Best way to remove mould from painted walls?

123imp

Hello,

I am looking to remove mould spores from the walls and ceiling of a bedroom in my flat - they are basically growing all over from an undiagnosed damp issue (this is in the process of being identified). I have been looking online and seen people recommending Astonish Mould & Mildew Blaster, and others recommending a mixture of Borax and white vinegar. The walls are painted with a matte white paint. Does anyone have an opinion on one method over another, or able to suggest a better product?

Thanks a lot.

FreeBear

Last time I had to deal with black mold spots on a wall, I just washed it down with a dilute solution of bleach (Domestos). Did the trick. But if the walls have been painted with an emulsion, you may find it comes off the walls.

You don't want to be using an acid (vinegar) on a wall/ceiling as it will eat in to the plaster.

Bendy_House

I can certainly confirm that the Astonish product is very effective in general - I spray it inside our shower when mould starts to build on the grout and silicone lines, and it clears and bleaches it effectively, tho' deeper mould in the sili remains. Expect a chlorine smell as it works...

I 'think' it should work well on emulsion painted surfaces too (and pretty sure I've tried it successfully), provided you don't soak it - perhaps apply it to a cloth and wipe it over? Do a test piece first.

Bigphil1474

I use neat bleach in our bathroom, mainly on ceiling - just dab it on all over the mould, leave for a few minutes then wipe off. Tends to keep the mould away for a good few months until the kids keep forgetting to open the bathroom window after showering.

Emmia

I apply bleach or dettol / HG mould remover with a sponge - spray product onto the sponge side of one of those sponge scourers for washing up, then wipe over the area, this avoids damaging overspray or too much bleachy vapour.  

Bin sponge after (or save for re-treatment).


White vinegar applied in the same way also works - I turned a bottle of Sarsons white vinegar into a spray by screwing on the spray part of an empty window/mirror cleaner onto it.

123imp

Thanks for the responses, yes it is an emulsion paint. I have had times where a food splatter has ended up on the wall, and has wiped straight off.

Bendy_House

123imp said:

Thanks for the responses, yes it is an emulsion paint. I have had times where a food splatter has ended up on the wall, and has wiped straight off.

Good quality paint, then - it should be fine.