Black mould removal

Black mould removal from walls, ceilings and corners in UK homes: fungicidal cleaning, typical costs and how to stop the mould returning.

In short: Black mould removal is the cleaning and fungicidal treatment of mould growth on walls, ceilings, window reveals and corners, so the growth is killed rather than just lightened. It suits homeowners, tenants and landlords dealing with visible spotting or patches. In the UK it typically costs around £150 to £250 for a small area and £200 to £400 for a single room.

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The black spotting that appears in bedroom corners, behind wardrobes and across bathroom ceilings is usually a mix of common household moulds feeding on dust, paint and wallpaper paste wherever surfaces stay damp. Wiping it with bleach often removes the colour for a few weeks, but on paint and plaster the growth is left in the surface and the spots return in the same pattern. Proper removal means cleaning the growth off, treating the surface and the surrounding area, and then dealing with the moisture that allowed it to grow.

A professional clean starts with containing the area so spores are not spread around the room, then removing growth with a fungicidal wash rather than dry brushing. Wallpaper or flaking paint that is heavily colonised is stripped back, and the surface is left treated and dry ready for an anti-mould finish if needed. Because mould is a symptom, the job should always end with a clear view of the cause, whether that is condensation on a cold wall, a blocked trickle vent, a failed extractor fan or a damp problem that needs a separate repair.

What is included

Inspection of each affected area and a note of the likely moisture source
Protection of floors, furniture and soft furnishings near the work area
Removal of visible growth using a fungicidal wash, not dry brushing or scraping
Treatment of the wider surrounding area where spores are likely to have settled
Stripping of heavily affected wallpaper, flaking paint or lining paper
Moisture readings where staining suggests damp rather than condensation
Safe bagging and disposal of contaminated materials and cleaning waste
Written prevention advice and a recommendation on any repairs needed

Who it is for

Black spotting in bedroom corners, on external walls or behind furniture
Mould that has come back after bleach or spray cleaners
Homes with babies, older people or anyone with asthma or a lung condition
Tenants and landlords who need the problem dealt with and recorded
Areas too large or too high to clean safely yourself

How much does it cost?

As a guide, black mould removal costs around £150 to £250 for a small area such as one wall or a window reveal, and £200 to £400 for a typical room. Anti-mould painting and wallpaper replacement are usually priced on top. See our full cost guide.

How it works

Assess and measure

Each patch is measured and checked with a moisture meter, so condensation mould is separated from mould caused by a leak or damp wall.

Protect and contain

Floors and furniture are covered and the work area is kept closed, with care taken not to disturb spores into the rest of the home.

Clean and treat

Growth is removed with a fungicidal solution, the surrounding surface is treated, and badly colonised wallpaper or paint is taken back.

Dry and advise

The area is left dry and ready for redecoration, and you are told plainly what caused the mould and what will stop it returning.

Black mould removal: FAQs

Is it safe to stay in the room while mould is cleaned?

It is best to keep out of the room while the work is being done and for a short while afterwards, especially for children, older people and anyone with asthma or a respiratory condition. Disturbing mould releases spores and the cleaning products need time to dry. Most single-room jobs are finished within a few hours, after which the room can normally be used again once it has been aired.

Will the black marks come off completely?

On gloss paint, tiles and uPVC the staining usually comes off fully. On emulsion, plaster, wallpaper and silicone, mould can leave a faint shadow even after the growth is dead, because it has grown into the surface. In those cases the surface is treated and then sealed and repainted with an anti-mould finish, or the wallpaper and sealant are replaced, so the area looks clean again.

How do I know if the mould is from condensation or damp?

Condensation mould is usually scattered spotting on the coldest surfaces, such as corners of external walls, window reveals and ceilings, and it gets worse in winter. Mould from a leak or penetrating damp tends to sit in a defined patch, often with a tide mark, bubbling paint or wet plaster. A moisture meter reading and a look outside at gutters, pointing and render usually confirms which it is.

Do you need to remove plaster to get rid of mould?

Rarely. Surface mould on sound plaster can be cleaned and treated in place. Plaster only needs to come off if it has been soaked by a leak or damp problem, is crumbling or salt-contaminated, or if mould keeps returning through the finish after the cause has been fixed. Plasterboard that has been saturated or is visibly growing mould on the back is usually replaced.