Black mould removal in Doncaster: causes and how to stop it returning

Black mould in a bedroom corner, around a window or behind a wardrobe is one of the most common reasons people in Doncaster look for help. Cleaning it is the easy bit. Keeping it away means finding where the moisture comes from. This guide covers safe removal of small patches, the usual causes in Doncaster homes and when to ask for a survey. It is general information, not a diagnosis.

Why mould grows

Mould needs moisture, something to feed on (paint, wallpaper, dust, plaster) and time. Warm, humid air meets a cold surface, water condenses and mould follows. A leak or damp wall can supply the same moisture from another direction.

Common causes in Doncaster homes

• Condensation in 1930s semis and ex-council homes. Around Balby, Bentley and similar estates, houses with cold external walls, single rooms with little ventilation and indoor drying put a lot of moisture on cold surfaces.
• Victorian and older terraces. Solid brick walls are cold in winter, and chimneys that were blocked off can leave rooms without airflow.
• Missing or unused extractor fans. Kitchens and bathrooms without effective extraction are a main source of mould.
• Leaks and penetrating damp. A leaking gutter or failing pointing can soak a wall; see penetrating damp, gutters and brickwork.
• Furniture against cold walls and wardrobes on external walls.
• Ground moisture in some low-lying parts of the borough, where damp low on walls is worth asking a surveyor about.

How to remove small patches of mould safely

1. Open a window and keep the door to the rest of the house closed. Wear gloves and avoid breathing dust.
2. Wipe the area with a damp cloth and detergent solution or a product made for mould, following the label. Do not dry-brush or use an ordinary vacuum cleaner.
3. Dry the surface fully. Bag the cloths and wash them hot.
4. Wash or throw away mouldy fabrics that cannot be cleaned. Heavily affected wallpaper or plasterboard may need replacing.
5. Check again in a week. If it returns, the moisture source is still there.

Stopping it coming back

• Use extractor fans or open a window when cooking and showering, and leave them on for a while afterwards.
• Dry washing outside, or in a room with the door shut and a window open.
• Keep furniture slightly away from external walls.
• Keep a steady, moderate heat rather than short bursts. Cold surfaces are where moisture settles.
• Clear gutters and fix drips promptly.
• Do not seal damp walls with paint without finding the cause.

When mould is a sign of something bigger

Mould at high level on cold walls points towards condensation. Mould with a tide mark, salts or crumbling plaster low on the wall points towards ground moisture or a bridged damp-proof course (see rising damp and damp proof courses). Mould that appears after a flood or leak needs the building dried first; damp after flooding covers that. Our condensation vs rising damp checklist helps you tell them apart. If you cannot tell, a written damp survey will; what a damp survey costs and includes explains what to expect.

If you rent

Landlords have responsibilities where damp and mould stem from the condition of the property. Tell them in writing with dated photos and keep copies. See damp and mould in rented homes in Doncaster.

Need help?

If you would like to talk it through, send us what you can see through the enquiry form. With your consent, we will pass it to a local damp and mould professional who covers your area.

Sources and further reading

GOV.UK guidance on damp and mould.

Related guides

• Condensation vs rising damp
• Damp and mould in rented homes
• Damp survey cost in Doncaster

Frequently asked questions

What is the best way to remove black mould from a wall?

For small patches, wipe with a suitable mould remover or detergent solution and a damp cloth, then dry the surface. Do not dry-brush, because that spreads spores. Wear gloves and ventilate. Mould that keeps coming back means the cause has not been dealt with.

Why does mould keep coming back in my Doncaster home?

Usually because moisture is still reaching the surface. In most homes that is condensation from cooking, showering and drying washing indoors, but leaks, blocked gutters and damp walls can also be the cause.

Is black mould dangerous?

Damp and mould can affect health, particularly for babies, older people and anyone with asthma or other breathing conditions. If someone in the home is unwell, speak to a GP and see the government guidance linked below.

Does painting over mould work?

Not for long. Mould can reappear through paint unless the moisture is fixed. Anti-mould paint may help in a bathroom once the cause is dealt with, but it is not a cure on its own.