Cleaning mould disturbs it. Scrubbing, spraying and wiping all release material into the air of a room you are standing in, often an enclosed one such as a bathroom or a cupboard. That is why a treatment job is worth setting up properly rather than reaching for a cloth and getting on with it.
Before you start
- open windows and ventilate the room
- close the door to the rest of the house so you are not moving spores around
- clear the area of furniture, bedding, clothing, toys and food
- cover anything that cannot be moved
- put down protection on the floor
- have a bag ready for used cloths and disposable items
- read the product label for the surface you are treating
Preparation also makes the job faster, because you are not working around obstacles.
Protective equipment
For anything beyond a very small patch, treat this as the minimum:
- A face mask. An FFP3 mask offers a higher level of protection than a basic dust mask and is the standard included in the Mould Solve kits. It needs to fit properly against the face to work as intended.
- Gloves. Disposable gloves protect against both the growth and the treatment product.
- Eye protection. Particularly important when treating a ceiling or anything above head height, where spray and debris fall towards your face.
- Old clothes or disposable coveralls. Anything worn during the job is worth washing separately afterwards.
!Mould Solve Advanced Mould Treatment Kit with two sprays, air sanitiser, FFP3 mask and gloves
The Mould Treatment Kits include protective equipment alongside the treatment stages, which is the simplest way to have the right kit to hand rather than improvising.
Who should take extra care
Some people should avoid doing this work themselves, or take additional precautions:
- anyone with asthma or another respiratory condition
- anyone with a known mould or damp allergy
- anyone with a weakened immune system
- people who are pregnant
- children, who should be kept out of the room during and after treatment
If you have health concerns about mould exposure in your home, speak to a healthcare professional or check current NHS guidance. This guide covers safe working practice, not medical advice.
Ventilation while you work
Ventilation matters in two directions: getting airborne material out, and keeping product vapour from building up in a small space.
- open a window and keep it open throughout
- run the extractor fan where there is one
- keep the door to the rest of the house closed
- take breaks out of the room on a larger job
- do not seal yourself into a small bathroom or cupboard with the door shut
- keep ventilating after you finish, while the surface dries
Working method
- Work from the top down, so you are not re-contaminating areas you have already done
- Avoid dry brushing or sanding a mould patch, which sends material into the air unnecessarily
- Apply the product as the label directs rather than saturating the surface
- Use disposable cloths and bag them as you go rather than rinsing them in a sink
- Do not carry cloths and equipment through the house between rooms
- Allow proper drying time before putting anything back
Product safety basics
- follow the label instructions for the product and the surface
- never mix mould or cleaning products together
- keep products away from food, food preparation surfaces, drinks and pets
- store products out of reach of children
- keep exterior products for exterior surfaces, and indoor products for indoor use
- test on a small inconspicuous area first if you are unsure about a finish
- keep pets and children out of the room during treatment and drying
That first point about mixing matters. Combining different cleaning products, particularly anything containing bleach with anything containing ammonia, can produce dangerous fumes.
Afterwards
- bag and dispose of cloths, gloves and coverings
- wash any reusable equipment separately
- wash the clothes you worked in separately
- keep ventilating until the surface is fully dry
- wash your hands and face thoroughly
- keep the room ventilated before it is used normally again
When not to do it yourself
Some jobs are not domestic jobs. Consider getting professional help where:
- the affected area is extensive rather than a patch
- the growth follows a flood or contaminated water
- it is in a loft, cellar or crawl space with poor access and ventilation
- someone in the household has a relevant health condition
- the growth returns quickly after proper treatment
- the cause looks structural rather than environmental
There is more on that judgement in when surface treatment is not enough.
FAQs
Is a basic dust mask good enough?
A basic dust mask is not designed for this. An FFP3 mask offers a higher level of filtration and is the level supplied in the Mould Solve kits.
Do I need to leave the room empty afterwards?
Keep children and pets out during treatment and while the surface dries, and keep the room ventilated. Follow the specific product instructions for drying times.
Can I open all the internal doors to air the house out?
Ventilate to the outside rather than into the rest of the house. Keeping the internal door closed stops airborne material moving into other rooms.
How small is small enough to just wipe?
Even a small patch is worth doing with gloves, ventilation and a suitable product. The bigger the area and the more enclosed the room, the more the rest of the protection matters.
