How to Remove Mould from Ceilings
The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that 10%-50% of Australian homes are affected by dampness and mould. Knowing how to remove mould from ceilings, walls, and other affected areas of your home can keep your indoor air quality good and protect your household from a range of health problems.
If you have a mould problem in your home, it is important to remove the mould as soon as possible. If you’re wondering how to remove the mould using home remedies or enlist the help of mould removal experts, this guide on how to remove mould from ceilings will provide you with all the information you need.
Before You Remove Mould from Ceilings
What Is Mould?
Mould is a type of fungus that grows in damp, warm, and humid conditions. Mould spores are found almost everywhere, outdoors and indoors. If moisture accumulates, mould growth will often occur on indoor surfaces.
What Causes Mould on Ceilings and Walls?
Mould comes in all shapes and sizes and often appears as fuzzy patches on walls or ceilings. Green mould, most commonly found in Australian homes, thrives in warm, damp environments like bathrooms, kitchens, walls, and basements.
In addition to green mould, many different types of mould exist, and they all have the potential to cause health problems.
The fact that 1 in 3 people are affected by mould in Australian homes is no surprise as Australia is no stranger to floods, high moisture, and extreme humidity. These conditions are an ideal breeding ground to facilitate mould growing on walls, ceilings, and other surfaces such as:
- Furniture
- Carpets
- Plumbing
- Fabrics
- Timber
- Food
The Health Risks Of Continuous Exposure To Mould In The Home
Recently, Amie Skilton, a 42-year-old Aussie woman, was diagnosed with dementia as a result of exposure to mould in her apartment in Manly.
After a renovation, waterproofing in the shower was compromised and water was leaking under the carpet and through the apartment with every shower use. After a few months, her symptoms escalated from allergies to trouble focusing, working, and recalling information.
Eventually, Amie was diagnosed by a neurologist with inhalational Alzheimer’s as a result of the black mould that had built up under the carpet.
How Can You Test Your House For Mould?
Although it is difficult to determine when you should call an expert to remove mould from ceilings, there are some obvious signs that it is time to get help.
- You can see the mould growing on the ceiling or walls (Black spots on your ceiling, walls, furniture, etc are all indications of a mould problem).
- There is a strong smell of dampness or mustiness in the air
- You have a history of asthma or allergies and they are getting worse
- You have children who are frequently sick with upper respiratory infections
When mould isn’t visible but a musty smell is present, it’s time to get a professional mould inspection.
How Can I Prevent
Mould is a pesky problem that can easily be eliminated in a home by following a few simple steps. Here are four methods for getting rid of mould permanently:
- Use a dehumidifier: Mould thrives in moist environments, so a dehumidifier can help to eliminate the mouldy smell and build-up of moisture in a home.
- Use an air purifier: Mould can produce a variety of allergens, including mould spores, which can trigger asthma attacks and other respiratory problems. A quality air purifier can help to remove these allergens and reduce the risk of mould growth.
- Eliminate leaks: Repair plumbing leaks and install exhaust fans in your bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms.
- Clear gutters: Ensure your gutters and downspouts are clear and can properly drain water away from your home’s foundation.
5. Let the sun and air in: Properly ventilating your home using extractor fans or by opening windows helps to prevent mould growth. Mould also hate sun so open those blinds!
Is Mould On Ceilings Dangerous?
We’ve already determined that mould in carpets can cause significant harm to your health. Mould can also cause headaches, fatigue, and memory loss, and exposure can worsen existing respiratory conditions or lead to new respiratory symptoms.
But, what about how to remove mould from ceilings?
Mould on ceilings is a common problem in homes. It can often be found in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms because these areas are regularly damp. Plumbing and roof leaks can also cause mould on ceilings.
The spores that cause the growth of mould can cause health problems, especially in children and elderly people. If you have mould growing on your ceiling or in your home, you should definitely look into removing the mould as soon as possible.
How to Remove Mould from Ceilings
When mould is discovered on the ceiling, it can be especially frustrating because you may not know where it came from. Thankfully, there are several different mould removal home remedies on how to remove mould from ceilings.
