Spotting mould on your walls is never a good feeling. It’s often more than just a surface stain – it can spread, smell, and even affect your health. The tricky part is, most people jump straight in with the wrong stuff or skip steps that matter.
This guide pulls together the most useful dos and don’ts of cleaning mould off walls. You’ll get practical, no-nonsense tips, a few common pitfalls to avoid, and advice that helps you stop mould from coming back in the first place.
1. DO: Ventilate the Area
Mould thrives in stale, damp air – so fresh airflow makes a big difference. Open windows wide while cleaning, and if you’ve got an extractor fan, switch it on too. This helps clear out spores stirred up during scrubbing and dries out the space quicker. After cleaning, keep the air moving where you can – even propping a door open helps. It’s a small step that often makes a big difference.
2. DON’T: Use Bleach on Porous Surfaces
Bleach might seem like a quick fix, but it barely soaks in, especially on things like plaster or untreated wood. It’ll often lighten the mould, not remove it. Worse still, it can damage the surface and make things harder to treat later. You’re better off using a mould-specific cleaner or a white vinegar solution – something that can soak in a bit and deal with the problem properly.
3. DO: Dispose of Contaminated Materials Properly
Once you’ve cleaned the walls, don’t hang onto anything that’s been heavily exposed to mould – it could still be carrying spores. That includes things like clothes, old wallpaper, or flaking paint. Bag them up tightly, seal the bag, and get rid of it with your regular waste. It’s a small step, but it helps prevent mould regrowth. Cleaning mould off walls doesn’t stop with scrubbing – proper disposal makes a real difference if you want the problem to stay gone.
4. DON’T: Mix Cleaning Chemicals
Mixing cleaning products might seem like a shortcut, but it’s a really risky move. Certain combinations – like bleach and vinegar – can release toxic fumes that are seriously harmful to breathe in. If you’re after effective mould cleaning methods, pick one solution and stick with it. For instance, white vinegar on its own is often more than enough for non-porous surfaces. So, when learning how to clean mould off walls safely, keeping it simple is the smartest and safest way to go.
5. DO: Check for the Root Cause
You could scrub all day, but if the moisture’s still there, the mould will be too. It usually sneaks in through leaks, rising damp, or condensation build-up. So, have a proper look around skirting boards, window frames, and any cold corners where damp tends to cling. Fixing what’s feeding the mould – whether it’s a leaky pipe or poor insulation – is the only way to stop it coming back.
In some cases, upgrading the surface itself can help too. Energy efficient wall coatings, for instance, can add an extra layer of protection that helps keep internal walls warmer and drier, especially in older homes that struggle with cold spots.
6. DON’T: Scrape Dry Mould
It might feel satisfying to just grab a scraper and go at it, but dry mould flakes easily – and that’s a problem. Disturbing it without dampening first can send invisible spores floating through your home, landing on other surfaces and starting the whole cycle again. If you’re serious about cleaning mould off walls properly, mist the area lightly with water first to weigh down the spores. It’s a simple trick, but it’s one of those mould removal tips that stops things getting worse before they get better.
7. DO: Dry the Area Completely
Once the wall’s clean, don’t just walk away – moisture is mould’s best friend. Leaving the area damp, even slightly, gives spores the perfect excuse to come straight back. Use fans, open windows, or a dehumidifier to help things dry out properly. It’s one of the most effective mould cleaning methods, and it takes very little effort. Keeping things bone-dry is key if you want your hard work to last.
8. DON’T: Just Paint Over It
Painting over mould might cover it up for now, but it won’t solve the problem – and it often makes things worse. The mould keeps growing underneath, pushing through fresh paint in no time. Worse still, you’re sealing in moisture and giving it exactly what it needs to thrive. If you’re wondering how to clean mould off walls properly, start with treatment – not a paintbrush. Only repaint once everything’s dry, mould-free, and primed with a mould-resistant product. That’s the real way to stop it from showing up again.
9. DO: Monitor for Regrowth
Even after a thorough clean, mould has a sneaky way of creeping back. So it’s a good idea to keep an eye on high-risk areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and anywhere that’s had problems before. Regular spot checks help you catch small patches early – before they turn into a bigger issue. It’s not about being obsessive; just a quick look now and then. If you’ve followed these mould removal tips, chances are you’re in good shape. But early action is still your best defence against future trouble.
10. DON’T: Overlook Preventative Measures
Getting rid of mould is only half the job – stopping it from coming back is where the real win is. Skipping prevention steps usually means you’ll be scrubbing again in a few weeks. Use extractor fans when cooking or showering, open windows regularly, and check for hidden damp spots during wet weather. These habits don’t take much effort, but they go a long way. If you’re after safe mould removal that lasts, this bit matters just as much as the cleaning itself – maybe even more, in some cases.
So, cleaning mould off walls isn’t just about elbow grease – it’s knowing what helps and what hurts. These simple do’s and don’ts give you a clearer picture of how to clean mould off walls the right way. From proper ventilation to knowing when to call it quits on DIY, each tip helps you take back control of your space.
But if the mould keeps coming back, or you’re worried it’s deeper than it looks, don’t wait it out. Whether you’re dealing with persistent problems with mould or thinking about longer-term fixes like our damp proofing services, at Home Energy Save GB, we’re here to help.