Treating Black Spot Mould

I've been plagued over the years with mould in my rental flats. Particularly those victorian brick properties that have been sealed up by plastic double glazed units. They stop the air ventilation. I put added ventilation in: air bricks, extractors, dehumidifiers. But tenants being tenants either block them up, because they're 'too crafty', or don't use them, because they're 'too expensive to run.'

That compiled with too many washing machines, hobs and showers all stuffed into too small a space means that I have lost many an hour scrubbing black mould from my walls.

I've just had this press release sent through that might give a solution to those landlords who are blighted by this annual conundrum. Its an advert but it does give a breakdown of the various treatments - other paint manufacturers are available.

Post any tips you might have.

Kingfisher UK’s Top Tips: Treating Black Spot Mould

Black Spot Mould is the creeping menace lurking in almost all properties, a fungal infestation thriving on the condensation which, thanks to modern insulation, heating and lifestyles, is prevalent in our homes. As well as causing unsightly black marks, and thus inevitable redecoration costs, black spot mould is also linked to many health concerns, leading to tenant complaints and, in extreme, cases legal action.

• Always clean affected areas with a special fungicidal wash such as Kingfisher Mould Cure (1L - £12+vat). Regular household cleaners may remove the visible black marks (for a while at least), but they are unlikely to kill the spores already embedded in and behind your paint, walls, plaster, skirtings and tiles. In fact, wiping without an appropriate fungicide will merely spread the spores thus facilitating further infestation.
• Using a specialist fungicidal wash, wipe or sponge at least 1metre past the obvious contaminated area to sanitise invisible concentrations of spores around the perimeter. Do not worry if some black staining remains – Mould Cure renders the mould inert and ready for painting.
• Prepare the area for painting – fill any cracks with decorators’ filler, and ensure the surface is clean, dry and smooth before proceeding.
• Re-decorate by applying a specialist anti-mould paint such as Kingfisher Anti-Mould Paint (5L - £26.30+vat) – or add an anti-mould additive such as Kingfisher’s Anti-Mould Paint Additive (120g -£8.35+vat) to your own choice of paint.
• Further reduce the risk of black spot mould recurrence by applying Kingfisher’s unique dual action Thermapaint Anti-Mould Paint (5L - £33.58+vat) in a choice of 12 Lakeland colours, and enjoy additional insulation and energy saving benefits too.
• Do all that is practical to improve airflow – e.g. open or vent windows, clear brick vents, avoid sudden temperature increases, dry laundry outdoors whenever possible.
• In rooms where moisture is particularly prevalent, consider the installation of an energy efficient Heat Recovery Room Ventilator. These units provide a continuous air charge, replacing stale, moisture-laden unhealthy air with filtered, fresh warm air from outside.

For further FREE technical advice on these or other Kingfisher UK products telephone 01229 869 100 or 0141 353 6996.

Landlord insurance - professional rates