Black mould - how to deal with it in the bathroom and kitchen

During the colder months, it can be hard to ventilate your home – when you spend so much time warming up the house, bringing a harsh wind into the bathroom and kitchen can seem a little mad. Unfortunately, if you have a cosy home and always keep the windows closed, this can mean that a black mould problem can develop by the time the sun comes out. Now that the weather’s improved, it’s the ideal time to strike and remove black mould for good – and here’s how.

No matter which cleaning product you are using to tackle black mould, make sure to read the directions on the label, to take any necessary safety precautions, and to test it in a small area first.

What is Black Mould?

Black mould is an undesirable fungus that results from an excessive build-up of moisture, which can have serious implications on health and food hygiene. With that in mind, it’s no surprise that you’re most likely to find it lurking in places with high levels of humidity and condensation. As such, black mould’s favourite rooms in the house tend to be the kitchen and the bathroom, where spores congregate in dark crevices and thrive in leaky areas.

How to Remove Black Mould

Before attempting black mould removal yourself, it is important to take a few safety precautions:

• Ventilation – make sure the room is well ventilated by opening doors and windows

• Wear robust work gloves, particularly if handling abrasive substances

• Use a face mask to avoid breathing in fumes

Here is a guide to using cleaning products to remove black mould from your home:

• Remove any items from the area that you are cleaning.

• Test the product in a small area first.

• Apply the cleaning product as directed, and leave for the recommended time – this will allow the product to work on black mould.

• Rinse thoroughly and wipe off with clean cloth.

• Repeat if necessary.

How to Get Rid of Mould in Bathrooms

The bathroom is a domestic nirvana for black mould, with particular hot spots including the bathtub, basin, shower, and grout. As most of the materials you are likely to encounter in the bathroom are non-porous (e.g. tiles and ceramics), a bleach-based solution will make the best bathroom mould remover.

Handy tip: Harder to reach areas are best tackled with an old toothbrush dipped in bleach.

What about Kitchen Mould Removal?

When not wreaking havoc in the bathroom, black mould can be found gravitating towards wet areas around the kitchen, including:

• The sink

• Leaky fridges

• Behind water-based appliances such as washing machines or dishwashers

While the above bleach-based solution may still work wonders, the presence of wooden surfaces in the kitchen can require an alternative approach.

Alternative Solutions for Black Mould Removal

As bleach is not advised to be used on porous materials such as drywall and wood, you will need to opt for other treatments to tackle black mould. Remember that you should always read the label of any product for advice and instructions, take necessary safety precautions, and test any cleaning method in a small, inconspicuous area first. Try one of these solutions:

• Borax – Powdered borax dissolves easily in water and is effective at removing black mould. Just mix one cup of borax per gallon of water, transfer to a clean spray bottle, then spray the desired area. Leave for a few minutes and wipe away, leaving a shiny surface behind.

• Hot water and baking soda – Put your chef’s hat on and add one teaspoon of dishwashing liquid, one cup of baking soda, and a few drops of something fragrant (we recommend lavender or citrus oil). Then add water and mix until the solution becomes a viscous paste and you’re done – a natural black mould remover.

• Vinegar – Vinegar is another black mould removal method. Use white distilled vinegar, transfer to a spray bottle, and spray directly onto the desired area. The smell should vanish along with the mould a few hours later.

There you have it – your house should be clean and free of black mould!