Wondering how to prevent mould in your house? To effectively protect your home and health, you need to understand the underlying causes and take steps to tackle them before mould starts to grow.
Untreated mould can be stubborn and difficult to eradicate. That means prevention is key to your efforts. We’re going to look at the underlying cause of mould, how to prevent growth of spores in your home, cleaning techniques, and how to redecorate using breathable anti mould paints.
Fighting the battle against mould on many fronts will improve air quality, family health, and keep your decor looking fresh and attractive.
What Causes Mould in Your Home?
Mould thrives in conditions where excess moisture and dampness gather on surfaces such as walls and ceilings.
Common triggers include:-
Condensation - When warm moisture laden air meets cold spots on walls or ceilings, it can cause moisture to gather. This is particularly common in bedrooms, kitchens, and bathrooms - especially during the winter months.
Lack of ventilation - poor airflow means moisture will remain in your home. Its important to open windows regularly or make use of a dehumidifier. This will allow moisture generated from sources like showers, cooking, and drying clothes indoors to escape.
Water ingress & damp - leaks from external sources like gutters, roofs or damaged masonry can cause damp patches inside your home.
Non breathable plasters - If you have an old home and cement based plasters have been used on walls, it can prevent moisture from escaping. Older houses need to “breathe” naturally to avoid moisture build up.
Lack of insulation - poorly insulated homes can suffer from cold spots and thermal bridges. When warm, moist air hits these areas it will condense and create ideal conditions for mould growth.
Dust & dirt - mould feeds on organic materials like dust and dirt. Some types of wallpaper paste and even paint can also offer a food source to spores.
Why is Mould Harmful?
It doesn’t just look bad, mould can be dangerous too. There are some serious health risks associated with mould exposure. When mould releases spores into the air it can aggravate respiratory issues such as asthma and cause coughing, wheezing, and nasal congestion.
Toxic moulds like Stacybotrys can cause neurological symptoms and / or severe fatigue. Home air quality matters to the health of your family. Inhaling spores can make pre-existing medical conditions worse and result in reduced mental wellbeing and poor sleep quality. The elderly, children, and those with compromised immune systems are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of mould.
Preventing Mould in Vulnerable Areas of Your Home
Some areas of the home are more prone to the moist conditions that promote mould growth. Understanding how to address common issues in these areas will help to keep your home healthy and looking great.
Mould in Bedrooms
Bedrooms are very prone to moisture build up, particularly those with poor insulation. The warm, moist air produced while occupants are asleep can cause condensation.
Prevent mould in bedrooms by:-
Ensuring adequate ventilation - use trickle vents, ensure the room is aired out daily, and make use of a dehumidifier to remove moisture from the air.
Keeping furniture away from walls - position furniture so it is slightly away from walls. This will allow air to circulate and help prevent mould in the bedroom.
Regular dusting and cleaning - remove dust and other organic materials regularly to remove materials mould can feed on. Dusting walls regularly can help.
Use anti mould paints - if your room is mould prone, it will be beneficial to make use of a naturally mould resistant paint when you redecorate.
Mould on Walls
Cold walls are prime mould real estate. Painted walls and delicate wallpapers can be particularly tricky as harsh chemical mould removers can damage finish.
Tackle mould on walls by:-
Using natural mould removers that won’t strip paint.
Identifying and eliminating the cause of moisture before cleaning off mould or redecorating.
Repaint using breathable, anti mould paints that contain no harmful chemicals.
Read More: How to remove mould from walls | How to remove mould on walls without damaging paint.
Mould on Ceilings
Ceilings are particularly prone to mould growth because warm moist air tends to rise and condense on the highest point of the room.
Tackle mould on ceilings by:-
Fitting extractor fans and using them consistently. If an extractor is not practical, consider purchasing a dehumidifier.
Remove condensation from the room, for example by using a window vacuum or squeegee. Monitor for and treat mould spots as soon as they appear.
Check for roof leaks, external damp spots, or missing insulation.
Mould in Bathrooms
Bathrooms are high moisture areas due to frequent use for showers and baths. Keeping them mould free is tricky, but there’s a lot you can do to minimise mould growth.
Tackle mould in bathrooms by:-
Ensuring good ventilation - open windows or run an extractor fan.
Removing condensation from shower screens, windows, and mirrors after bathing.
Regular cleaning of sealants and other mould prone areas with naturally mould retardant cleaning products.
Using natural anti mould paint when redecorating.
How to Stop Mould Returning
Cleaning mould off walls and ceilings isn’t enough. If you don’t eliminate the causes, it’ll grow back.
To get rid of mould permanently make sure you:-
Remove sources of moisture - repair sources of external water ingress, ensure you have adequate drainage, and make sure all internal pipework is leak free.
Increase ventilation - replace moist air in your home with dry air by opening windows and unblocking vents. You can also make use of fans to improve air circulations, and dehumidifiers to remove moisture from the air.
Use breathable paint and plaster - particularly in older homes. Lime plasters and natural paints will allow moisture to escape instead of trapping it inside your home.
Use natural anti mould paint in areas particularly prone to mould growth. Our range of Auro paints have natural anti fungicidal and algicidal properties thanks to their naturally high PH.
Clean regularly - mould feeds on organic debris like dust, skin cells, and soap scum. Regular cleaning will remove food sources for mould.
Removing Mould with Natural Products
If you’ve got existing issues with mould, you must remove it and kill the spores before redecorating. Do not be tempted to paint over mould, it’ll be back and the spores will be trapped against your walls or ceilings.
Our ranges of natural mould removers will kill mould and prevent its return without the need for harsh chemicals.
Auro 412 is a mould remover spray made from natural ingredients that targets surface mould without damaging walls, paint, or your health.
Auro 413 stops mould returning, working as a follow up treatment after 412 has been applied to mouldy surfaces. It's formulated to inhibit regrowth—perfect for areas prone to recurring mould.
Always wear gloves and ensure good ventilation when cleaning, even with natural products. Spray the affected area, allow it to work, and wipe away gently with a clean cloth. Once dry, the surface can be treated or repainted.
Natural Paint for Long Term Mould Defence
When it’s time to redecorate your home, choosing the right paint can also help prevent mould returning. Many conventional paints contain plasticisers or organic compounds that trap moisture and feed mould. For those with existing respiratory issues, the fumes released during painting can be very harmful.
Our range of natural anti-mould paint offers:
Breathability – lets walls release trapped moisture rather than holding it in.
High pH levels – mould spores struggle to survive in alkaline conditions.
No harsh chemicals – better for your health, your walls, and the planet.
Paints from our ranges such as Auro 327 and Auro 524 are ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and any areas prone to damp.
What’s the Difference Between Damp, Mould, and Mildew?
Damp, mould, and mildew are terms you’ll often hear in association with problems relating to mould growth in your home. But what’s the difference between them?
Damp refers to the presence of unwanted moisture in a building, caused by leaks, condensation, or rising damp. You might notice it through musty smells, peeling paint, or discoloured patches on walls.
Mould is a living fungus that thrives in damp environments, appearing as black, green, or brown fuzzy growths. It spreads via spores and feeds on organic materials like dust or wallpaper paste.
Mildew is a type of mould, usually lighter in colour (white or grey) and flatter in texture. It’s typically found on tiles, fabrics, or window frames and tends to be easier to remove.
In short: damp is the cause, mould is the result, and mildew is a specific, surface level type of mould. Treating surface mould without resolving damp will only lead to regrowth. Always fix the source of the moisture first.
Take steps now to prevent mould, and protect the health of your home and everyone in it.
