How to Get Rid of Mould on Walls for Good: Complete Guide
“Mould isn’t just an eyesore - it’s a silent intruder that can damage your home and your health.”
Recent studies by Australia’s National Asthma Council found that one in three Australian homes has visible mould growth during the cooler months. That's not just a problem with the way the wall looks; it's a sign of bigger problems with how to keep it clean, control moisture, and get air to flow.
You're not the only one who has seen dark spots creeping across your painted walls or smelled something musty that won't go away. But here’s the good news, you can eliminate mould for good. Not just scrub it away temporarily, but actually stop it from coming back.
We'll talk about why mould grows, how to safely get rid of it, and how to keep your walls clean and healthy for a long time in this guide. These steps will help you fix your walls and get your peace of mind back, whether you own a home in Melbourne or manage an office space.
No amount of cleaning will keep it from coming back if you don't fix the problem that caused it in the first place (like bad ventilation or a leak). Look for condensation on windows, leaks in the plumbing, or wet spots behind furniture.
Professional services use industrial-grade tools to get rid of spores from surfaces and the air. Then, they paint over the area with anti-mold coatings to stop the spores from growing back.
If mould keeps coming back on your walls, it's a clear sign that you need to have an expert look at them and repaint them to fix deeper problems with moisture or insulation. Our Glen Iris house painting services include professional mould treatment and high-quality coatings that will restore your walls and keep them safe for a long time.
Inspire Painting doesn't just get rid of mould; we also fix and protect your walls for a long time.
Our process includes:
What Causes Mould to Grow on Walls?
You should know why the mould is there before you try to get rid of it. Mould is a type of fungus that grows best in places that are wet and don't get enough air. It grows where condensation or moisture stays, like on the ceilings of bathrooms, the corners of bedrooms, and the outside walls when it's cold. Wall mould loves it when the air is humid and doesn't move around much.
Common Causes Of Wall Mould
- Condensation: Steam from showers, kettles, or dryers building up on cold surfaces.
- Leaky roofs or pipes: A slow leak behind a wall can even cause mould to grow.
- Poor ventilation: Rooms with limited airflow trap moisture.
- Lack of sunlight: Dark, shaded walls tend to retain dampness.
- Water damage: Previous flooding or roof leaks that weren’t properly dried.
Is Mould on Walls Dangerous?
Yes, it can be. Mould isn't just an eyesore; it can also be bad for your health and the air quality inside your home. The Better Health Channel (Victoria) warns that exposure to mould spores may cause allergic reactions, asthma flare-ups, and respiratory infections, especially in children, the elderly, or those with weakened immune systems. Even small patches can let spores into the air, which can then spread to other rooms. That’s why painting over mould without treating it first is never a long-term fix. It simply hides the problem, until it resurfaces, worse than before.Step-by-Step Removal of Mould on Walls
When you're ready to deal with the problem, use these safe, practical, and effective steps to get rid of mould on your walls.1. Identify the Source of Moisture
The most important step-find out why the mould is growing.
No amount of cleaning will keep it from coming back if you don't fix the problem that caused it in the first place (like bad ventilation or a leak). Look for condensation on windows, leaks in the plumbing, or wet spots behind furniture.
2. Prepare the Area
- Put on goggles, a face mask, and gloves to keep yourself safe.
- Open windows to let air in.
- Put plastic or old towels on the floors and move the furniture.
3. Use the Right Cleaning Solution
There are a number of good ways to get rid of mould on walls:- Vinegar: Mix one part white vinegar with one part water and spray the mould directly. Leave for an hour before wiping.
- Hydrogen peroxide: A strong alternative for stubborn mould patches.
- Commercial mould remover: Choose non-toxic, mould-specific cleaners for painted surfaces.
4. Scrub and Rinse
Gently scrub the area with a soft cloth or sponge, not a metal brush. Wipe the wall down with a clean, damp cloth when you're done, and let it dry completely.
5. Dry and Ventilate
This is crucial. If moisture lingers, mould will return. Use a dehumidifier or fan to dry the wall thoroughly. Keep windows open when possible and ensure adequate air circulation.Painting Over Mould
It’s tempting to grab a paintbrush and cover up the ugly marks, but don’t. Painting over mould without removing it first is one of the biggest mistakes homeowners make. Even if you use mould-resistant paint, it won’t stick properly to contaminated surfaces. Over time, the mould will bleed through the paint, ruining your finish and causing bubbles or cracks. We often have to repaint walls at Inspire Painting that were painted before the mould was properly treated. First, clean and prime the surface well. Then, paint it with high-quality mould-resistant or anti-microbial paint. Our Brighton house painting services keep your walls looking fresh, clean, and protected for years to come, which is great for homeowners who want long-lasting, perfect finishes.
Professional Mould Removal vs DIY
Should you hire a pro to get rid of the mould on your walls or do it yourself? It depends on how bad it is.| Situation | DIY Suitable? | Professional Needed? |
|---|---|---|
| Small surface mould (less than 1m²) | Yes | No |
| Recurrent mould or large areas | Maybe | Yes |
| Structural water damage | No | Yes |
| Black mould or health issues | No | Yes |
Preventing Mould Growth on Walls
After you've cleaned your walls, the next step is to keep them clean. Do this to keep mould from coming back:1. Improve Ventilation
Install exhaust fans in the bathroom and kitchen. While you cook or shower, keep the windows slightly open to let out the humid air.2. Control Indoor Humidity
Use a dehumidifier in damp rooms, especially basements or south-facing walls that get little sunlight. Aim to keep indoor humidity under 60%.3. Fix Leaks Quickly
Check your plumbing, gutters, and roofs often. Over time, even small leaks can cause big mould problems.4. Use Mould-Resistant Paint
Repainting areas that have been affected with a mold-resistant coating will help keep mould from coming back. These paints have chemicals that kill fungi and stop spores from sticking to the wall.5. Regular Cleaning and Maintenance
In Melbourne, homes are more closed up in the winter, so it's important to wipe down areas with a lot of moisture often. A checkup every three months can help you find moisture issues before they get bad enough to cause mould.Choose Inspire Painting for Mould-Resistant Painting in Melbourne
Inspire Painting doesn't just get rid of mould; we also fix and protect your walls for a long time.
Our process includes:
- Finding out where the mould on the wall came from
- Cleaning and priming the areas that were affected well
- Using high-quality paints that don't mould in Melbourne's climate
- Giving professional advice on how to keep things dry and in good shape
