How to get rid of black mould, condensation and damp

Whether it’s due to leaking pipes, excess rainwater, or poor ventilation, there are several reasons that condensation, damp and mould can start to form inside a home. Unfortunately, the problems caused by damp aren’t only unsightly and smelly but can contribute to poor health conditions, such as nasal congestion, asthma and throat irritation.

What is black mould?

Black mould is a name given to any mould that has blackened in appearance. Black mould is considered the most dangerous type of mould. If you notice black mould in your home, it’s important to act as it can have serious health implications for you and your family. As well as being dangerous, black mould often leaves a nasty odour, which can linger throughout a property. Some forms of black mould are easy to treat, but others can be harder to remove and might need the attention of an expert.

How to get rid of black mould?

There are many different ways to get rid of mould, depending on how serious the problem is. In extreme cases, where black mould has spread significantly across a surface, it’s often best to bring an expert in. If you notice a large colony of toxic mould, it’s important not to touch it. In very extreme cases, interacting with mould can cause large quantities of harmful spores to be released into the air. This can be harmful to human health, so bring in an expert to fix it.

If the mould in a home is less extreme, then it can normally be fixed without the need for professional assistance. Nowadays, there are some non-toxic mould removal products on the market, which can effectively eliminate mould. Similarly, household bleach can be used to kill mould on walls. Mix bleach into a bucket of warm water before using a damp cloth to scrub the surface until it has gone. Once finished, dry the area well with a soft cloth to stop the mould from growing back.

What is condensation?

In case you don’t quite remember from science at school, condensation is the process where water changes from a gas into a liquid. It normally happens in areas where warm air rises, cools and then loses its capacity to hold water vapour. In homes, it happens when warm air that’s full of moisture comes into contact with cold surfaces, like walls and windows. This is why you normally see condensation on windows, appearing as water droplets. In walls, condensation is harder to see, but it will appear as damp areas on walls or in the form of mould growth.

How to stop condensation?

Condensation is the easiest damp problem to fix and can be handled without the need for professional assistance. A lot of damp issues are the result of poor ventilation, so improving airflow in a home can be a big benefit. One of the best ways to improve ventilation is to add window vents, fit roof ventilation tiles or to build air bricks into the outside of a home. Using an extractor fan can also be very helpful in reducing the risk of condensation. Extractor fans remove the moist air from a room and are very useful in maintaining a high-quality indoor air environment. Another clever tip is keeping a heating system ticking over, running at a low temperature. In turn, this will help create a drier environment, which will reduce moisture in the air.

What is damp?

Damp is when excess moisture, water or condensation is present within a property. As mentioned, damp can cause serious issues in a home, often appearing without warning. If left untreated, damp can lead to bad smells, mould growth or even dry rot. If you see signs of damp, it’s important to try and fix it as soon as possible. Not only can damp cause structural damage in your home, but it will let off dangerous spores, which can lead to several health problems. Sometimes, damp-removal can be handled by using domestic treatment products, but often requires the attention of an expert.

How to get rid of damp?

As mentioned, it’s important to take care of damp as soon as you see it. There are a number of different types of damp, which we’ll feature in another blog. For the most part, damp must be treated using a damp-proof course. This is a layer of waterproof material in the wall of a building near the ground, to prevent rising damp. Specialist property care and preservation companies will offer this service, which will tackle even the most extreme damp problems. Occasionally, homeowners might be able to fix damp problems for themselves using over-the-counter damp removal products.