How to Remove Mould from Ceiling

Mould might come as a guest you don’t want in your house, but many Australian homeowners have to treat it anyway, especially in wet conditions or in states where the weather is humid. Mould causes a number of health problems over time, damages your house, and makes living there a challenge. The ceiling mould is a special kind of mould, which generally spreads quickly and without being noticed until it becomes bigger. Fortunately, with GTG Constructions at your service, it is no more difficult to remove mould from ceiling. We will explore practical methods to remove mould from ceiling surfaces and prevent its recurrence.

Understanding what is Ceiling Mould

Ceiling mould often results from high humidity, poor ventilation, or leaks.

It can also pose health risks and damage your home’s structure. Before we dive into removal techniques, it is essential to understand what causes mould growth and how to identify it.

Here is what causes mould growth:

• High humidity levels
• Poor ventilation
• Water leaks or condensation
• Inadequate insulation

The common areas in your home where mould can appear are bathrooms, kitchens, and rooms with poor airflow, which are prime spots for mould on the ceiling.

How to Remove Mould from Shower and Bathroom Ceilings

Bathrooms are particularly prone to mould on bathroom ceiling surfaces due to constant moisture exposure. Here is a step-by-step guide to clean mould from ceiling in your bathroom:

• Spray the infected area with either diluted bleach or with a cleaning solution of mild detergent and warm water.
• Allow a few minutes for the solution to work. You may need to leave the solution on over night if it is a particularly stubborn patch.
• Apply white vinegar to the area; this is the active ingredient that will kill the mould.
• Leave this on for about an hour before rinsing with water to prevent a smell of vinegar from remaining in the room.
• Let your bathroom be well-vented till the place is totally dry.

The shower area in the bathroom is also one of the places mould likes to grow. Here, we are sharing a few cleaning tips:

• In the spray bottle, combine equal parts water and white vinegar.
• Let it stay on the mouldy areas for about 30 minutes or, if you can do so, an hour or two, before you start gently scrubbing and then rinsing off with plain water.
• If for some reason, the mould does bounce back or refuses to leave, you may use a commercial mould spray. In that case, make sure you wear gloves and the area is well ventilated.

If the mould has spread to the wall, it is most likely due to a leak inside the pipe. The dark stains could be from it. In such cases, seek professional assistance.

Effective Methods for Ceiling Mould Removal

The cleaning materials that can be used to remove mould from ceiling are vinegar, baking soda, and tea tree oil. Natural cleaners are not only easily accessible and simple to use but also environmentally friendly. Here are some effective techniques for getting rid of ceiling mould:

• Fill a spray bottle with white vinegar and warm water in a 1:1 ratio and spray on the mouldy surface. Let it work for an hour; then scrub and wipe.

• Mix one teaspoon of baking soda in a spray bottle filled with water, shake well, and apply on the mould-affected surface. Scrub off the mould and then clean with water.
• Mix a teaspoon of tea tree oil into a cup of water in a spray bottle; shake well. Spray onto the mouldy area and let it sit for an hour. Then clean with a damp cloth.

Natural ingredients will often not be effective on older or larger mould growth and may not work on black mould. You can use the following commercial mould cleaning products:

• Use eco-friendly mould control spray for ceiling mould removal. Apply to surface, let dry, and wipe away any mould residue with a cloth or brush.
• Spray Ajax Professional Mould Remover, leave to stand for 5 minutes, then wipe clean with water.
• Apply Selleys Rapid Mould Killer to the mouldy area, leave to work for 3 minutes, then wipe or scrub off.
• In concentrated form, pour hydrogen peroxide into a spray bottle and apply it in the mouldy area. Allow this a few minutes before cleaning off with a cloth.

Commercial cleaning solutions are far more potent than natural solutions; therefore, read labels carefully and take all necessary precautions.

Additional Instructions

Prepare the affected area

Take a dust sheet on the floor and save your furniture from falling mould spores. Keep the windows open to have ventilation. If you have an air purifier, keep it on so that it can trap the mould spores.

Wear the safety gear

Professionals recommend that you should wear personal protective equipment when cleaning mould off ceiling. Use a face mask over an N95 respirator to avoid inhaling the mould spores, goggles, and nitrile or rubber gloves.

Dry the area right after

As you may be aware, mould forms on moist ceilings. Mould treatment specialists recommend that the cleaned area be dried quickly once the mouldy ceiling has been cleaned.

Keep the windows open in summer, but in winter, use a dehumidifier or even a fan to circulate the air.

Check the area on a regular basis

Check and clean the places often where mould is likely to appear to avoid its growth. If you feel signs of mould growth, take immediate action to contain it and prevent its further spread.

The Best Way to Remove Mould: Prevention Strategies

As you now understand how to remove mould from ceiling surfaces is important, prevention is always better than cure. Here are some tips to prevent mould on ceiling surfaces:

• Mould is basically a moisture problem. Keep the indoor humidity level at the recommended 45–55%, or even 40–60% is acceptable.
• Use an air conditioner or dehumidifier to remove moisture from the air if needed.

• Materials that remain wet for longer than 48 hours cause microbial growth; therefore, spills and leaks must be dried immediately.
• Conduct regular inspection and repair in your roofing, gutters, and plumbing system to prevent water leakage, especially if one is staying in a rented house.
• Avoid using bleach since it is harmful and may damage surfaces while removing mould. According to mycologist Heike Neumeister-Kemp, bleach does not kill the fungus.
• Insulation should be used on exterior walls that have regular contact with shade or water.
• Get rid of mouldy food and everything that could have been contaminated by moulds as soon as possible.
• Apply mould prevention for walls and ceilings using specialised paints or treatments.

Special Considerations for Bathrooms

Let us get into some great tips that we recommend to help keep mould away once and for all.

How to Remove Mould from Shower:

• Let the bathroom be well ventilated. Add in a fan that can help exhaust excess moisture during and after showers.
• Don’t leave the bathroom vent running after you take a shower. It can cause mould growth in showers.
• Surfaces, such as tiles and grout and shower fixtures, should be cleaned and dried with a cloth or a squeegee between each use.
• Keep beauty products dry and away from showers. It is possible that moisture may be retained in the hollow of the lids.

Mould on Bathroom Ceiling:

• Open windows and doors in your bathroom, and leave windows open overnight whenever possible.
• Apply mould-resistant paint, drywall, or wallpaper. Several mould-resistant paints contain a degree of mildewcide that will keep the paint free of mould and mildew for a while.
• Use a fan while and after showering in the bathroom. If you don’t have an exhaust fan, you can use a standing fan.
• Mould does not appear for no reason; therefore, you should inspect the roof for any holes and possible damage.

When to Seek Professional Help

If the mould covers a large area, or if you suspect it is penetrated deep into your ceiling material, it might be time to call in experts like GTG Constructions. We specialise in ceiling mould removal and can provide a thorough inspection and treatment to ensure your home remains mould-free.

• Large areas of mould (more than 1 square metre)
• Mould caused by sewage or contaminated water
• If you have respiratory issues or allergies
• Persistent mould that returns after repeated cleaning attempts

Conclusion

The mould is tough; therefore, you may need to repeat this entire cleaning operation multiple times. Even if the source of the problem is treated, the mould will return months or even days later. This is why you must inspect the cleaned areas on a daily basis to prevent mould from returning. If everything else fails, you can always schedule a one-time cleaning service to relieve the burden off your head. GTG Constructions offers mould treatment solutions to help keep your house mould-free if you require professional expert guidance or services in Australia. Reach out for consultations on mould prevention and removal from the home.