DAMP GUYDAMP SPECIALIST · CUMBRIAFree survey
DAMP GUYDAMP SPECIALIST · CUMBRIA

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BIG ON CARE.
TOUGH ON DAMP.

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CAUSES, CLEANING & LASTING FIXES

BLACK MOULD
ON WALLS IN
CUMBRIAN HOMES.

Black spots in the corners of a bedroom, behind the wardrobe or across the ceiling? Here’s what causes them, what you can safely do and how to stop them coming back.

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Written and reviewed by Damp Guy, damp and plastering specialists in Cumbria for 8 years ·

Why it grows
where it does.

Mould needs moisture and a surface to grow on. In most homes the moisture comes from everyday living, such as breathing, cooking, showers and drying clothes, and it settles on the coldest parts of the room.

Cold corners & outside walls

Corners where two outside walls meet, wall-to-ceiling edges and window reveals are often the coldest surfaces in a room. Condensation forms there first, and so does mould.

Behind furniture

Wardrobes, beds and sofas pushed against outside walls stop warm air reaching the wall, so it stays cold and damp. Mould often hides there until the furniture is moved.

Leaks & water getting in

Mould in one patch that grows after rain, or on a wall with a damp stain, can mean penetrating damp or a leak rather than condensation. That needs the water route fixing.

Further reading +

What you can
do today.

Habits that help

  1. Keep trickle vents open and run extractor fans when cooking and showering.
  2. Dry washing outside or in a vented dryer where you can.
  3. Leave a gap between furniture and outside walls.
  4. Keep the heating low and steady in cold weather.
  5. Wipe away condensation from windows and sills each morning.
  6. Clean small patches on hard surfaces with a mould remover, following the instructions.

When it needs a closer look

  • It comes back within weeks of cleaning
  • It covers a large area or several rooms
  • Plaster or wallpaper is damaged, soft or coming away
  • It grows after rain or near a damp stain
  • Someone in the home has breathing problems or a weakened immune system

How we
sort it.

Find what’s feeding it

We look at where the mould is, the temperature of the surfaces, ventilation and any signs of leaks or water getting in, to separate condensation from other damp.

Treat & repair

Affected surfaces are treated, and plaster or board that’s too far gone is replaced rather than painted over.

Stop it returning

Depending on the cause, that might mean better ventilation, a PIV system, fixing a leak or advice on cold spots. We explain what will make the difference before quoting.

Mould help
across north & west Cumbria.

Send your postcode to confirm availability, including nearby towns and villages.

Check availability

Carlisle & the north

Carlisle, Brampton, Longtown, Wigton

West Cumbria & the coast

Whitehaven, Workington, Maryport, Silloth, Aspatria, Egremont, Cleator Moor

Penrith & the northern Lakes

Penrith, Keswick, Cockermouth

Black mould on walls
FAQs.

Is black mould dangerous?

UK government guidance says damp and mould can affect anyone’s health, especially children, older people and people with breathing conditions or weakened immune systems. Deal with small patches promptly and get a recurring or large problem looked at.

How do I clean black mould off a wall?

For small patches on hard surfaces, use a mould remover following the instructions, wear gloves and keep the room ventilated. Don’t brush dry mould, which spreads spores. Mould on soft or crumbling plaster is a sign the surface needs repair.

Can I just paint over it?

Paint, even anti-mould paint, doesn’t remove the moisture. Mould painted over usually comes back through or around the new paint.

Why is it worse in bedrooms?

We breathe out a lot of moisture overnight in a closed, often cooler room. That moisture settles on the coldest surfaces, especially behind furniture on outside walls.

Will a dehumidifier stop it?

A dehumidifier can help in one room as a stopgap. Lasting results come from reducing moisture, improving ventilation and dealing with cold surfaces or leaks.

Can PIV help with mould?

Where condensation is the cause, PIV can help by reducing moisture levels across the home. It won’t fix leaks or penetrating damp, so we check the cause first.

HOW WE CAN HELP

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