Mould Treatment in Cape Town

What mould treatment involves

Mould treatment is the safe removal of mould growth combined with fixing the moisture source that caused it. In Cape Town's cool, wet winters the most common cause is condensation, warm, moist indoor air meeting cold walls and windows in poorly ventilated rooms, followed by penetrating damp, rising damp and roof or plumbing leaks.

A proper treatment first identifies and fixes the moisture source (otherwise the mould simply returns), then removes the growth using a biocide rather than household bleach, which only bleaches the colour and leaves the roots. Heavily affected porous materials, plasterboard, soft plaster, may need to be cut out and replaced.

Lasting prevention is about controlling humidity: improving ventilation and extraction in bathrooms and kitchens, reducing cold-bridging on affected walls, and treating any underlying damp. A specialist will tell you whether you have a condensation problem or a true damp problem, because the fixes differ.

Signs you need mould treatment

• Black, green or grey speckled growth in corners, on ceilings or behind furniture
• Mould on cold external walls, around windows or in poorly aired rooms
• A persistent musty, earthy smell even when surfaces look clean
• Condensation running down windows on cold mornings
• Recurring respiratory irritation, allergy symptoms or asthma flare-ups indoors
• Mould that returns within weeks of being wiped off

Frequently asked questions