Back in 1928, Alexander Fleming noticed a curious mould in his lab that killed off bacteria, and just like that, penicillin was born. Fungi have given us antibiotics, wine, and blue cheese, but they’re also responsible for the dodgy stains creeping across your bathroom ceiling.

Those stubborn patches can trigger allergies, stir up asthma, and make your place smell like a damp tent at a Byron Bay festival.

Here’s how to get rid of mould — safely, effectively, and for good.

Spot Mould Before It Spreads

Mould isn’t particularly choosy about where it settles. Any damp, poorly ventilated nook will do. This includes bathrooms after a hot shower, kitchens with limited airflow, or the basement, where things never seem to dry out.

It also appears in a variety of colours. Black mould is the most notorious, clinging stubbornly to surfaces and posing real health risks. Green and white mildew may look less menacing, but left unchecked, they can slowly damage fabrics, timber, and painted finishes.

The key is to act before mould takes hold. Address the source of dampness first. So, repair leaky taps or pipes, check that exhaust fans are actually doing their job, and open windows whenever possible to keep air circulating. 

With a little vigilance, you can prevent a minor nuisance from turning into a major problem.

Stay Safe While You Clean

Mould might look harmless enough, but disturbing it can release spores and fumes you don’t want anywhere near your lungs, skin, or eyes. That’s why safety should come first.

Start with basic measures, like slipping on rubber gloves, a mask, and protective eyewear. These simple barriers stop spores from causing respiratory irritation and protect you from stronger cleaning agents.

Next, prepare your space. Open windows and doors to get the air flowing, and avoid working in confined areas where fumes can build up. 

If you’re using store-bought mould removers, remember they’re often far more potent than they appear, so keep them well out of reach of kids and pets.

Finally, pause a little and read the label on your chosen cleaner. Each product has its quirks, and understanding how to handle it properly will keep you safe and make your cleaning efforts far more effective.

Choose the Right Cleaning Solutions

The success of mould removal often comes down to the cleaner you use. Get it right, and stains lift with ease. Get it wrong, and you could damage surfaces or leave the mould lurking beneath the surface, ready to return.

For a natural approach, start with white vinegar and baking soda, which are staples in most Aussie kitchens. 

Vinegar’s acidity cuts through mould at its roots, while baking soda offers a gentler, eco-friendly scrub that’s safe on a wide range of surfaces. Together, they’re a surprisingly effective duo.

When natural remedies aren’t enough, look into commercial mould removers. Exit Mould Spray is one such alternative, known for blasting stains quickly on tiles, grout, and fridge seals. 

For something more versatile, Aeris Mould Pro offers a triple-action clean, so it should eliminate mould, lift stains, and leave behind a barrier to slow regrowth. It’s safe on painted walls, fabrics, and even carpets, making it a handy all-rounder.

All in all, it’s best to go for natural whenever you can, and only go for stronger products if you must. In all cases, always consider the surface you’re treating so you’re not just removing stains, but also protecting your property.

Test Your Cleaning Method First

Mould removers, whether natural or commercial, don’t behave the same way on every surface. 

A cleaner that works a treat on bathroom tiles could leave paint streaked or stone etched. That’s why it’s worth taking sixty seconds to test in a hidden spot. 

For example, you can try it in the area behind the sink, under a windowsill, or along a tucked-away grout line. It’s far better to uncover a hiccup there than across the entire bathroom wall.

Having done that, step back and size up the mould itself. A light sprinkle of spores on shower grout is hardly a crisis, so you can simply use vinegar, baking soda, or a spritz of Exit Mould. Any of those remedies will usually send it packing. 

However, if you’re staring at a dark patch that keeps creeping across ceilings or carpets, that’s a different story. When mould goes all out or refuses to budge, it’s time to call in the experts. They will handle this issue properly, clearing it all out and making sure it doesn’t sneak back in.

Follow This Step-by-Step Cleaning Process

Once you’ve chosen your cleaner, it’s time to roll up your sleeves. 

Start by decluttering the area. Move toiletries, towels, or any other items nearby, and cover the surrounding surfaces with plastic or old sheets. This keeps spores and splashes from spreading where they’re not wanted.

Next, apply your chosen solution generously over the mould. Don’t rush this part. Let it sit for 15 to 30 minutes so that it can work into the stain. 

Now comes the elbow grease. Using an old toothbrush, a stiff-bristled brush, or a dedicated scrubbing pad, work the cleaner into the mould in firm, circular motions. 

Rinse the surface with clean water to wash away residue, then dry it thoroughly with towels or a fan. Drying is the step most people skip, but it’s the secret to keeping mould from staging a comeback. 

Prevent Mould from Returning

A good clean is only half the job. The real victory is stopping mould from coming back to your home. With the right hacks, this is quite possible, even despite the Aussie climate, but you have to be prepared.

Keep indoor humidity around the 50% mark if you can. A dehumidifier works wonders in sticky climates like Brisbane’s, while a simple fan or an open window is enough in cooler, drier places. 

Bathrooms and laundries especially need consistently circulating air, so make sure exhaust fans are switched on during showers and laundry runs. 

Leaks are another mould magnet. A dripping tap, a dodgy roof tile, or condensation running down poorly sealed windows might not look like much, but over time, they create the perfect breeding ground.

Fixing these matters early spares you hefty repair bills and another round of scrubbing.

Finally, keep an eye on the usual suspects. Inspect the corners of bathrooms, under sinks, and the neglected space behind massive furniture. A quick weekly check takes minutes, but it can save you weeks of hassle down the line.

Let the Experts Take It From Here

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, mould wins the battle. If it keeps coming back after a thorough clean, or if it’s spread over a large area, that’s your cue to call in the experts. 

Professional mould removal services don’t just scrub away the stains. They also trace the problem to its source, whether it’s hidden leaks, poor ventilation, or damp building materials.

It’s especially important to get help if you or anyone in your household has asthma, allergies, or other respiratory issues. Prolonged exposure to mould spores can make these conditions worse, and no amount of DIY cleaning is worth risking your health.

Your elbow grease can handle everyday nuisances, but when mould digs in deep, it takes specialised tools, treatments, and know-how to finish the job for good.

Sometimes, calling expert housekeeping services is the smartest route to get things back under control.

Conclusion

So, there you have it! 

Try out these tips and tricks, and you will soon solve your mould problem. Don’t wait for it to spread. Tackle the small issues with home remedies, and if the spores keep coming back, just let the experts handle it.