Mould can be an unsightly and potentially dangerous problem to deal with in the home, but a property expert has shared how you can deal with it without using chemicals. Lucy Steele, paint and interiors expert at Valspar Paint, shared a simple trick that will help remove damp from your walls, preventing the growth of mould.
Mould thrives in cold and damp areas with minimal ventilation. Not getting rid of mould effectively can lead to a number of health issues, including respiratory problems. Mould forms when mould spores, which are naturally present in the environment, land on a surface and find a moist, warm environment with organic matter to grow in.
Lucy suggested using white vinegar as a natural alternative; however, it depends on the root cause of the problem. How you fix the damp depends on the cause of the problem.
If you think your exterior wall or roof is damaged or you have rising damp, call a specialist who will help identify the cause and fix the problem.
However, if it’s something you can tackle at home, try using white vinegar for areas of mould found on porous surfaces. This trick is especially useful if the damp has extended below the surface.
The vinegar will penetrate to kill the mould and mildew at the root, preventing it from regrowing. White vinegar, due to its acidity level, is a great natural remedy.
Its low pH level disrupts the growth of mould species and breaks down its structure. According to The Spruce, vinegar can kill up to 82% of mould species, but it is a slow-acting process, and some discolouration could be left behind.
It’s important to note that vinegar cannot be used on any and all surfaces where mould lurks.
Do not use vinegar to clean the following surfaces, as noted by The Spruce:
- Stone—Marble, granite, and limestone countertops and floors.
- Wood—Vinegar can harm the protective polyurethane finish.
- Electronic screens—Vinegar damages the screen’s anti-glare filter and touch responsiveness.
- Some metals—Avoid using vinegar to clean aluminium, copper, and stainless steel.
- Highly porous surfaces—Vinegar may not be able to reach all the mould growing in very absorbent, porous materials, such as ceiling tiles and carpet.
The experts at Valspar Paint have also shared some handy tips for preventing damp from coming back in the future. Repairing leaks and managing ventilation in your home to get rid of condensation inside windows, for example, is key to preventing black mould from growing.
Keep problem areas like bathrooms, kitchens, or laundry rooms heated. This will help reduce the chances of mould growth, simply because mould has an ideal temperature and moisture range in which to live and thrive.