Cleaning Guides

Mould in the Kitchen? Here’s How to Tackle It Safely

Fantastic Team
Published: Dec 06/2024
Last update: Dec 13/2024
8min read
Views: 22

Image source: Andrey_Popov / Shutterstock.com

Mould in the kitchen is very common. In England, approximately 3.8% of homes—equating to around 912,000 households—experience some form of damp problem. This often leads to mould growth. Not only is it unsightly, but it can also be harmful to your health if left unchecked.

In this post, you will learn some practical tips on how to spot, clean, and prevent mould in your kitchen. Let’s get right to it.

Where is mould most likely to appear in the kitchen?

Kitchens are prime locations for mould because they combine moisture, warmth, and plenty of nooks and crannies where it can grow unnoticed. Not all mould is the same, mind you. However, it’s all equally unwelcome. You can find different kinds of mould in different places in your kitchen. For example:

Black mould – Black mould in kitchens is a concern due to the toxins it releases, triggering allergies and health issues. It grows in damp areas. Look out for dark patches in cupboards with poor airflow and act fast to prevent spread;
White mould – While not as aggressive as black mould, white mould in kitchen cupboards can still be a nuisance. It tends to grow on porous surfaces like wood or fabric. It appears as a powdery or fuzzy white coating and usually means there’s been moisture buildup, possibly from spills or leaks. While it might not be as harmful as black mould, it can still worsen indoor air quality, especially for those with allergies or respiratory issues;
Green mould – Green mould grows on organic materials like wood and stored food. It appears in kitchen cupboards, on tiles, and behind cabinets where moisture seeps in. While less toxic than black mould, it can still cause problems. Deal with it quickly to prevent damage.

Can mould in the kitchen make you sick?

Kitchen mould triggers sneezing, coughing, congestion, and itchy eyes. Direct contact causes skin irritation. For people with asthma, mould exposure worsens symptoms and leads to wheezing, breathlessness, or asthma attacks.

The risks of kitchen mould increase when it spreads or keeps coming back. Mould often hides behind kitchen units or in areas like drywall behind cabinets. It remains unnoticed until your symptoms worsen. If you wonder, “When should I worry about mould in my house?” the answer is right away. Act immediately when you see signs of mould, smell a persistent musty odour, or notice worsening symptoms of mould sickness at home.

Over time, prolonged exposure to mould damages your health, causes chronic respiratory diseases, persistent sinus infections, and a weakened immune system.

Keep your home healthy!

Schedule mould removal now.

Learn more

Keep your home healthy!

Schedule mould removal now.

Learn more

Why is mould growing in my kitchen?

Take a closer look in your kitchen and you will notice the following things contributing to mould growth:

Sources of moisture – Mould in kitchens is caused by excess moisture from leaky pipes, dripping taps, and steam from cooking;
Kitchen cupboard materials – Kitchen cupboard materials matter. Wood, particleboard, and MDF are prone to moisture damage unless sealed. In places like under the sink or near appliances where leaks are common, these materials can quickly absorb water, leading to black mould in kitchen cupboards;
Poor ventilation – Without proper airflow, moisture gets trapped in your kitchen. Even more so in hidden spots like behind units or inside cupboards. If steam from cooking or washing dishes has nowhere to escape, humidity levels rise and the rest you can already guess. That’s why places like behind kitchen units and inside cupboards are often hotspots for mould;
Food storage practices – How you store food can also affect mould growth. Damp or spoiled food left in cupboards or pantries introduces moisture and organic matter that mould thrives on. Even small crumbs or spills can turn into breeding grounds for mould if left unchecked;
Spills and dampness – Ignoring spills, leaving wet sponges or damp cloths in cupboards, or storing items like cutting boards or pans while they’re still wet can all contribute to mould growth. These areas become more humid, which promotes fungal growth in places where it’s hard to spot.

How to find out where mould is coming from?

Search for mould in areas that get wet, like under sinks and around appliances. Check for leaks, water damage, and damp cupboards, especially those made of wood or MDF.

