How to Combat Mould in Your Home: Expert Tips from Rabart Decorators Merchants
Mould - It’s more than just a funky spot on your walls; it’s a persistent little fungus that loves dark corners and damp surfaces. Here at Rabart Decorators Merchants, we know that mould is the ultimate uninvited guest in any home. But don’t worry; we’ve got the know-how and the products to help you kick mould out for good.
What Exactly Is Mould?
Mould is a type of fungus that grows in multicellular structures called hyphae. Unlike plants, mould doesn’t need sunlight to thrive; it loves the dark, damp, and poorly ventilated spots in your home—like bathrooms, kitchens, or behind heavy furniture. Mould spreads by releasing tiny spores into the air, which settle on surfaces and start new colonies when conditions are just right.
As Richard Thomas, our Group Sales and Operations Manager, says, "Mould is everywhere, all the time." It’s just waiting for the right conditions to make itself at home. So, don’t be surprised when you see it!
RICHARD THOMAS - GROUP SALES AND OPERATIONS MANAGER AT RABART.
Why Does Mould Appear?
Mould spores are like party crashers—they show up everywhere, from the air we breathe to the clothes we wear. But they only cause trouble when they find the perfect environment: high humidity, warmth, and lack of airflow. Here are the usual culprits:
-
Condensation: Warm, moist air condenses on cold surfaces like windows, walls, and ceilings.
-
Leaks: Water leaks from roofs, windows, or plumbing create damp spots that are perfect for mould.
-
Poor Ventilation: Areas without proper airflow, such as bathrooms and kitchens, trap moisture.
-
Flooding: If a flood hits and you don’t dry out the walls and floors properly, you’re inviting mould to the party.
“Mould patches on walls or ceilings should never be ignored," Richard warns, "even if they’re not causing a health threat right now. They’re increasing the spores in your air, encouraging more mould to take hold."
Why Is Mould a Problem?
Mould isn’t just ugly—it can be downright dangerous. It releases spores and mycotoxins into the air, which can trigger allergies, asthma, and other respiratory issues. According to experts, “Living or working in a building with moisture damage can cause a range of health problems, from asthma to skin irritation.” And it’s not just bad for your health; it can cause serious structural damage, too!
This insightful BBC Earth Science video explores the nature of mould, how it grows, and why damp environments like bathrooms and kitchens are particularly susceptible. Watch to learn more about the science behind mould and carry on reading our blog to find out how you can protect your home with the right solutions.
How to Spot Mould in Your Home
Sometimes, mould is sneaky—it’s not always visible. Here are some clues that mould might be lurking:
-
Visual Signs: Mould often shows up as black, green, or white patches on walls, ceilings, or other surfaces.
-
Musty Odour: A persistent, musty smell is a clear sign of hidden mould.
-
Condensation: Frequent condensation on windows or walls indicates high moisture levels.
-
Health Symptoms: If people in your home are constantly sneezing, coughing, or feeling allergic, mould could be the hidden culprit.
How to Kick Mould Out and Keep It Out -
Clean and Treat Surfaces the Right Way !
Forget the DIY solutions and go for what really works! For starters, you need to eliminate those mould spores with the right products from Rabart Decorators Merchants. We recommend GK Mould & Mildew Cleaner 1Ltr (rabart.co.uk) It's specifically designed to kill mould at it's source, leaving your surfaces clean and ready for a fresh coat of paint.
How to Use GK Mould & Mildew Cleaner:
-
Spray a generous coat on the affected area from 15-20 cm away.
-
Let it dry, then agitate the area with a soft brush or pad.
-
Wipe off any residue with a damp cloth and rinse thoroughly.
-
For stubborn stains, repeat as necessary.
Remember, always wear gloves and a mask during cleaning to protect yourself from spores, and ensure the area is well-ventilated.
Check out our before and after images below !
BEFORE: Using GK Pro Mould & Mildew Cleaner:
Before: Stubborn mold and mildew patches can quickly take hold in damp areas, leaving unsightly stains on walls, ceilings, and tiles. These spots are not only unsightly but can also be harmful to your health if left untreated. Many cleaning products fail to penetrate the root of the problem, allowing mould to return.
