Effectively removing mould from walls: what options are there?

Removing mould from walls – how to do it properly

Mould stains on walls are not just an eyesore; they can also cause serious damage to the building structure and pose health risks. Rooms with high humidity such as bathrooms, kitchens or poorly ventilated areas are particularly prone to mould growth. To get rid of mould permanently, it is not enough to remove it only from the surface – you also need to eliminate the source of the moisture. In this guide, you’ll learn how to effectively remove mould from walls, prevent mould growth, why mould develops in the first place, how to recognise it, when you should call in a professional company, and much more.

Removing mold from walls – preparations

Before you start removing mold from the wall, you should protect yourself adequately with protective clothing, as mold spores spread easily in the indoor air and can cause health problems. Wear an FFP3 respirator mask, safety goggles, protective gloves and a disposable overall or old clothing to avoid direct contact with the spores. Prepare the room for mold removal by airing it well while keeping the doors closed to prevent further spread. Spray the affected areas with an anti-mold cleaner before removing wallpaper or paneling to minimize the stirring up of spores. Use disposable cloths, rags, sponges and brushes that you dispose of after cleaning to prevent recontamination.

Removing mould from walls with mould remover

With Baufix Mould Remover you can easily get rid of superficial mould – without complicated preparation or pungent odours. The cleaner contains no chlorine, so it does not produce harmful fumes or unpleasant smells. This allows you to remove mould from walls safely and effectively without unnecessarily exposing your airways or materials to chlorine.

• Spray the mould remover onto the affected areas from a distance of approx. 10 cm.
• Treat adjacent areas within a radius of approx. 50 cm as well to combat invisible infestation.
• Observe a reaction time of several hours so that the remover can completely kill the mould.
• Wipe off the dead fungi with a damp sponge or cloth.
• then let the surfaces dry. Spray the substrate again with the mould remover for long-term mould prevention.
• Once completely dry, the wall can be painted over or papered as usual.
  

Which wall paint prevents mould from coming back?

You’ve successfully removed the mould from your wall? To prevent it from returning, there are special anti-mould paints that regulate moisture or contain mould-inhibiting additives. The right coat of paint can help to prevent mould growth in the long term:

• Silicate paint: Thanks to its alkaline properties, it has a mould-inhibiting effect and is particularly suitable for mineral substrates.
• Paint with fungicides: This contains chemical agents against mould and should only be used in well-ventilated rooms.
• Moisture-regulating paint: It absorbs excess humidity from the air and slowly releases it again to prevent condensation.

The BAUFIX Bathroom & Kitchen Paint was specially developed for rooms with high humidity and provides a mould-resistant coating that repels moisture and ensures a healthy indoor climate. A careful coat with this paint can significantly reduce mould formation in the long term.

How to recognize mold on walls

Mold often appears as black, green, white, yellow or red spots, as well as a musty smell that may indicate hidden mold growth. Damp walls, visible water stains or peeling wallpaper are further signs. Health issues such as respiratory problems, headaches or allergies without an obvious cause can also point to mold spores.

What are the health effects of mould infestation?

Indoor mould can severely affect health, especially for allergy sufferers, asthmatics, children and older people. Mould spores irritate the respiratory tract and can cause coughing, shortness of breath, asthma attacks and irritation of the mucous membranes in the eyes, nose and throat. Allergic reactions such as sneezing, skin rashes or watery eyes are also common. Long-term contact with mould can additionally lead to headaches, fatigue and concentration problems. In people with weakened immune systems, there is a risk of serious infections of the lungs or other organs. Particularly dangerous are mycotoxins produced by some types of mould, which can cause organ damage after prolonged exposure. If health problems occur without an obvious cause, a mould infestation in the home should be ruled out.

Don’t give mold a chance! – Preventive measures against mold growth

To prevent mold growth in living spaces, it is essential to combine proper ventilation, heating, and moisture control. Mold develops mainly where moisture can penetrate but not escape and then condenses on cold surfaces. Targeted measures can significantly reduce this risk.

Optimal humidity and proper ventilation

A relative humidity of 40–60% is ideal and can be checked with a hygrometer. Regular shock and cross ventilation reduces humidity in bathrooms, kitchens, and bedrooms. Windows should be opened fully several times a day for a few minutes instead of just being tilted.

Dehumidifiers & air purifiers

Dehumidifiers help with persistently high humidity by extracting water from the indoor air. In poorly ventilated rooms such as basements or windowless bathrooms, they effectively prevent mold. Air purifiers with HEPA filters additionally reduce mold spores and pollutants in the air.

Proper heating

A consistent indoor climate helps prevent condensation. Living spaces should be kept at a constant temperature of around 20°C, and less frequently used areas at a minimum of 17°C. Large temperature differences between rooms encourage moisture formation. Doors between rooms with different temperatures should be kept closed.

Positioning furniture correctly and minimizing moisture sources

Furniture should be placed at least 5–10 cm away from exterior walls so that air can circulate behind it. Damp surfaces after showering or cooking should be dried immediately. In windowless bathrooms, electric fans are a useful addition to keep humidity under control.

Fixing structural defects and using preventive materials

Damp walls, poor insulation, or burst pipes should be remedied as early as possible. Anti-mold paints and special impregnations in high-risk areas provide additional preventive protection.