Hidden leaks behind cabinets or on walls can also cause mould, so look for signs of dampness or discolouration. Lastly, monitor humidity levels. Use a hygrometer to maintain levels between 30-50% or a dehumidifier which does it automatically.

How to clean the kitchen mould and stop it from spreading?

Dealing with mould in your kitchen doesn’t just mean cleaning it. It’s about stopping it from coming back.

For starters, natural remedies work well for minor mould problems and small-scale infestations. So, how do you clean a mouldy kitchen with DIY solutions?

Vinegar solution – Spray undiluted white vinegar on the affected area, let it sit for an hour, and scrub with a damp cloth;
Baking soda paste – Mix baking soda with water to form a paste. Then apply it to the mouldy surface, and scrub gently. Rinse thoroughly and dry the area.

When DIY isn’t enough, though, commercial products can provide a stronger solution to get rid of mould in the kitchen.

Apply a commercial mould remover – Choose a product with bleach or hydrogen peroxide, following the instructions on the label.
Scrub, rinse & dry – After waiting the recommended time, scrub the mouldy surface, rinse it off, and ensure the area is completely dry.

And when to call professional mould removal experts for help? Widespread mould in kitchen cupboards, walls, or ceilings and recurring mould despite your cleaning efforts is a pretty good sign.

Professionals not only clean but also identify and address the root cause. Their thorough approach minimises the risk of future infestations and saves you time and effort compared to repeated DIY attempts.

Will mould come back after cleaning?

Yes. Mould can return even after cleaning if the root cause isn’t removed. Don’t just scrub away visible mould. Make sure you eliminate the damp conditions that allow it to thrive. Check kitchen cupboards, walls, and tiles for moisture. Fix leaks and humidity issues to prevent mould regrowth.

Does mould go away on its own?

Mould doesn’t disappear on its own. It spreads if it has moisture, warmth, and organic material. Ignoring it causes damage to your home and health. Clean it thoroughly and fix the moisture source to stop it spreading.

Mould won’t go away on its own!

Book mould removal and prevention today.

How can I stop the mould from reappearing?

Prevent mould in your kitchen by combining cleaning and moisture control. This is how to prevent mould in the kitchen:

Regular kitchen cleaning – Consistent cleaning is key to mould prevention. Target high-humidity areas like sinks, cupboards, and tiles. Wipe down surfaces after cooking or dishwashing. Regularly clean kitchen cupboards.
Controlling humidity levels – Humidity plays a significant role in mould growth. Will a dehumidifier help with mould? Yes, using a dehumidifier or air conditioner can effectively maintain indoor humidity between 30–50%. This discourages mould from forming in damp areas.
Improving ventilation – Proper airflow is crucial to reducing moisture in your kitchen. Install exhaust fans or ensure your current fan works effectively. Open windows while cooking to allow steam to escape. For extra ventilation, use trickle vents or leave cupboard doors slightly ajar in areas prone to dampness.
Proper food storage techniques – Store food in airtight containers to reduce spoilage and prevent mould. Clean up crumbs and spills quickly.
Repainting with mould-resistant paint – Repainting can provide an extra layer of protection. Can you paint over mould? Not without treating it first! Remove mould completely before applying mould-resistant kitchen paint like those recommended in this guide on anti-mould paint. These paints contain fungicides that prevent mould from regrowing on painted surfaces, offering long-term protection.
Using heat effectively – Does heating prevent mould? Yes, heating helps reduce moisture in the air. Keep your kitchen at a consistent temperature, especially in colder months. This will prevent condensation. However, combine heating with ventilation to avoid trapping moisture.
Fixing leaks and dampness – Repair any leaks from pipes, appliances, or windows promptly. Even small drips can create damp conditions that encourage mould growth. Regular maintenance ensures these issues don’t contribute to recurring mould.

Takeaways

Kitchens foster mould growth due to moisture, warmth, and organic materials;
Mould causes allergies, respiratory issues, and skin irritation, and worsens asthma;
Black mould is the most dangerous;
To prevent mould’s return, remove the root cause; cleaning alone is insufficient.