Mould

[ireneadler101]

Hi all,

We have removed a fitted wardrobe in our new (old) house and have uncovered some lovely looking mould.



We know the cause - the flashing around the chimney which is next to it previously failed, leading to damp. This has now been fixed and the wall is dry, but the mould remains.

I am planning on simply hoovering off the surface mould (with my Titan bagged vacuum cleaner, not my household one - don't want to be spreading spores everywhere), and then cleaning with a bleach solution. I'll then remove what I can of the wallpaper without pulling down too much of the lime plaster wall.

Does this sound sensible? Anyone got any tips?

 

[88v8]

I would wash it rather than vacuuming. The spores are very fine and some will go through the filters and the bag.

Probably the stains will remain, and a stain-blocker will be needed if you plan to paint.
Vinyl wallpaper would be OK with a fungicidal paste.

Ivor

 

[MikeG]

Wear a mask! That stuff can make you ill.

 

[a twig]

Wear a mask! That stuff can make you ill.

Definitely second that and decent gloves.

There's some rather good mildew / mould remover stuff I've used to clean before - probably can be found cheaper elsewhere but first link I could find http://www.diy.com/departments/hg-mould-remover-spray-500-ml/136829_BQ.prd - that and some scouring sponges usually does the trick for me.

Occasionally resort to a scraper etc if required.

 

[Hazel7000]

I wouldn't hoover it either. Some black moulds can be very toxic and nasty - others quite harmless, but best be on the safe side and wear a mask and don't hoover it up or you'll have spores everywhere. Bleach kills surface mould. There are other things that work well and kill the root of it as well. White distilled vinegar is one (supposed to kill 82% of mould species). You can actually buy it in spray bottles on Amazon. Spray it onto the wall leave it a bit then wipe it off (and dispose of the cloths afterwards). The vinegar smell wears off in a day or two. We had something similar recently with an old alcove wardrobe - no ventilation in there and damp. Other half just hacked all the plaster off and replastered the walls in that corner. If you're planning to replaster that would be the best way to get rid of it completely. The mould spores will live in the plaster and regrow otherwise. There are various other mould killers that will get to the root and kill the spores if you don't want to replaster. Borax is one - but I think it's not legal to sell it in the Uk now and Borax substitutes don't work. Vinegar will kill more than bleach though and isn't as fumey.