Black mould could be seriously dangerous, causing respiratory issues, allergies and can sometimes be fatal – so if you notice it in your home, you need to take action quickly
Black mould can pose a serious health risk, potentially causing respiratory illnesses and allergies, and in some cases, could be fatal.
Therefore, if you spot it in your home, it’s crucial not to ignore it and hope it disappears – you must take decisive action to eliminate it. Typically, black mould is a result of high humidity levels within the home, with poor ventilation often being the primary cause.
There are measures you can implement to enhance ventilation, such as opening windows and using a dehumidifier, but depending on the property, these may need to be continuous – which can feel disheartening. Cleaning guru Ann Russell shared her advice on TikTok for tackling black mould, responding to a concerned mum who discovered black mould in her son’s room.
The mum asked: “Hi Ann, I have found black mould in my son’s bedroom and I’ve been told not to use bleach to clean it. What would you suggest to use? Thank you xx.”
Ann suggested a simple solution of soap and water, advising to wipe away the mould with a cloth. “Hot soapy water and a cloth,” she recommended.
“Wash the wall thoroughly with hot soapy water, with a [dish] detergent, and leave it to dry,” Ann advised.
She also endorsed the use of a dehumidifier as an effective method to reduce excess moisture in the air. She noted some models emit “warm air” allowing you to “turn the heating down in that room to compensate for the electric”.
The guru also suggested you could “rearrange the room so the airflow is better” to reduce the likelihood of black mould becoming a problem. “It depends where the mould is,” she added.
Ann then advised: “Bleach does kill mould […] but obviously bleach will bleach things it touches if you overspray the wall.” She warned for those with coloured wallpaper, for instance, using bleach might not be the wisest choice.
She further recommended diluting the bleach before use if you decide to go with that method.
In the comments section, a mum queried whether wearing a mask was advisable, to which Ann responded: “May as well.”
Another user chimed in: “I would. I’m not sure what kind of mould you have but they’re all not fun for your lungs and can sometimes cause more serious issues.”
Professionals at EnvrioVent say: “Mould can become a problem in your home quickly. If the conditions are right for it to grow, it will soon spread on walls and ceilings to create large dark patches that can affect your health.
“If your home is suffering with mould, you want the best mould treatment and a quick and effective solution. If you are concerned about mould growth, you should seek advice form an experienced professional.”
