How to Spot Hidden Mould in Your Bedroom and What to Do About It

Finding mould in your home is never a pleasant experience. Mould in your bedroom even less so. This is your sanctuary, after all. The place where you recharge and prepare for each new day. You can’t have fungi ruining that.

Fortunately, you’re at the right place. This guide covers what causes mould in your bedroom, the health risks, and how to get rid of it for good. So, read on and act fast.

What do you need to understand about mould?

Mould is a fungus that grows in damp, warm areas with poor ventilation. It spreads by releasing spores into the air. And it’s not only one type, either. Mould comes in various types, each with its unique appearance and risks.

Bedrooms are prone to mould due to limited airflow and moisture. We spend hours sleeping and breathing, which adds humidity. Moisture builds up without ventilation, creating an ideal environment for mould growth on windows.

Furniture placement doesn’t help, either. Furniture against walls blocks air circulation, which traps moisture. Add spills, damp clothes, and cold walls to the mix, and you have mould thriving under beds, behind furniture, on headboards or in drawers.

Does mould in one room affect the whole house?

Yes, mould in one room can indeed impact the entire house. A patch of mould on bedroom walls or blinds can send spores through air currents, HVAC systems, and even on your clothes. When you leave it unchecked, mould can move like that from room to room. Eventually, your entire home becomes a breeding ground.

Why are you getting mould in the bedroom?

You already know what causes mould on walls in bedroom. It’s usually moisture, poor ventilation, and lack of heating. However, condensation is a big culprit too.

When warm, humid air hits cold windows, it creates moisture. Eventually, that turns into mould around windows, sills, or nearby walls. If the windows are poorly insulated or single-glazed, then it’s almost impossible not to get mould.

Leaks are another frequent cause. Water dripping from roofs, cracks in walls, or poorly sealed windows can create damp patches, especially in corners or near external walls. These damp areas provide the perfect environment for mould to thrive.

Poor ventilation is another reason why there is mould in your bedroom. Without proper airflow, moisture from everyday activities like breathing, sweating, or drying clothes gets trapped inside. Over time, it builds up, and you get the perfect conditions for mould growth. Even if you clean the mould, it will keep coming back until you improve the ventilation.

Hidden moisture sources can add to the problem too. Spills, damp clothes, and poorly dried bedding often go unnoticed, but they contribute to moisture buildup. When combined with restricted airflow, like furniture pushed against walls, these hidden sources can cause mould to spread.

Often, it’s not just one issue but a mix of reasons for mould in the bedroom. That’s why mould can be so persistent and frustrating to deal with.

Is it safe to sleep in a room with mould?

In short, no. There are several dangers of sleeping in a bedroom infested with mould.

Mould releases spores and allergens. They can cause respiratory issues like coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. These can be especially tough for asthma sufferers. On top of that, mould can trigger allergies. Think sneezing, itchy eyes, and skin irritation that not only make you uncomfortable but also mess with your sleep.

The effects of sleeping in a damp room are also significant. Daytime tiredness and even insomnia. Fatigue and poor sleep will badly affect your life in other areas eventually. For those with weakened immune systems, the stakes are even higher, as long-term exposure to mould can lead to serious infections or chronic health problems.

So, can mould in bedrooms make you ill? Absolutely, yes. While it is rare for mould exposure to be fatal, you should not ignore prolonged exposure. Children, the elderly, or those with pre-existing conditions are especially susceptible.

How long can you live with mould in your house?

There’s no set rule for how long you can live with mould in your home. It all depends on the type of mould, how bad the infestation is, and your overall health. For most people, a few days or weeks of mild exposure might cause minor annoyances like sneezing or congestion. But if you’re exposed for longer, like weeks or months, it can lead to more serious health issues,

When it comes to black mould or other harmful types, even just a few days can pose a risk, especially for vulnerable individuals. Have you ever heard of mould sickness? There is such a thing and it even has symptoms:

So, if you’re still wondering, “Can I live in a room with mould?”, the answer is a firm no. Oh, and by the way, mould can even damage your home’s structure.

What are the signs of mould in the bedroom?

Keep your eyes peeled for these symptoms of mould in the bedroom:

Are there ways to solve the bedroom mould problem?

Absolutely! Tackling mould doesn’t have to feel like a never-ending battle. Here’s how to get rid of mould in the bedroom step by step.

1. Clean the affected areas

Start with what you can see. Grab some gloves, goggles, and a mask to protect yourself. Then get to work:

1. Natural fixes that work – Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle, spritz the mouldy area, and let it sit for an hour. Wipe it away with a damp cloth. Baking soda and water paste also work for scrubbing light-coloured surfaces without harsh chemicals;
2. Commercial heavyweights – If DIY isn’t cutting it, grab a mould removal spray from your local store. These often contain biocides that go deep and stop mould spores in their tracks.

2. Address the root cause

Cleaning alone won’t solve the problem. To stop mould in your bedroom from returning you’ve got to cut off its lifeline—moisture.

1. Fix leaks – Check for sneaky leaks around windows, roofs, and walls. Look for cracked seals or water stains. When you find a drip, fix it right away before mould claims that spot as its new home;
2. Let the air flow – Open a window, and use a fan or dehumidifier. Foggy windows in the morning mean you need better ventilation.

3. Treat surfaces to keep mould away

Once the mould is gone and the moisture issue is handled, it’s time to protect your space.

1. Anti-mould paint to the rescue – Coat your walls and ceilings with mould-resistant paint. These paints act like a protective shield, keeping mould from setting up camp again;
2. Seal it tight – Double-check seals around windows, doors, and walls. If your windows are single-glazed, consider upgrading to double-glazed to keep condensation in check.

4. Stay on top of it – keep a watchful eye for any mould in the future

This is more of a prevention step. You can keep furniture a little away from walls to let the air circulate. Also, stop drying clothes in your bedroom unless you’ve got proper ventilation. Often spilling things in your bed or on the bedroom floor? Clean and dry them immediately, especially on carpets or wooden furniture.

Can you stop mould from infesting your bedroom again?

Yes, you can! It might be persistent, but with the right steps, you can avoid mould in the bedroom in the future. Here are a few more mould prevention techniques to try:

Control humidity like a pro

Ventilate

Insulate and seal your space

Clean regularly