One thing we all hate to see in the workplace is mould. Wherever it turns up, nobody wants it there and instead wants it gone as soon as possible. Not only is it ugly, but it can be dangerous and a hazard to peoples’ health. So if mould turns up in your building, it’s in everybody’s best interests to take care of it straight away. However, its placement can make this task more difficult— just how do you remove mould from ceilings?
This article explains what can cause mould and how to clean it from ceilings using chemicals or natural solutions. For personalised advice, contact our team at Cleantastic today, we span across all cities including: Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Gold Coast, Brisbane and Adelaide.
What Can Cause Mould?
Mould is caused by dampness, which is why it’s often found in areas such as bathrooms and kitchens. High humidity, poor ventilation, and condensation increase moisture in an area, which can then seep into areas such as walls and ceilings and encourage mould to grow.
What Can Mould Do?
If left untreated, mould can become more difficult to clean and could even permanently damage your ceiling. Additionally, people with allergies, asthma, other breathing issues, or weakened immune systems are more susceptible to the damage mould can cause. It’s imperative that you take care of any mould you notice as quickly as possible.
If you notice mould growing, the first thing to do is determine why and to eliminate whatever’s causing it. You may need to hire a professional to inspect the roof or walls for damages or leaks.
Before You Remove Mould From Ceilings
Cleaning mould from any area can be tough, but removing it from a ceiling can be even tougher. In most cases, cleaning it once isn’t enough and it will need multiple cleanings.
Removing mould from ceilings is extra tough due to the height. If you choose to do the work yourself you will need to make sure you use a sturdy ladder positioned on a hard surface. Cleaning mould from ceilings is risky in more ways than one, so we highly recommend calling a professional for mould removal.
How To Remove Mould From Ceilings Using Chemicals
If you choose to remove the mould from the ceiling yourself, you’ll need the following:
- Rubber gloves
- Mask
- Sponge
- Safety glasses
- Spraying bottle
- Bucket of water
- Chlorine bleach
- Ladder
The first thing to keep in mind is that removing mould can be dangerous, so keeping safe is imperative. If you choose to remove the mould yourself, wear gloves and ensure they don’t have any holes or rips before beginning. Always wash well with water and soap after checking on or removing mould.
- Open windows and outside-facing doors to ensure good ventilation in the area.
- Pour chlorine bleach into the bottle as per the instructions on the label.
- Spray the solution on all of the mouldy areas of the ceiling, paying the most attention to the hard-to-clean corners.
- If mouldy areas remain, scrub them with the sponge.
- Rinse the area with water and leave the ceiling to dry.
- Keep the windows and doors to the outside open for at least 30 minutes.
How To Remove Mould From Ceilings Using Eco-Friendly Mould Removers
All of the following cleaning materials have the ability to penetrate mould on their own, however they work best as a team:
- White vinegar
- Baking soda
- Essential oils
- Mix two parts white vinegar with one part water.
- Add 1-2 tablespoons of baking soda and several drops of tea tree oil or clove oil.
- Spray the solution onto the mouldy areas. You may want to rinse it with water to reduce the smell.
- While these are all natural products and will evaporate faster than chemical products, you may want to open windows and doors for freshness afterwards.
Whichever method you choose to remove mould from ceilings, check on the area daily afterwards. You may need to repeat the process several times to ensure it’s fully removed. However, if the source of the mould remains, it will likely begin to grow back in time.
Tips To Keep Mould Away
- Circulation and ventilation— Add extractor fans to release moisture and circulate the air.
- Natural light— Mould grows in dark spaces, so make sure the area is as light as possible by opening windows and curtains during the day.
- Insulation— Cold air from outside plus warm air from inside equals condensation, which causes moisture.
- Dehumidifiers— Mould grows in damp, warm areas so place dehumidifiers in these areas to reduce its ability to grow.
Say Goodbye To Mould With Cleantastic
Cleaning mould isn’t pleasant for anybody. If you suffer from allergies, asthma, or any other respiratory conditions, this can make it downright dangerous. If you’re dealing with mould anywhere in your workplace, our team is ready to take care of it for you. To find out how, book a quote with us today.
