Where the cause of the mould is related to building faults (such as a leak) and / or the mould is present in the building structure and materials it is recommended that you seek professional help.

Whether the job is undertaken by a contractor or yourself, care has to be taken to avoid contact with microscopic mould spores and the spread of spores within the building.

To clean mould:

• wear rubber gloves, goggles without ventilation / air holes and a protective mask which covers your nose and mouth
• open windows before, during and after the clean up but close doors tightly to prevent mould spores transferring to other areas of the building
• to get rid of mould you can use a vacuum cleaner and empty it afterwards or use a damp cloth that you throw away afterwards
• do not brush the mould as it releases spores into the air that may cause you breathing problems
• wipe down affected areas using a mild detergent such as washing up liquid, diluted bleach or a fungicidal wash (always follow the safety instructions on the bottle)
• you can also try using tea tree oil, which is a natural antiseptic and disinfectant:
  • mix three to four drops of tea tree oil with two litres of hot or cold water, spray it onto bad spots, then wipe / rinse it off
  • make sure to do a test on a small bit of the fabric / surface beforehand to avoid discoloration
  • please note that tea tree oil is toxic to some animals, especially dogs, and care should be taken where there are pets in the property
  • an alternative is white vinegar diluted with one part water to one part vinegar left to sit for one hour on affected surfaces and then rinsed off with a damp cloth
• allow the surface to dry and hoover the room to remove mould spores disturbed and transferred during removal, before redecorating using a fungicidal paint or wallpaper paste