Removing Mould From Ceilings Using Bleach
Does bleach kill mould? Studies have shown that bleach can kill mould on hard surfaces like tiles. However, Queensland Health advises that it may not be effective in removing mould from porous surfaces.
For this process, you’ll need gloves, a scrub brush or cloth, bleach water, and a container to hold the bleach solution.
- Mix one part bleach with two parts water.
- Soak a clean cloth in the bleach solution and wipe down your ceiling. (use the scrubbing brush for tougher stains)
- You may have to repeat this process a few times before all of the mould is removed, but once you do, your ceiling should look cleaner than before.
Removing Mould From Ceilings Using Clove Oil
Lisa Bentley of Lisa’s Eco Cleaning says clove oil is key to killing mould spores but shouldn’t be ingested as it can be toxic to humans and pets.
- Put 1/4 teaspoon of clove oil into a litre of water. Excessive clove oil can discolour surfaces.
- Use a spray bottle to lightly mist it onto the mould, then leave it for 24 hours.
- Prepare a white vinegar and water solution with three parts vinegar to two parts water.
- After 24 hours, wipe the ceiling down with the white vinegar and water mixture and let air dry.
Removing Mould From Ceilings Using Vinegar
- Fill a large spray bottle with white vinegar.
- Thoroughly cover all the mouldy areas of the ceiling with the white vinegar spray
- Allow the vinegar to sit for an hour in order to break up the mould.
- Using warm water and a scrub brush, scrub the mould away.
- Wipe the surface clean with clean warm water and a cloth.
Is Bleach Or Vinegar Better To Kill Mould?
Bleach and vinegar are both great at killing mould. But they also have their own pros and cons when it comes to how to remove mould from ceilings.
The main difference between them is that vinegar doesn’t damage paint; bleach does. So if your ceiling is painted, then you should stick with vinegar. However, if your ceiling is bare wood or plasterboard then bleach can be a better choice as it will remove the mould but not damage your existing paintwork. Always spot test before using bleach on anything.
Removing Mould From Ceilings Using Mould Removal Spray
Available at Bunnings and other hardware stores, 30 SECONDS Mould Off cleans, sanitises, and deodorises without harsh scrubbing.
- Spray 30 SECONDS Mould Off on the parts of the ceiling you’d like to remove the mould from.
- Let the solution sit on the ceiling for no more than five minutes.
- Wipe off the ceiling with a clean cloth to remove mould from the ceiling.
How to Remove Mould From Ceilings Using Anti Mould Paint
Also available at Bunnings, anti mould paint has been specially formulated to discourage mould and mildew growth. If mould is left untreated, mould will often leave a dark stain on paint that cannot be removed. Consequently, it would be necessary to paint over the stains. In such situations, it is best to use a paint that is specifically designed to inhibit future mould growth.
- Clean the area where the mould is growing with a soft cloth and warm water with soap (or use one of the methods above)
- Once clean, allow the area to dry completely before applying any anti mould paint.
- Use a paint roller to apply the required number of coats of the anti mould paint to your ceiling.
- Let the ceiling dry for 24 hours.
Precautions To Take When Cleaning Mould From Ceilings
Mould can be dangerous to breathe in so it’s recommended that you take the necessary precautions when doing so. Recommendations include:
- Protective eyewear
- N95 Respirator Mask
- Dispose of used cloth, sponges, etc to avoid mould spores spreading
- Place sheets on the floor and cover furniture to ensure none of the cleaning solutions or paint damage your belongings or home.
If you suspect that you have mould in your home, it’s important to get rid of it before it becomes a problem!
Whether you’re looking for ways to get rid of unsightly mould stains before selling your home or just looking for ways how to remove mould naturally, there’s a method for you.
If removing mould from your ceilings is a bigger job than you’re able to handle on your own, book a home cleaning service online.
Book a home cleaning service or end of lease cleaner online instantly!
Book a home cleaning service or end of lease cleaner online instantly!
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