How to remove mould stains from walls

EricL

Difficulty: Beginner

Mould often grows quickly in moist, unventilated places like bathroom walls or laundries. Getting rid of unsightly mould stains can keep your home clean and fresh.

Here is a simple guide on how to remove mould stains from walls.

As this project involves chemicals, please follow all safety guidelines provided by manufacturers and use the recommended protective gear.

Let us know if you have any questions. We’d be happy to assist.

Steps

Step 1

Determine the cause of mould growth.

Put on your safety gloves, glasses and mask. Using the tips of your fingers press into the affected wall and check for any soft or spongy areas. Make sure to check the entire wall.

If you find a soft spot, then it is likely there is a water leak behind the wall. The next steps would be to locate the source of the leak, fix the leak and then replace the damaged part of the wall.

If the wall is stiff and rigid, then it is likely that the source of the mould is from excessive moisture present in the air.

Before cleaning the wall, check for ways to increase airflow in the room, including keeping doors and windows open. Refer to this Bunnings article on How to control mould for more tips.

1.1. Wear gloves.png 1.2 Use the tips of fingers to inspect wall.png 1.3 The wall is good to clean.png

Step 2

Begin removing mould stains by spraying vinegar solution on the wall.

Fill a 1L spray bottle with one cup of water and one cup of vinegar. For larger infestations, use one undiluted cup of vinegar.

Make sure your spray bottle is tightly secured. Now spray the solution on the wall. Apply a generous amount and cover the entire affected area.

Leave the vinegar solution on the wall to soak for at least 45 minutes.

2.1 Fill the spray bottle with vinegar and water.png 2.2. Make sure the spray bottle is secured tightly.png 2.3 Spray the wall with the vinegar solution.png 2.4 Use a generous amount of vinegar solution.png 2.5 Make sure to cover the entire infested area.png 2.6. Leave the solution on the wall for at least 45 minutes.png

Step 3

Scrub the wall with dishwashing liquid.

While waiting for the vinegar solution to soak, fill a bucket with 2L of warm water. Add 10 drops of dishwashing liquid.

Now dip a rough sponge in the dishwashing solution. You can use a tile sponge. Squeeze it to remove any excess solution. Start cleaning the wall in clockwise motions. Apply medium pressure on stains.

Rinse your sponge often. Change the dishwashing solution if it gets too dirty.

3.1 Fill a bucket with 2L of warm water.png 3.2 Add dishwashing liquid to the warm water.png 3.3. Squeeze excess water from sponge.png 3.4. Scrub the wall with dishwashing solution.png

Step 4

Rinse the wall with water.

Once the mould stains are gone, rinse the sponge out completely. Then dip it in a bucket of plain water. Squeeze it to remove any excess water.

Now scrub the wall again to remove any remaining dishwashing solution on the wall.

Leave the wall to air dry.

Don't forget to rinse the cleaning sponge thoroughly after you are done to prevent mould spores from spreading inside your house. Let it dry under direct sunlight. Do this for any other rags or clothes you have used as well. Wash your work clothes separately.

4.1 Rinse the wall with water.png 4.2 Mould-free wall.png

Materials

One cup vinegar
Water
Dishwashing liquid.

Tools

Disposable gloves
Safety glasses
N95 mask
1L spray bottle
Tile sponge
Bucket.

Images

1.1. Wear gloves.png 1.2 Use the tips of fingers to inspect wall.png 1.3 The wall is good to clean.png 2.1 Fill the spray bottle with vinegar and water.png 2.2. Make sure the spray bottle is secured tightly.png 2.3 Spray the wall with the vinegar solution.png 2.4 Use a generous amount of vinegar solution.png 2.5 Make sure to cover the entire infested area.png 2.6. Leave the solution on the wall for at least 45 minutes.png 3.1 Fill a bucket with 2L of warm water.png 3.2 Add dishwashing liquid to the warm water.png 3.3. Squeeze excess water from sponge.png 3.4. Scrub the wall with dishwashing solution.png 4.1 Rinse the wall with water.png 4.2 Mould-free wall.png