From Prevention to Removal: The Full Guide to Combatting White Mould

White mould is a common and overlooked problem in many homes. A lot of people underestimate it, but it can affect your property as well as your health, so it’s best to remove it in its early stages.

Here, you will learn what white mould is and what it isn’t. Then, you will learn the most important thing – how to get rid of it.

But first, let’s answer this question.

Can mould be white?

Yes. While we often picture mould as green or black, the fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum can cause white mould when the conditions allow it. That’s not the only species of fungi, either.

Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is the one you’ll find in gardens, especially on plants and soil. Indoors, Aspergillus often shows up as white mould when it’s just starting to grow.

Then there’s Cladosporium, which loves wood and fabrics and can sometimes look white in the right conditions. Penicillium is another common one. Think of the white powdery stuff you might see on food or organic materials.

White mould appears to have a fluffy, cotton-like feel. It typically begins as small, soft spots, but it can swiftly expand.

Difference between white mould, efflorescence, and mildew

It’s easy to get mixed up in this. White mould looks like efflorescence or mildew, but they’re quite different.

White mould is the real problem. This living fungus thrives on organic materials like wood, furniture, and plants. Sometimes, even on fabrics like clothes and mattresses.

It has a fluffy or powdery texture and spreads quickly in damp, warm areas. You’ll often find white mould on walls, carpets, or even your favourite houseplants if moisture is an issue.

Mildew, on the other hand, is a type of mould, although it’s flatter and more powdery. It is commonly seen in wet areas such as bathrooms, shower curtains, and tiles. It usually comes in grey or black colours, not fluffy white ones. While not as hazardous as white mould, it is nonetheless an annoyance.

As for efflorescence, it looks like mould but isn’t. It’s a white, powdery deposit of salts which you get when water evaporates from bricks or concrete. Unlike mould, efflorescence doesn’t smell, doesn’t spread, and isn’t harmful. You can test it by spraying water on it. If it dissolves, it’s just salt, not mould.

What is the cause of white mould?

High humidity, poor airflow, and warm temperatures. You will find these factors in bathrooms, basements and kitchens. These rooms do collect a lot of moisture, after all.

Mould really loves warmth, too. That’s why it’s so common in places like lofts, wardrobes, or sheds, where heat and dampness mix.

White mould isn’t picky when it comes to food either. It’ll latch onto almost anything organic if the conditions are right. Overwatered gardening soil is a common spot. It also loves bread, fruit, or any food left out in warm, damp areas. But it doesn’t stop there.

White mould will happily settle on your walls, wood, furniture, clothes, mattresses, and even your carpet. Basically, if it’s organic and there’s moisture around, mould will eat it.

Is white mould bad for you?

Yes, white mould can be harmful. Breathing in its spores can worsen asthma and allergies. You might get sneezing, coughing, or watery eyes. Sensitive people could have sinus infections or trouble breathing. Touching mould can irritate your skin and cause rashes as well.

Some types of white mould produce harmful mycotoxins under the right conditions. Not all white mould species produce them, but when they do, it can make the mould more dangerous. The mycotoxins can give you fatigue, headaches, or even nerve issues.

If that wasn’t bad enough, check this. White mould can attract mould mites that spread allergens around your home. These mites can make allergies even worse. Plus, if white mould is left to grow on walls, it can actually weaken the building materials.

Treatment options for existing infestations

The best approach depends on the surface the mould is growing on. Using the right materials and techniques is key.

How to treat white mould on walls

White mould can show up on painted walls, wallpaper, tiles, or even brick. Damp spots can appear on any kind of wall and so can the mould.

Materials needed:

Cleaning steps

1. Spray the solution onto the mouldy area;
2. Leave it for at least 30 minutes;
3. Gently scrub with a soft brush to loosen the mould. Avoid harsh scrubbing on painted walls or wallpaper to prevent damage;
4. Wipe the area with a clean, damp cloth.

You might have to repeat once or twice this process until you remove all the fungus. Also, regularly use white vinegar to prevent regrowth. For wallpaper, always test the solution in a small area to avoid damage.

Clean mould from wood and furniture

Mould can easily grow on wooden floors, wardrobes, and kitchen cupboards.

Materials needed:

Steps to clean

1. Vacuum the affected area. This will pick up any loose mould spores. If your vacuum has a bag, dispose of it right away. If it’s bagless, clean the canister thoroughly;
2. Dampen a cloth with the solution. Gently wipe down the mouldy surface. This helps kill the mould and clean the area. It also won’t damage the wood;
3. If the mould is tough, add a few drops of dish soap to the solution. Now scrub gently with a soft sponge.
4. After cleaning, make sure the wood is completely dry. Otherwise, moisture will build up again.

How to get rid of white mould on fabrics

Mould can find its way even onto carpets and mattresses. If you’re wondering about clothes, shoes, and leather goods, then you’d be sad to learn that it can infest them as well. That thing sure doesn’t know when to stop, does it? The way you clean it depends on what it’s growing on.

Materials needed:

How to clean

1. Clothes – Check if the fabric is machine washable. If it is, wash the mouldy clothes in hot water. Add vinegar to your detergent. If the fabric is not washable, spray the mouldy spots with the solution. Wait 15 minutes and then scrub the spot gently. Finally, rinse the cloth in cold water and leave to dry;
2. Carpets – Sprinkle baking soda on the mouldy area. Leave it for about an hour. Then, vacuum it up. The baking soda absorbs moisture and mould spores;
3. Mouldy stains – Dab the vinegar solution on any visible mould stains. Scrub gently with a soft brush. Rinse with water and blot it dry with a clean cloth. This can help with fabrics like curtains or upholstery.
4. Leather – Mould can also grow on leather items. Gently wipe your shoe or bag with a damp cloth dipped in a water and vinegar solution. Then, dry the items with a clean cloth.

Try not to use too much water. It can actually lead to further mould growth if you soak your fabrics.

Eliminate white fluffy mould on houseplants’ soil

White mould on plant soil usually appears when the plant gets too much water, has poor drainage or the humidity is too high. The fungus can harm your plant by affecting its roots.

Materials needed:

Removing the white mould

1. Carefully remove the top layer of mouldy soil. Be gentle so you don’t disturb the plant’s roots;
2. Mix hydrogen peroxide with water. 1 tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide for every litre of water. Spray this mixture lightly on the remaining soil to kill off any mould spores;
3. Sprinkle cinnamon powder over the soil. Cinnamon is a natural antifungal, so it’ll help prevent mould from coming back;
4. Improve the airflow around the plant to help the soil dry out faster. Avoid overwatering, and if possible, place the plant in a spot with better air circulation.

Mould prevention tips that can help

With all the hard work you put into removing the white intruder, you will want to keep it that way. The method with which you do that is simple: control moisture and boost ventilation.