Black mould is infamous for its noticeable green-black appearance, toxic mycotoxin spores and an unpleasant musty smell. So if you notice it begin to grow on the walls around your home, it may be cause for concern.
Finding black mould on your walls may mean larger plumbing issues, unnoticed water damage or the result of moisture build-up in unventilated areas. Whatever the cause it’s important to know when to call in a professional mould removal team. Read on to find out more about what causes black mould on your walls and how you can prevent it.
What Causes Black Mould on Walls?
Black mould is caused by one thing: moisture. When there is a moisture build-up in the air and comes into contact with any surface, mould will inevitably begin to grow. The most common areas where this is likely to occur are the kitchen, bedroom and bathroom, particularly when moisture or condensation appears on the walls or window sills.
When mould appears on walls it is very difficult to stop the spores from rapidly spreading, forming new colonies around the space and travelling through the rest of the house.
What are the Signs of Black Mould on Walls?
Once black mould finds its way onto the surface it can spread rapidly, releasing trillions of mould spores within a matter of days. At first black mould may not be visible, but you will know if you have a mould problem when you find green-black spots appear on wall surfaces. These may also be accompanied by:
- Musty smell
- Moisture or condensation
- Water damage or leaking pipes
- Cracked or peeling paint
- Bulging and discolouration
Black Mould on Bathroom and Kitchen Walls
It’s no surprise that black mould loves to creep its way into these areas of the household, they are both areas where high levels of moisture and humidity are in abundance. If you pair a damp atmosphere, condensation and steam with poor ventilation then mould will surely follow.
Black mould is usually found in the following places:
- Walls and ceilings around or over the bath and shower
- In between tiles on kitchen splashbacks – especially in the cooking areas
- Behind doors or along window ledges
- Under the kitchen sink
- In appliances with exposure to moisture or are not cleaned and dried regularly
Using ventilation and exhaust fans as well as a dehumidifier (especially in high-humidity climates) can help remedy the chances of mould growth within these areas. If you suspect that a larger problem is causing mould growth, such as leaking pipes or water damage, then reach out to a professional mould removal service team.
Black Mould on Bedroom Walls
Bedrooms are often placed within the colder areas of the household and are sometimes not well-ventilated. With higher chances of condensation build-up, there is more of a chance of black mould to appear on the walls and window sills.
Mould growth in the bedroom can quickly spread from the walls to the wardrobe and into your clothing and personal belongings. It can also severely disrupt the air quality of the room and cause respiratory discomfort if it is not eradicated permanently.
Is Black Mould Dangerous?
Yes, black mould can be dangerous – especially if found in large patches on the walls or ceilings. Because black mould spores are aggressive, travel airborne and can multiply within hours, it can be almost impossible to stop it on your own.
If you inhale the spores regularly then it can cause the following:
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Headaches
- Wheezing
- Fever
- Throat, sinus and eye irritations
You should practice extra precautions if you have any underlying respiratory conditions, have children and elderly living in the home, or have a weakened immune system. In these cases, or with extreme exposure to black mould, it can cause black mould poisoning. Some symptoms may include:
- Vomiting
- Asthma complications
- Nausea
- Other respiratory complications
You should not attempt to remove large patches or a mould infestation by yourself. If you are concerned about mould growing on your walls, reach out to a professional mould removal service team.
How to Remove Mould from Walls
It is unsafe to remove large mould patches or mould infestations on your own. For small mould spot removal, you can use mould fungicide treatments across painted surfaces. Using a store-bought mould wash you can do the following:
- Prepare the surface of the wall by gently scrubbing it over with a hard-bristle brush until it has a smooth finish.
- Wash down the area with diluted was treatment and a sponge. Make sure to follow the directions of the treatments
- Allow the area to dry thoroughly
Although mould-wash treatments are available, they can be unsafe to use and is not recommended for large areas of mould. If attempting small mould spot removal, ensure you are wearing protective gear such as gloves, a face mask and protective eyewear to avoid inhaling black mould spores and toxin fumes.
Even with mould-wash treatments, it is extremely difficult to remove mould entirely, especially if it is an ongoing issue. Because black mould can be dangerous, it is important to contact a professional mould removal service team and organise an inspection and treatment plan. A professional service can also address water-damaged areas and offer structural drying services to ensure your household is protected against mould returning.
How Can I Prevent Black Mould on Walls?
While DIY methods of black mould removal are popular, it is not a permanent solution for removing mould. If you’re looking for prevention tactics, the key is moisture control. Mould thrives in warm, damp environments and the Australian wet and humid conditions make it easy for black mould to spread throughout the walls of the household. Here are some easy ways to prevent black mould from growing on walls:
- Use a dehumidifier when needed during humid conditions
- Ensure kitchen, bedroom and bathroom areas are well-ventilated – especially when cooking or showering
- Set your air-conditioner to ‘dry mode’
When to Call a Mould Removal Professional
If you are afraid of mould becoming a problem in your home and are looking for a long-term solution, be sure to call upon a professional team to help you. The MouldMen team will inspect, treat and provide you with a Mould Management and Prevent Plan to ensure that your home is kept safe and free from black mould. Call us on 1300 60 59 60 to book your free inspection today.