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How Do I Stop Mould?
If you’ve ever walked into your bathroom or bedroom and noticed black spots creeping along the wall, you’re not alone. Mould is a common problem in Australian homes, especially in places like Sydney where humidity and coastal breezes can create the perfect environment for it to grow. The good news is, mould can be managed—and even prevented, with the right steps.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to stop mould and, more importantly, how to prevent mould from making a comeback.
Why Mould Is a Problem in Homes
Mould isn’t just ugly; it can be harmful. Those dark stains on walls, ceilings, or tiles are actually living organisms that release tiny spores into the air. These spores can cause:
- Musty smells that linger around your home
- Damage to paint, plaster, and timber
- Health issues like sneezing, asthma flare-ups, or irritated skin
Ever wondered why mould pops up so quickly after you’ve cleaned it? That’s because wiping it away only gets rid of the surface growth. The root cause, moisture, remains. To truly stop mould, you need to tackle the conditions that allow it to thrive.
Step 1: Identify Where Mould Is Coming From
Before you reach for cleaning products, take a moment to figure out why mould is appearing. In our experience, mould loves:
Bathrooms mould
Steam from showers creates a damp, humid environment.
Kitchens mould
Cooking without proper ventilation leads to condensation.
Bedrooms mould
Poor airflow (especially in winter) causes dampness on walls and windows.
Roof leaks
Even a small leak can feed mould in ceilings or behind walls.
Laundry rooms
Wet clothes left inside too long raise moisture levels.
Wall Mould
Wall mould is one of the most common problems in Aussie homes. You’ll often see it in bedrooms, behind furniture, or on cold exterior walls.
Ceiling Mould
Ceiling mould usually shows up as black or grey patches, often in bathrooms, laundries, or bedrooms with poor ventilation. It can be tricky because it’s overhead, harder to clean, and often linked to moisture issues above the ceiling.
A customer once called us to repaint their bedroom wall after they thought the “paint had gone bad.” Turned out, the real issue was mould feeding on condensation near a poorly sealed window. Fixing the seal and improving ventilation solved the problem for good.
Step 2: Stop Existing Mould Growth
If mould has already appeared, you’ll want to get rid of it safely. Here are a few tried-and-true methods:
Cleaning Small Areas
- Mix one part white vinegar with four parts water in a spray bottle.
- Spray directly on the mould and leave for an hour before scrubbing.
- Rinse with clean water and dry the area thoroughly.
Some people use bleach, but bleach often just whitens the mould instead of killing it at the root. Vinegar is more effective long term.
For Stubborn Mould
- Try a store-bought mould remover designed for walls and tiles.
- For porous surfaces (like timber), sanding and repainting with mould-resistant paint may be required.
Important: Always wear gloves and a mask when cleaning mould. Spores can irritate your skin and lungs.
Step 3: Control Moisture Levels
The key to stopping mould is cutting off its food supply: moisture.
Ventilate your home
Use exhaust fans
Wipe condensation
Fix leaks quickly
Keep indoor humidity low
Step 4: Prevent Mould From Returning
Cleaning mould is one thing. Preventing it from coming back is the real win. Here’s how to stay ahead:
Choose the Right Paint
Professional painters often recommend mould-resistant paints for bathrooms, laundries, and kitchens. These paints are specially formulated to handle high moisture. If you’re already planning a repaint, this is one of the best preventative steps you can take.
Improve Airflow
Keep furniture slightly away from walls so air can circulate.
Open internal doors to allow better cross-ventilation.
Stay on Top of Cleaning
Dust and grime actually give mould spores something to stick to. A simple weekly clean goes a long way.
Use Natural Preventers
Essential oils like tea tree oil have anti-fungal properties. Adding a few drops to your cleaning routine can help discourage regrowth.
How to stop wall mould:
Improve ventilation: Move furniture slightly away from walls and open windows regularly.
- Treat the mould: Clean the area with white vinegar or a mould treatment solution.
- Fix the cause: Check for leaks or water ingress. If condensation is the main culprit, consider insulating walls or using a dehumidifier.
- Repaint smartly: Use a mould-resistant sealer and paint to give the wall long-term protection.
A customer once thought their freshly painted lounge had “dirty marks” after just six months. We found mould had grown behind their sofa due to poor airflow. Once the sofa was moved and the wall repainted with anti-mould paint, the issue didn’t return.
How to stop ceiling mould:
Clean safely: Use vinegar spray or a mould remover, but be careful when working overhead—gloves, goggles, and a mask are a must.
- Improve ventilation: Install or upgrade exhaust fans, and ensure roof vents are working.
- Check your roof: Even a small leak can feed mould on the ceiling. Regular roof maintenance is key.
- Use the right paint: A mould-resistant ceiling paint, especially in wet areas, helps prevent regrowth.
One Sydney family had constant ceiling mould in their bathroom. After multiple cleanings failed, we discovered their old fan barely extracted any air. Once we upgraded to a stronger exhaust fan and repainted the ceiling with moisture-resistant paint, the mould was gone for good.
Common Questions About Stopping Mould
Practical Tips for Everyday Prevention
If you’re tired of fighting mould, here are some quick habits that really help:
- Dry clothes outside instead of inside.
- Run the bathroom fan for at least 15 minutes after a shower.
- Keep cupboard doors open occasionally to prevent mustiness.
- Place moisture-absorbing products (like charcoal bags or silica gel) in wardrobes.
- During Sydney’s humid summers, use your air conditioning’s “dry mode” if available.
Case Study: A Mouldy Bathroom in Sydney
A family in Marrickville reached out to us after scrubbing their bathroom tiles weekly, only to see mould return within days.
What we did:
- Identified that their exhaust fan was underpowered for the room size.
- Replaced it with a stronger unit.
- Cleaned the tiles with vinegar and applied a mould-resistant grout sealer.
- Repainted the ceiling with a bathroom-grade mould-resistant paint.
Six months later, the mould had not returned. This showed that prevention (ventilation and the right paint) is just as important as cleaning.
Final Thoughts
Stopping mould isn’t about fancy tricks. It’s about good airflow, controlling moisture, and using the right finishes. Once you understand why mould grows, it becomes much easier to stay ahead of it.
If you’re tackling a mould problem that keeps coming back, it might be time to call in professional painting services. Experienced painters in Sydney deal with this all the time and can recommend paints and coatings that don’t just look great but also help keep mould at bay.
A fresh, mould-free home isn’t just nicer to live in—it’s healthier for you and your family.
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