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.

In cleaning away 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. 
• Next 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 and 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.