Finding mould in your home is unsettling. It can have a bad odour, look unsightly and long exposure could be harmful to your health. Your first thought may be “can I paint over mould as a quick fix?” but it’s not a good idea, as it only gets rid of it aesthetically and doesn’t solve the problem.
Why you shouldn’t paint over mould
It doesn’t kill mould
Painting over mould won’t kill it as paint typically doesn’t have the ability to kill fungal spores, and whilst there is anti-mould paint on the market, these are for prevention rather than cure.
It’ll come back
As we’ve mentioned, paint will simply cover up the problem, not get rid of it. When you paint over mould, it will reappear as the mould is still active.
Paint traps moisture
When you paint over mould, it creates a barrier, effectively trapping moisture which causes mould and can worsen the problem.
There are still health risks
As painting over mould doesn’t resolve your mould problem, the risks associated with mould spores in the air still remain.
What you should do if you have mould
As we’ve explained that painting over mould isn’t a good idea, here’s what you should do to get rid of mould instead:
Fix the source of moisture
Mould is caused by moisture. Moisture can get into your home from a variety of sources including loose window seals or a leaky pipe. Fixing where the moisture is coming from will stop it from returning.
Clean the mould thoroughly
We’d recommend using a mould cleaning solution - either over the counter, or a mix of water and bleach - to clean small, affected areas. Make sure you wear protection as chemicals can be harmful.
Use an air purifier
A high-quality air purifier can help clear up mould in your home, without having to do the physical work! Take a look at our brand new air purification system for more information on how it can help.
