Remove mould from home and stop it from returning with one natural kitchen ingredient

Mould is a constant worry once summer ends as not only can it affect your health but it can cause major property damage as it can weaken walls, ceilings and even floors over time. 

It may be tempting to try and clean mould away with a commercial cleaner, but it turns out the best way to stop mould from growing is with a simple ingredient you likely have in your kitchen cupboard. 

Tobie Lewis, an expert from Valspar Paint, has shared that the best way to kill mould inside the home and stop it from coming back is simple white vinegar that you put on your chips. 

He said: “How you fix the damp depends on the cause of the problem. If you think there’s a problem with your exterior wall, or roof or you have rising damp, call a specialist who will help identify the cause and fix the problem. 

“However, if it’s something you can tackle at home, try using white vinegar for areas of mould found on porous surfaces.

“This trick is especially useful if the damp has extended below the surface. The vinegar will penetrate to kill the mould and mildew at the root, preventing it from regrowing.”

White vinegar contains acetic acid which breaks down mould spores and draws moisture out of a surface to stop it from being able to spread. 

It can also leave behind a slightly acidic residue on surfaces after using it, which also protects it and stops mould from being able to grow there in the future. 

How to use white vinegar to stop mould growing in your home

All you need to do is place white vinegar in an empty spray bottle and spray the solution directly onto the mould.

Make sure the mouldy area is completely soaked as mould can penetrate deeply into a surface. 

Once you have applied the solution, leave it to sit on the surface for at least one hour to give the acetic acid time to break down the mould spores. 

When the time is up, put on a pair of gloves and a mask, then use a hard bristled brush to scrub the area.

The mould should easily come away from the surface and it should be clean in no time.

How to prevent mould growth in the future 

Mould spreads during the cold weather as more people keep their windows closed and dry their clothes inside which causes humidity to build up in a home. 

The best way to stop mould from growing is to improve the air circulation to reduce moisture, which will make it more difficult for mould to thrive. 

Tobie said: “Repairing leaks and also managing ventilation of your home, to get rid of condensation inside windows, for example, is key to preventing black mould from growing. 

“Keep problem areas like bathrooms, kitchens, or laundry rooms heated, as this will help to reduce the chances of mould growth simply because mould has an ideal temperature and moisture range in which to live and thrive.”