Mould is a problem for many homeowners, and they often find the mould coming back shortly after removing it. If you are wondering how to get rid of mould permanently, then here are some solutions you can try.
Cleaning is an essential but temporary solution
If you already have mould in your home, you need to clean it properly. Depending on the severity of the mould, spraying the surface with an appropriate mould and mildew cleaner, wiping it down, and then drying it thoroughly should be sufficient. If you don’t have a mould and mildew cleaner, then a mix of one part bleach to four parts water should be an effective replacement.
While cleaning the mould is essential, it is a temporary solution. To get rid of mould permanently, you need to change the conditions that are allowing the mould to grow, namely damp and humidity. Without addressing these underlying issues in your home, cleaning away the mould will become a regular and frequent part of your routine.
Make sure the humidity levels in your house are healthy
The first thing you need to do to get rid of mould permanently is address the humidity levels in your home. One solution is to use a dehumidifier in the rooms where the mould problem is worst; a dehumidifier will extract moisture from the air to make it less humid, although this won’t help to remove existing mould. It’s also worth noting that dehumidifiers run off your electricity and need to be running for long periods of the day to be effective.
On a related note, make sure that the respective extractor fans are turned on whenever you take a shower and whenever you cook, as this will prevent the steam condensing on the walls and causing further humidity.
Make sure there is good ventilation
While dehumidifiers and extractor fans serve a purpose, to properly reduce the levels of humidity and damp in your home you need to make sure you have adequate ventilation. The easiest way to increase ventilation in your home is by opening your windows and interior doors to allow proper airflow throughout the house.
This is especially important when cooking or taking a shower, as it will help the steam to dissipate. Ceiling and desk fans can also help move the air around your home, if you have them.
Install External Wall Insulation
One of the best ways to improve your home’s humidity and damp problems in the long term is to have external wall insulation (EWI) installed. External Wall Insulation adds a layered insulation system all the way around your home, meaning that your home will retain heat more effectively, which can prevent the property from becoming damp.
As well as preventing damp, EWI can significantly reduce condensation. This is because there is typically a huge temperature disparity between the outside and the inside of a house, making the exterior brickwork very cold, contributing to condensation and, as a result, mould. EWI helps the brickwork maintain a higher temperature, meaning the temperature difference of the inside and outside of the walls won’t be as significant.
Hopefully you’ve found this article helpful and you have a better idea of how to get rid of mould permanently. If you think that external wall insulation could be a good improvement for your home, please get in touch with us. Grants may be available from your local authority so contact them for details about this.