I have mould on an upstairs bedroom wall? It is on the inside of the two exterior walls. The walls that adjoin interior walls are fine. The walls are painted. The mould is black with white furry stuff on it. We have double glazing and central heating.
Please tell me how I can get rid of the mould and prevent it returning?
Thank you very much

Ann, March 2009

We've found lining the walls with polysytrene really helpful - you buy it in rolls (B&Q, etc) plus special adhesive. You can also buy Wallrock insulation - haven't tried it but it looks good, however the polysytrene is a far cheaper option. People bang on about condensation and ventilation like it's all your fault but cold, usually north facing, outside walls are a bugger!

Jane, February 2011

We have the same problem and cannot find a solution. We always have the windows open for air and turn the heating off has been cleaned but came back .We cannot use the bedroom as the children are asthmatic and have been advised this form the doctor .Now waiting for environmental health this is a major problem as now only two rooms are avaliable when we need all 3 :)

Miss Savory, February 2010

Wash the walls with fungicidal wash, you can buy this in any hardware/paint shop. Make sure you have plenty of ventilation when using it. Also wear protective clothing as the fungicidal wash, like parazone, will take the colour out of anything it splashes on.

I have used it on a bedroom wall. Keep the room well ventilated.

Frances, March 2009

You can get rid of the mould by using dilute bleach or a proprietary fungicide - good scrub & dry followed by another scrub and dry - then perhaps decorate.

As for stopping the mould returning you may never stop it completely but there are things you can do to reduce it and possibly stop it coming back.

Dampness causes the mould - the dampness either comes through the wall from a leaking gutter perhaps so check the outside of the house when its raining and remedy any problems - or - the dampness comes from inside and most probably from condenstaion - warm wet air against cool exterior walls.

Reduce the heat in the room as much as reasonable - increase the ventilation as much as possible - keep doors closed to prevent the steam from bathing and cooking wafting around the house. Turn the heating down a bit especially at night and try to leave a window slightly open when someone's sleeping in the bedroom and during the day when its not in use.

If you can get one, a dehumidifier will help a lot. Central heating and double glazing will be playing their part too - with a warmer environment and fewer natural draughts so you need to compensate by providing more ventilation by opening windows even a tiny bit in kitchen, bathroom and bedroom during cooking, bathing and sleeping. Wipe away dampness when you see it

Good luck...

Peccavi, March 2009