Black stuff on cupboard wall....

mark_steps

Opened the cupboard to put a few things away and on the bottom wall (which is also on side of outside wall). I noticed that there was a black Almost coal like coating. When I ran my finger over it, I got a soot like covering.

Put the dehumidifier in the cupboard and it has taken some of it away but it's still bad! What is this? What is the best action I can take?

Thanks

uk_messer

sounds like black mould. First, don't rub it and then check the wall for water penetration and if there is a leak outside making it particularly wet.

BTW, no point using a dehumidifier until you've killed off the mould with a solution. The dehumidifier will just spread the mould spores around.

mark_steps

Don't rub it? What solution shall I use?? Looked outside window and that side of the wall looks ok.

uk_messer

You can buy solutions from any builders store or just use a bleach solution (some people may start crying about this).

If you already have a dehumdifier I'm assuming you have an issue with dampness in the home. It may not be that wall specifically but general dampness around the home making the overal humidity high. Darkness and poor air circulation helps mould to grow and that's probably why it's flourishing in the cupboard. Clean it up for now and then see if it comes back.