A Pair Of Woman Hands Wearing A Pair Of Pink Gloves Using A Bottle Of Cleaner To Get Rid Of Moulds At The Corner Of A Wall

How to get rid of fungus on the wall?

Did you know that mould and mildew can grow on any wall in your home, not just in dark and damp basements? Excessive humidity in the air can cause them to appear on any wall. While a small amount usually would not affect your health, removing it as soon as possible is still crucial. Here is what you should know if fungus is growing on your wall.

Why does fungus grow on the wall?

Broken walls

A damaged wall allows water in, making it damp and, over time, causing mould and mildew to develop. If you find any dampness on your wall, you should first determine the source of the moisture before seeking a solution.

It is not recommended to cover damp walls and mould development with materials such as tanking and liquid sealers. While this may mask the issue of dampness on the interior wall temporarily, it will return if the underlying causes of the dampness such as a damaged wall or water leak are not resolved.

Leaky foundations

When there is damp soil behind a foundation, the moisture ultimately reaches the concrete’s surface. Wet surfaces are ideal for the growth of dangerous fungi, which can harm your family’s health.

Regularly check the outside and inside of your foundation walls, and keep an eye out for any possible risks to your foundation in the surrounding area. Although basic foundation repairs are inexpensive, you should still keep an eye on these places in case the situation worsens and you need to hire a mould remediation specialist.

Poor ventilation

When insufficient air circulation is combined with moisture, a humid and wet atmosphere arises. These damp conditions provide a perfect breeding ground for the growth of mould and mildew.

To keep them from spreading throughout your house, proper ventilation is essential as it allows for the circulation of fresh, clean air. Additionally, it is important to fix any electrical leaks to ensure a safe, healthy, and energy-efficient living space.

Step-by-step Instructions to Remove Fungus from Your Wall

1. Prioritise Safety Precautions

When removing fungus, it is best to wear old clothes that you do not mind splattered with bleach or disposable coveralls that can be discarded afterwards to avoid spreading spores. You need to put on a face mask, protective eyewear, and long rubber gloves.

2. Ensure Proper Ventilation

Mould and mildew will release spores during the cleaning process, but with proper ventilation, the spores will not stay concentrated in the affected area. It is also worth noting that bleach and other strong chemicals used to remove mould can be irritating, so allowing plenty of airflow during the cleaning process can also prevent these fumes from becoming overwhelming.

3. Identify the Type of Fungus

Before you proceed to the next step, make sure you know what kind of fungus it is so you know how to get rid of it and whether you should call a professional to do it for you.

Mould

Many different varieties of mould grow in various colours, such as green, black, and white. Generally, the most common types of mould that grow in homes are the black and green varieties.

Green moulds like Penicillium and Cladosporiumcan usually look ‘fluffy’ and often grow on damp walls. Penicillium, in particular, is known for its greenish-blue colouration and can cause allergies and respiratory problems. The Cladosporium genus is usually found on walls, insulation, and damp carpets and can cause eye, skin, and sinus infections.

Several Green Patches Of Moulds On A Wall

While all kinds of mould can be harmful to health, black mould is the one you should be watching out for. One particularly dangerous type of mould is Stachybotrys chartarum, which produces mycotoxins. Although they are invisible to the human eye, they can enter your body through inhalation, ingestion, and even your eyes. Exposure to these toxins can cause problems with your vision, skin, and reproductive system.

Several Patches Of Green Mould Growing And Spreading On The Top Section Of An Old Wall

Mildew

Mildew is the early stage of mould, characterised by spots that can then spread over larger areas if left untreated. Use a cloth and apply some bleach to determine if your walls have mildew. If the dark spots disappear after 5 minutes, it is mildew. If they remain, it is probably just dirt.

4. Prepare Cleaning Solution

For those using bleach, a good approach is to mix a solution of 1 part bleach with 3 parts water in the spray bottles. While bleach works well to kill surface fungus and remove the ugly marks on the walls, it does not penetrate deeply into the drywall, and so it leaves its “roots” undisturbed. That means the problem is likely to reoccur, sometimes within days.

Vinegar can be more effective than bleach at addressing this problem. The smell of vinegar is likely to dissipate once the surface is completely dry, but if this is a concern, adding a few drops of essential oil to the spray bottle may mask the scent.

5. Scrubbing

Using a microfiber cloth or sponge, gently scrub the affected area with the cleaning solution. It is best to clean mould and mildew starting at the bottom and working your way up. This keeps the spores from spreading and the stain from streaking on your wall. The wall’s surface should be fully wet but not oversaturated to prevent damage to the drywall.

6. Dry the Area

Do not wipe away the cleaning solution. Allow the wall to air dry; once dry, check if any fungus stains remain and repeat the process as needed. This process can be quickened by directing one or two fans at the wall, but it may take as long as 24 hours to dry completely.

If they are still there after the area has dried, repeating the cleaning once or twice will likely clear the stain. Since moisture causes mould and mildew on walls in the first place, it is a good idea to keep fans directed at the area after the final clean until it has thoroughly dried.

What are the alternative ways to remove fungus on your wall?

All the above-mentioned steps help in removing mould and mildew. However, it is essential to remember that the actual cause behind their growth needs to be taken care of to ensure that they will not grow again after some time. For this purpose, it is wise to have a professional assess the extent of the problem.

Those who have allergies, asthma, or weakened immune systems will also want to get in touch with a mould remediation specialist rather than attempting it themselves. With their expertise, you would not have to worry about the spores spreading to other parts of your home as they have special equipment that ensures a thorough removal. This will surely provide peace of mind for those concerned about the re-emergence of fungus in their home.

Need help to get rid of fungus from your wall?

Now that you have read this comprehensive guide, you can begin to tackle the problem of mouldy walls. However, remember to put your safety first, follow the recommended cleaning methods, and take preventative actions to reduce the likelihood of fungal development.

If the infected area is too widespread for you to handle alone, or if you would rather leave it to an expert, TYCHE Enviro is here to help. Feel free to contact us today for holistic mould removal services.

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