid conditions inside your dishwasher can bring about the growth of mould. Here how to remove it: 

1. Remove the racks to wash and dry separately 

2. Using 2 cups of hot water and ½ cup of distilled white vinegar, cover the mouldy areas, making sure to include any hard to reach areas where mould may be hiding 

3. Scrub the inside of your dishwasher thoroughly with a sponge 

4. Rinse with warm water, then reassemble the racks in the dishwasher and run a high heat wash cycle 

5. Sprinkle a cup of baking soda on the floor of the dishwasher and run a second, high heat cleaning cycle through it

How to Get Mould Out of Your Carpet

Regular carpet cleaning is the best way to prevent the growth of carpet mould. If you suspect mould is present, lift the carpet to check. If the mould is widespread your best option is to discard the carpet. Here’s how to treat smaller mouldy areas: 

1.  Scrub the surface of carpet with a stiff bristle brush to remove spores and if possible, scrub the back as well 

2. Use a carpet-safe anti-fungal spray to saturate the mouldy area (including six inches around it) and let it sit for an hour 

3. Dab with a dry rag to soak up excess moisture (do not add water or use a fan to help the drying process) 

4. Close the windows, turn up the heat, and use a dehumidifier for at least 24 hours 

5. Re-apply the anti-fungal treatment and allow to dry 

6. Run the dehumidifier for several days to remove any mould that may have been released into the air

Mould Test Kits

A mould test kit can help detect the presence of black mould, pollen, and dust mites in your home. This involves submitting a sample to a lab for analysis (a laboratory testing fee may apply.) If you’re experiencing mould-related symptoms call a professional immediately to address the problem. 

Removing mould isn’t fun but taking the time to do it can improve the health of you and your family. It will also help ensure your home always smells fresh and looks great.