Black mould is a hazardous, unpleasant and uncomfortable issue that any person could end up facing. Because of its potential health implication, it is important to know what it could do to you, and how you can remove it as soon as possible.
In this blog, we will provide you with valuable insights in how to get rid of black mould.
With new buildings being made to be as energy efficient as possible, and the UK aiming for 95% of its electricity usage to be low carbon by 2030, it is imperative to understand how we can make the most of our ventilation. This is where heat recovery ventilation units come in.
To prevent mould, fresh air should constantly be introduced into your dwelling daily, as it helps to regulate temperature and reduce condensation. Introducing fresh air can be as simple as having a ventilation routine, or installing extractors or MVHR units. Almost all of this is facilitated by ducting.
At I-Sells, all things ventilation and ducting related is our speciality, and we are here to answer the questions we know are common for those new to HVAC and what it encompasses.
What is black mould?

Black mould is a form of mould that can appear on wet and warm surfaces, it prefers a humid environment in order to thrive.
Black mould’s official name is Stachybotrys Chart arum. It is characterised as growing in places with cold surfaces but humid atmospheres. Bathrooms are a common example of where it likes to turn up.
In addition, this type of mould can also grow on a cold exterior wall, and some interior walls that are experiencing water leakage behind it. It can cause serious health issues, especially if you have a strong allergy against it, so immediate removal is paramount.
Is black mould the same as other moulds?
In terms of what it can do to you, yes. But if we’re speaking on a molecular and characteristic based level, then there are nominal differences that are enough to categorise these variations of mould.
Signs of black mould in your house
- A black/dark brown/dark green growth on surfaces, which begin as specks, and slowly spread and become larger and more expansive.
- The area where the mould is growing is slightly more humid, and the air feels humid when breathing around it.
- There is a stale stench that lingers around the area the mould has formed.
- Wiping and clearing the mould without fungicidal products, either doesn’t work, or the mould comes back after a few days or so.
What is mould sickness?
Yes. Mould can severely affect your immune and respiratory system, as the spores are easily breathable and not obvious to see through the human eye. Having a mould allergy will result in you displaying the following symptoms when exposed to mould.
Mould sickness, which those in the medical field refer to as a mould allergy can manifest itself in many ways, it is subjective to the person themselves. Symptoms can include:
- A regular cough
- Frequently falling ill (weakened immune system)
- Red or dry itchy skin
- Watery eyes
- Nasal congestion
Please remember that everybody is different and therefore will react to mould in varying ways, some may be hyper sensitive to it, others may be resilient to it, only to feel the effects of it as time goes on.
How to get rid of black mould

To directly remove black mould from a surface, you can’t just wipe it off with a cloth. If anything, doing this creates a chance to spread it further. It needs to be treated with fungicides, which are chemicals that directly attack and destroy fungus.
You must seek and use mould surface cleaners, and paint over the area with anti-mould paint, before finishing it off with the anti mould additive.
Luckily, we supply all of these products and more.
If the process of mould removal isn’t working on your own, a mould removal service can assess the severity of the mould in question, and provide the relevant removal services, whilst giving insights into preventing the growth of it. Or consulting on issues in your home that are contributing to the mould growth.
Should my landlord pay for mould removal?
Ideally, yes, unless the tenant agreement has a specific clause that prevents that. Also, there is a large difference between a tenant who doesn’t consider their habits that have created the mould, and a landlord who’s enabled the mould to grow due to not taking care of the home.
Depending on which party is more responsible, it would be fairer for them to pay, but it ultimately depends on the specifications of the tenant agreement.
We understand there may be some cases where tenants can’t get work done on the house due to needing landlord approval, or the landlord may be paying for the service and isn’t treating the issue urgently.
Before taking action, you need to assess if this is your landlord’s responsibility (for example, it could be from a leaking roof that requires repairing). Or if improper ventilation causes the dampness. To assess your options, click here.
When should you get rid of black mould?
You should seek to remove black mould the instant you become aware of it. Any delay can result in the black mould having the potential to spread further and deeper into the home.
Once the mould spreads and gets into deeper areas of the home, simple surface cleaners may not be enough to subdue it. You may have to seek the services of a mould removal experts.
Can any house develop mould?
Yes, any house, or building has the potential to develop mould if the area is left without any ventilation treatment and sealing of cracks and holes.
You should never overlook the danger of mould. A tiny amount can develop into a large patch if it is not addressed, it will not only damage your home but your health too. Mould-proofing your house should always be done, always remove any mould as soon as you possibly can.
Are there natural methods to getting rid of mould?
Distilled white vinegar is said to have mould destroying capabilities. Whilst this is true due to the acidic characteristics of vinegar, it may not be enough to deal with widespread black mould.
Of course, addressing the factors that contributed to the mould growing in the first place is always going to positively affect mould prevention going forward. It can be as simple as…
- Installing new insulated doors and windows.
- Repairing any holes or deep cracks that produce a draft from outside to inside.
- Repairing any damages that are causing water to leak.
- Remove humidity by opening windows or using extractor fans or MVHR systems.
Can ventilation destroy mould?
No, ventilation can prevent mould from spreading, but it can not destroy it. Destroying mould is done by using fungicidal products, and addressing circumstances that contribute to the environment that the mould is growing in.
Remove black mould today

We at I-Sells endeavour to ensure our customers have all the information they require before investing in our mould solutions. Be sure to visit our blog page to learn about the vast array of factors and issues surrounding ventilation, mould, condensation, and much more.
We hope to have shown you how to get rid of black mould.
We understand you may have more questions, do not hesitate to contact us for more information about whatever you need our help with. If you’d like to email us, click here. For other contact options, see below:
Call us on 020 8463 9696
Visit us at our showroom:
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Monday – Friday: 8:00 am to 5:30 pm
Saturday: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Sunday: Closed
15 St John’s Parade
Sidcup, Kent
DA14 6ES
United Kingdom
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