After a wet Cape winter, many homes and businesses find black spots creeping across bathroom ceilings, window frames and cupboards. Mould isn't just unsightly. It can damage surfaces and make rooms smell musty. Here's how to deal with it.
Find the cause first
Mould needs moisture. Common sources include:
- Poor ventilation in bathrooms and kitchens
- Condensation on windows and cold walls
- Leaking pipes, roofs or gutters
- Drying laundry indoors
If you don't fix the moisture, the mould will come back.
Cleaning mould from hard surfaces
- Protect yourself: gloves, eye protection and a mask, with windows open.
- Apply a diluted bleach solution, or thick bleach on vertical surfaces and grout, following the label.
- Leave it to work, then scrub gently.
- Rinse and dry the area thoroughly.
Never mix bleach with other cleaners, especially acids or ammonia.
Porous materials
Mould on ceiling boards, carpets or soft furnishings may have grown deep inside. Badly affected items often need replacing, and large or recurring infestations should be checked by a professional.
Prevent it coming back
- Run extractor fans and open windows after showers.
- Wipe condensation off windows in the morning.
- Leave a gap between furniture and outside walls.
- Fix leaks promptly.
Thick bleach, bleach and gloves are available at our sister store maxproducts.co.za, along with the full bathroom cleaning range.
Products mentioned in this guide
Available now from our sister company Max Products at maxproducts.co.za, in trade sizes and delivered in Cape Town.
Visit maxproducts.co.za →
Thick Bleach 5L
Bleach 5L
Salvatex Household Gloves
