How to Remove and Prevent Mould in the Home

Mould can be more than just a nuisance. It’s an unwelcome guest that affects both your home’s appearance and your health, especially for those with allergies or respiratory conditions.

According to the Regulator of Social Housing, up to 160,000 social homes in England are battling “notable” levels of damp and mould. Rather than constantly reacting to mould, it's time to take charge with prevention. In this guide, you’ll learn how to identify the causes of mould, safely remove it from wallpaper and bathrooms, fix flaking paint, and prevent it from coming back for good.

What causes Mould in the home?

Mould loves damp environments, thriving where moisture is left unchecked. It can creep in through leaks, high humidity, or even condensation on cold surfaces. Understanding the conditions that foster mould growth is key to keeping it at bay. The good news? With a few straightforward adjustments, you can significantly reduce your risk of mould in your home.

How to Remove Mould From Wallpaper

Assess the Damage

Before diving in with cleaners, it’s important to check what level of washability your wallpaper has. If you’ve read our blog on wallpaper symbols explained, you’ll know how to identify whether your wallpaper is spongable, washable, scrubbable, or wipeable. This information is crucial in choosing the right cleaning method. For instance, spongable wallpapers can only tolerate light, gentle cleaning, while extra scrubbable ones can handle a more intense scrub.

Home Remedies to Remove Mould from Wallpaper

If the mould is in the early stages, you might be able to handle it with some common household items. Let’s look at a few gentle but effective options:

1. Warm Soapy Water

For washable wallpaper, start with the mildest approach: warm, soapy water. Mix a bit of dish soap into warm water, grab a sponge, and gently scrub the affected area. This works well for smaller spots of mould. Just be careful not to saturate the wallpaper – you want to remove the mould, not add more moisture!

2. Baking Soda

Another gentle household remedy is baking soda. Mix a little baking soda with water to form a paste and apply it to the mouldy area. Let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it off with a damp cloth. You might need to repeat the process for more persistent mould, but it’s a safe, non-toxic method that can work wonders on lighter outbreaks.

For More Serious Mould Outbreaks

If you’re dealing with a more aggressive case of mould – or you’ve tried the home remedies and they’re not cutting it – it’s time to bring out the big guns.

3. Bleach

When the mould problem is more advanced, bleach can be your go-to. Mix one part bleach with four parts water, then carefully wipe the area using a sponge or cloth. Scrub the mould gently, and make sure to wipe away the mixture afterward to avoid leaving residue. Bleach is a strong cleaner, so only use this method on more stubborn mould spots, and remember to ventilate the room well.

4. Zinsser Mould Killer & Remover

If you want a powerful, ready-made solution, consider Zinsser Mould Killer & Remover. It’s designed specifically to combat mould, and it works great on wallpaper. Simply spray it on, let it sit for a few minutes, and wipe away. This is an easy, effective option when dealing with serious mould issues, and it’s a bit stronger than your homemade solutions.

A step by step guide for removing mould from wallpaper

Step 1: Test an inconspicuous area of your wallpaper to see if it's a washable type of paper. 

Step 2: Remove signs of organic mould growth with a product like the  Zinsser Universal Cleaner and Degreaser.

Step 3: Treat the area with the Zinsser Mould and Mildew Killer Spray. 

As we mentioned at the start of this blog the cause of mould and mildew is usually linked to larger building works like leaks. If you’ve identified the problem and simply need to re-seal your windows we love the Soudal Fix All Flexi Sealant for bonding and sealing work.

If it's a larger problem then you will continue to experience mould and mildew growth until that is fixed however there are some ‘sticking plaster’ type products which can help to slow down and prevent the growth of mould and mildew.

Applying something like the wallrock dampstop thermic can hold back some of the moisture and slow the growth of mould. You would then apply your wallpaper on top of this thermic base layer.

Dealing with Bathroom Damp: Mould and Flaky Paint 

Bathrooms are one of the most common problem areas for damp-related issues. High humidity, condensation and poor ventilation make them the perfect environment for mould — and if left unchecked, this can lead to other issues like flaking paint on ceilings and walls. Here’s how to tackle both problems effectively.

How to remove bathroom mould

Once again it's important to understand how ‘washable’ your paint has been. Hopefully in a bathroom or kitchen you went for a washable finish, like soft sheen or silk, or something more scrubbable such as acrylic eggshell or hardwearing matt. If you’re unsure, test in an inconspicuous area and watch out for paint coming away on your cloth and leaving a burnishing mark that shows where you cleaned.

If you’re finding that the paint surface you’ve used hasn’t been durable enough for cleaning then it may be worth considering redecorating the room.

Can you paint over mould in the bathroom?

In short, no. Before you paint your bathroom if you are experiencing mould you will need to remove the mould. We’ve covered the best steps for doing this in the guide below.

Once you’ve cleaned the mould then take a look at our favourite products to avoid mould growth!

A step by step guide for removing mould from paint

Step 1: Test an inconspicuous area of your painted wall to see if you've used a washable paint type (unless you already know it's a washable surface!)

Step 2: Remove signs of organic mould growth with a product like the Zinsser Universal Cleaner and Degreaser.

Step 3: Treat the area with the Zinsser Mould and Mildew Killer Spray. 

Step 4: Ensure the surface is fully dry before trying to repaint it if you plan on repainting. For tips on which paint product to use to help prevent mould growth, we’ve covered that below. 