AFTER: Using GK Pro Mould & Mildew Cleaner:
After: With GK Pro Mould & Mildew Cleaner, those stubborn patches are a thing of the past! This powerful cleaner effectively removes mould and mildew, leaving your surfaces clean and fresh. It penetrates deep, ensuring long-lasting protection and a brighter, healthier environment. Perfect for any home or professional setting.
For pre-treatment and tough spots, try GK Fungicidal Wash best for decorators as it can be diluted, so lasts longer) from GK Products UK. This powerful wash will effectively kill mould spores, preparing the surface for a long-lasting, mould-free finish.
ALL GK PRODUCTS ARE AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY ONLINE FROM WWW.RABART.CO.UK OR AVAILABLE TO PURCHASE AT YOUR LOCAL RABART DECORATOR MERCHANT'S STORE.
Arm Your Walls with the Right Paints and Primers
After cleaning, don’t just repaint—repaint smart! Richard Thomas reminds us, "Using anti-mould paint doesn’t solve the moisture problem, but it prevents the manifestation of mould."
Zinsser B-I-N Primer: Perfect for blocking stains and sealing surfaces.
Zinsser B-I-N®: The Ultimate Solution for Stain and Odour Blocking
When dealing with mould and mildew in your home, proper priming is essential to prevent reoccurrence and ensure a flawless finish. Zinsser B-I-N ® Shellac-Based Primer is an exceptional choice for tackling this challenge. This versatile primer is perfect for interior surfaces and spot priming on exterior surfaces, offering unmatched stain-blocking power and adhesion.
B-I-N® effectively bonds to glossy surfaces like glass, eliminating the need for scuff sanding. Its powerful shellac formula seals porous surfaces and blocks a wide range of persistent stains, including water stains, nicotine, smoke, and mildew. It’s also a superior solution for odour control, sealing in smells from smoke, fire damage, pets, and more.
For homeowners and professionals, B-I-N® is the go-to primer for interior walls, ceilings, and trim. It’s also excellent for spot priming exterior materials like wood and metal. By incorporating B-I-N® into your mould prevention routine, you ensure long-lasting results, giving your surfaces a fresh, clean start.
Protect Your Home from Mould with Crown Clean Extreme Mould Inhibiting Matt and Eggshell: Ideal for high-moisture areas like bathrooms and kitchens !
Mould in kitchens and bathrooms is a common issue, but Crown Clean Extreme Mould Inhibiting Matt offers a reliable solution. Tested to ISO 11998 Class 1 scrub rating, this paint provides an advanced fungicidal barrier to protect against mould growth. Its slow-release technology helps tackle both new and aged stains, keeping your walls and ceilings looking fresh for longer.
For a versatile finish, Crown Clean Extreme Mould Inhibiting Acrylic Eggshell is another great option. Designed for use on walls, ceilings, and woodwork, it combines superior stain resistance with a powerful slow-release fungicidal defence. Like the Matt finish, it has been independently tested to a Class 1 scrub rating, ensuring easy removal of stains while maintaining a clean, polished look.
Both products are perfect for high-moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms, offering long-lasting protection against mould and stains.
Zinsser Perma-White® Interior Paint:
Zinsser Perma-White® Mould Resistant Interior Paint is a reliable solution for long-lasting protection. This paint contains a biocide that safeguards the dried coating against fungal degradation. With its exceptional formula, the paint film is designed to resist cracking, peeling, and blistering for up to 7 years before requiring maintenance.
Perma-White® easily bonds to existing solvent-based or glossy paints, making it versatile for various surfaces. It effectively seals flat paint, new drywall, cement block, and concrete. This paint is particularly suited for areas with persistent high humidity, frequent temperature changes, and poor air circulation.
Choose Perma-White® Interior Matt Paint for a durable, low-sheen finish in high-humidity areas like finished basements and kitchens. This finish was previously known as Eggshell.
For areas subjected to challenging wear and tear, opt for Perma-White® Interior Satin Paint. It features a scrubbable satin finish, making it ideal for high-humidity areas such as bathrooms and laundry rooms.
