Last updated 21st February, 2024
Have you got a mould problem in your home?
This article tackles the issue of removing mould in your home. Not only is it damaging to your home but also your health. Here we discuss everything that's involved in mould treatment. From how to treat mould yourself to professional mould removal. We've got it covered!
Let's begin!
Damp and mould are caused by moisture in buildings, which is in turn most often caused by leaky pipes, broken or missing damp proof membrane (rising damp), or damage to roof/windows letting rain seep in. Excess moisture can also be caused by condensation which forms when the air can't hold any more moisture. Condensation problems are typically caused by cooking, showering, drying clothes indoors etc without adequate ventilation.
So, what can I do?
The first step in removing mould is to remove the source of moisture in your home. Once the moisture source is removed, you may be able to remove the actual mould yourself, but for more serious cases, you will probably need to get a professional in to remove it safely and effectively.
You can remove a small amount of black mould yourself if it's confined to just a small area only (less than one metre squared). Remember to always protect yourself from mould spores by wearing goggles, gloves and a mask that covers both nose and mouth.
Open the windows when cleaning mould but keep all internal doors closed to prevent spores from spreading throughout the home. Dispose of any mouldy soft furnishings and clothes by sealing them in a plastic bag. You can use a rag dipped in the soapy water or a mild bleach solution to wipe mould directly off the wall. But be careful not to try and brush the mould off, as this can release mould spores into the air.
Once all traces of mould have been removed, use a dry rag or towel to dry the wall. Finally, all surfaces in the room should be thoroughly cleaned by wet wiping or vacuum to remove any mould spores. However, if you have a serious or recurring mould problem, or if you have health or respiratory problems that might be aggravated by exposure to mould spores, then you should call in an expert to have the mould removed quickly and safely.
What if I want a professional?
A professional mould removal specialist can not only remove the mould effectively, they can also advise you on likely causes and how to prevent further mould problems in the future. The cost of clearing mould will vary depending on the area affected and the severity of the problem. Expect to pay anywhere from £50 to £250 to remove mould in a large room, up to £1000 to clean mould from an entire house. These prices do not include removing the source of the moisture, and are simply the costs for removing mould from the walls and ceilings.
Individual costs of removing mould from a large room - Total Cost: £250
The average material cost to remove mould will simply be included in the overall job price. The mould specialist will require materials such as, bleach, brushes and protective equipement.
The average mould removal specialist will usually charge around £150 to £200 for a full days work and usually a minimum of £50 just to come out. The duration of the work will depend on how severe the mould has become. Ultimately price will be affected by location and the size of the job.
Below are some estimated costs of hiring a mould specialist:
Job Description | Avg. Cost | Duration |
---|---|---|
Removing mould from walls and ceiling in a large room | £50-£250 | 1-8 hours |
Full house mould removal on walls and ceilings | £800-£1000 | 1-5 days |