Flaking paint in the bathroom: What causes it

Flaking paint often goes hand-in-hand with bathroom mould, especially if moisture has been building up over time without proper ventilation or surface preparation.

High Humidity: Bathrooms are the champions of humidity, especially when we’re enjoying a hot shower or a long soak in the tub. That warm, moist air loves to settle on cooler surfaces, leading to condensation. Over time, this moisture can weaken the paint’s grip on the ceiling, resulting in that dreaded flaking paint in the bathroom.

Poor Ventilation: If your bathroom doesn’t have a proper extractor fan or a window that opens, you might be in trouble. Without good ventilation, moisture can hang around longer than it should, making those flaking paint issues even worse.

Inadequate Preparation: A common culprit of paint failure is improper prep work. If the ceiling wasn’t cleaned thoroughly or primed before painting, it might struggle to stick. Dust, grease, or even a bit of mould can ruin a good paint job, leading to that frustrating bathroom ceiling paint flaking.

Using the Wrong Paint: Let’s face it, not all paints are made equal. If you went with a standard paint instead of a mould-resistant option, you’re asking for trouble in high-moisture areas. That’s a recipe for early paint failure and unsightly peeling.

How to fix and prevent bathroom paint flaking

If you’re dealing with a flaking ceiling, don’t fret! Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to getting your bathroom back in tip-top shape:

Remove the Flaking Paint: Grab a putty knife and start scraping away any loose or flaking paint. For those stubborn spots, sanding paper can be your best friend. Just remember to wear a mask to avoid inhaling any dust!

Tackle Moisture Issues: Before you even think about repainting, make sure to fix any moisture problems. Check for leaks, improve ventilation by using or installing an extractor fan, and keep the bathroom warm enough to reduce humidity.

Clean Up: Once you’ve got the loose paint off, give the surface a good clean. A mixture of water and vinegar or a mild detergent works wonders. You want to make sure there’s no dust or mould lurking around.

Prime the Ceiling: To really make sure your paint sticks, consider using Zinsser Peel Stop Bonding Primer. This magical product seals and binds peeling paint, so you won’t have to worry about future flaking. After priming, a quality primer is essential to prepare the surface. Go for a mould-resistant primer to create a solid barrier against moisture.

Choose the Right Paint: When it’s time to paint, opt for a high-quality, moisture-resistant paint designed for bathrooms. Zinsser Perma-White is an excellent option since it’s mould-resistant and can handle the humidity like a champ. This choice is key to preventing that annoying bathroom ceiling peeling from happening again.

Keep Ventilation in Check: After you’ve painted, maintain that ventilation! Use the extractor fan or crack open the windows during and after showers to help reduce moisture levels.

How to Prevent Mould in the Home For Good

Keep an Eye on Humidity: Aim for indoor humidity levels between 30% and 50%. If your home feels sticky or humid, it’s time to invest in a dehumidifier. This will help maintain a comfortable atmosphere and deter mould growth.

Fix Leaks ASAP: A leaky pipe or a damp spot on the ceiling is an open invitation for mould. Repair any leaks right away to prevent moisture accumulation.

Boost Ventilation: Proper airflow is essential in areas prone to moisture. After cooking or showering, crack a window or turn on an extractor fan to let the steam escape. If you dry clothes indoors, ensure the room is well-ventilated to keep humidity in check

Preventing mould in colder months

Winter can be tricky for mould prevention. The colder it gets, the more likely you are to see condensation on windows and walls. Keep your home’s temperature consistent; this can help minimise the chance of moisture build-up. Consider using insulated curtains and check your insulation to prevent drafts. Regularly wipe down any condensation that appears on cold surfaces to keep mould at bay.

Our favourite products for preventing mould

I always mentioned the wallrock dampstop thermic, the soudal fix all sealant and our go-to paint Perma White but here are some other favourites below. 

Hardwearing Acrylic Eggshell - the acrylic eggshell products are ideal for use in lower humidity rooms that can still experience some moisture (like your kitchen). Scrubbable and built to reduce the opportunity for mould and mildew growth. 

Clean Extreme Mould Inhibiting Paint - a scrubbable matt paint which is stain resistant and defends against mould growth. 

Watertite - a waterproofing paint that is guaranteed to keep out water whilst containing a biocide to protect the coating against fungal degradation. Ideal for basements. 

Polycel sealant remover - once a sealant has failed and is letting moisture through its barrier it needs removing before new sealant can be applied. This product is quick and easy to apply, remove the existing sealant before reapplying. 

Owatrol Mould Killer VC175 - a liquid additive that will provide protection against mould growth for your paint. Add a few drops to products like paint, timber stains or even grout to prevent mould and mildew growth. This will not affect the texture of the colour of the paint. 

Toupret Humistop Anti Damp Treatment - a filler and binders product that helps to block any moisture providing a damp treatment to brick, concrete, stone and previously painted surfaces.

Dealing with mould can feel overwhelming, but with the right products, habits, and maintenance tips, you can stay ahead of it. Whether you're removing mould from wallpaper, fixing flaking paint, or preventing dampness over winter, small changes make a big difference.

Ready to take action? Explore our full range of anti-mould paints and treatments to get started.

I hope you’ve found this guide helpful and full of useful tips for removing and preventing mould in your home. If you’re still unsure and require any further advice then please just reach out via social media like Instagram or Facebook, live chat, phone (01388 608144), email or even WhatsApp. We’re more than happy to support you in your projects.

Helen x