Experience the reliability and longevity of Perma-White® Mould Resistant Interior Paint in your moisture-prone spaces. Achieve a beautiful and durable finish that withstands the test of time.
Crown Clean Extreme Mould Inhibiting Matt, Crown Clean Extreme Mould Inhibiting Acrylic Eggshell and Zinsser Perma-White® Interior Paint can all be tinted into thousands of different colours, you can open the colour charts next to the products on our website to pick a colour, or visit or your local Rabart Store. Find your nearest Decorating Centre | Wales & South West (rabart.co.uk)
Improve Ventilation and Manage Moisture
Proper ventilation is your best friend when it comes to mould prevention. As Richard puts it, “No insulation without ventilation!” Make sure to:
Install extractor fans in high-moisture areas.
Use dehumidifiers to reduce indoor moisture.
Add trickle vents to windows to maintain airflow.
Consider heat recovery ventilation systems that retain warmth while keeping the air fresh.
What Happens If You Paint or Wallpaper Over Damp or Mould?
Thinking about painting over those mould patches to save time? Think again! Richard Thomas warns, “Don’t even think about it!” Here’s why:
-
Mould Will Keep Growing: Painting or wallpapering over mould traps moisture, creating the perfect breeding ground for mould to flourish and the problem will become worse.
-
Damage to Paint and Wallpaper: The paint will peel, crack, and blister, and wallpaper will bubble and peel off—wasting your time and money.
-
Health Risks Remain: Mould spores will continue to spread, causing respiratory issues.
-
Structural Damage Worsens: Mould and damp can weaken walls, plaster, wood, and more.
-
More Time and Money Wasted: You’ll have to redo the job when the mould resurfaces, so it’s better to address the root cause first.
Dealing with Damp in Stone Walls – Getting to the Root of the Problem
Damp issues in older homes with stone or concrete walls are common, often caused by their porous nature. To effectively manage the problem, it’s crucial to address the underlying cause before treatment. As Richard advises, "Older brick or stone houses need to breathe. You want a product that describes itself as breathable or vapor permeable." This helps to ensure moisture can escape naturally without causing damage to the structure.
Once the root cause is identified, Zinsser Peel Stop® offers an excellent solution for tackling surfaces affected by peeling, flaking, or chalking. This versatile clear sealer works indoors and outdoors, forming a breathable membrane over problem areas. By allowing trapped moisture to escape, Peel Stop® creates a strong foundation for future paint applications, preventing further damage from dampness.
Peel Stop® bonds effectively to old paint and damaged surfaces, sealing and protecting materials like stone, concrete, and wood. Whether you're dealing with peeling paint or flaking stone, it’s the ideal product to prevent blistering, cracking, and more. By choosing Peel Stop®, you ensure a durable, long-lasting finish that keeps your surfaces looking great and protected from damp-related issues.
Banishing Mould from Silicone
Mould loves to hide in silicone seals in bathrooms and kitchens. Don’t let it! Use the GK Mould & Mildew Cleaner from GK Products UK we discussed earlier ! It’s fast-acting, biodegradable, and low-odour. Just apply, let it dry, agitate with a brush, and rinse off for clean, fresh silicone! Available exclusively to purchase in any one of our 11 Rabart Stores across the South West and South Wales, UK or online at www.rabart.co.uk
Mould and mildew can be a problem outside as well, although it is not a health issue, it is still unsightly. There are a number of potential ways of addressing external mould and mildew visit GK Products UK for further information. GK Products UK | Exterior Cleaning & Restoration Supplies
Why Preparation is Your Secret Weapon
Taking the right steps not only keeps your home looking great but also protects your health and your property. Richard advises, "Treat the area, redecorate it in a suitable way, and maintain adequate ventilation." Simple, effective, and smart.
Spread the Word – Hashtags for a Mould-Free Home!
Let’s help everyone keep their homes healthy and beautiful!
Hashtags:
#MouldFreeLiving #DampProofYourHome #RabartDecorators #GKProductsUK #HealthyHome #HomeImprovement #PreventMould #AntiMouldPaint #Zinsser #CrownPaint
To find your nearest Rabart Decorator Merchants, click here: Find your nearest Decorating Centre | Wales & South West (rabart.co.uk)
