How to remove mould from walls
Small patches of black mould caused by condensation can be cleaned off safely with the right protection. Cleaning only treats the symptom, so this guide also covers cutting down the moisture that caused it.
- Time
- 30 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Cost
- Low cost
- Steps
- 6
- Checked
What you’ll need
- Long rubber gloves Search Amazon for long rubber gloves
- Goggles Search Amazon for safety goggles
- Mask that covers your nose and mouth Search Amazon for FFP2 dust mask
- Bucket of warm water with mild detergent (washing-up liquid or a hand-wash laundry soap)
- Old cloths or rags you can throw away
- Plastic bag for the used cloths
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Safety first
- Babies and children, older people, people with asthma, allergies or skin conditions such as eczema, and anyone with a weakened immune system should stay away from mould and shouldn't do the cleaning.
- Never mix bleach-based mould sprays with other cleaners, especially anything containing acid or ammonia. Toxic gas can form.
- Don't paint over mould with ordinary paint. It will grow through.
Step by step
-
Step 1: Decide whether it's a DIY job
The NHS says only clean mould yourself if it's caused by condensation and covers less than about 1 square metre. Don't tackle it yourself if it's caused by sewage or contaminated water, or if it keeps coming back from a leak, rising damp or rain getting in. Those need the cause fixing first.
Next: step 2 -
Step 2: Protect yourself and the rest of the house
Put on goggles, long rubber gloves and a mask that covers your nose and mouth. Open the windows, but keep the door to the room shut so spores don't spread round the house. Take out soft furnishings and clothes that might be affected and wash or dry-clean them.
Next: step 3 -
Step 3: Wipe the mould off
Dip a cloth in the warm soapy water and carefully wipe the mould off the wall. Try not to brush it dry, because that releases spores into the air.
Next: step 4 -
Step 4: Dry the area
Use a dry rag to remove the moisture from the wall afterwards. Mould grows back faster on a damp surface.
Next: step 5 -
Step 5: Bag up and clean up
Put the cloths in a plastic bag and throw them away. Vacuum and clean the rest of the room thoroughly to remove spores.
Next: step 6 -
Step 6: Tackle the condensation
To stop it coming back, reduce moisture in the air:
- Wipe condensation off windows and sills each morning.
- Put lids on pans, and use the extractor fan when cooking or showering.
- Keep the kitchen and bathroom doors shut when they're steamy, and open a window afterwards.
- Dry washing outside if you can, or in a closed room with the window open or a dehumidifier on.
- Keep low background heating on in cold weather rather than letting rooms get very cold.
- Leave a gap between furniture and outside walls so air can move.
Tips
- If you use a branded mould remover, follow the label exactly, ventilate the room and never mix it with other products.
- A cheap hygrometer shows you the humidity in a room, which helps you see whether your changes are working.
- Mould on silicone sealant round a bath often stains it permanently. Cutting out and replacing the sealant may be easier than cleaning it.
When to call a professional
Get professional help if the mould covers a large area, keeps returning, or comes from a leak, rising damp or rain penetration. If you rent, report damp and mould to your landlord in writing: landlords must deal with serious hazards, and your council's private housing or environmental health team can help if they don't. Social housing tenants can also contact the Housing Ombudsman.
Questions people ask
Can mould affect my health?
Yes. The NHS says damp and mould make respiratory problems, infections, allergies and asthma more likely. If you're worried about symptoms, speak to your GP or pharmacist.
Is bleach the best thing for mould?
The NHS advice is to use water with a mild detergent. If you use a specialist mould product, follow the instructions and ventilate well.
Why does mould keep coming back?
Because the moisture that caused it is still there. Reducing condensation, or fixing a leak or damp problem, is the long-term fix.
Sources
Checked 9 October 2026. We wrote this guide in our own words, using:
- NHS: can damp and mould affect my health? (nhs.uk)
- GOV.UK: understanding and addressing the health risks of damp and mould in the home (gov.uk)
- Shelter: damp and mould in rented homes (england.shelter.org.uk)
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Printed from howtoguides.uk/guides/how-to-remove-mould-from-walls/ · Checked 9 October 2026 · General information only. For gas, electrics, structural work, medical, legal or money decisions, use a qualified professional.