Domakihub How to Remove Mould From Walls: A Practical Guide
Kill black mould safely, clean the wall properly, and stop it coming back.
Reviewed by Domakihub cleaning pros · 2026-06-23 · 4 min read
Black mould on walls is one of the most common problems in Greek homes, holiday rentals and hotels, especially in humid coastal areas and rooms with poor airflow. The video above shows the job being done from start to finish, and this article breaks it down into clear, repeatable steps you can follow yourself. Done properly, you not only remove the stains but also stop the mould from returning.
Why mould keeps appearing on walls
Mould is a living organism that grows wherever there is moisture, warmth and a surface to feed on. In Greece this usually means cold external walls in winter, bathrooms and kitchens with too little ventilation, or rooms in seaside and island properties where humidity stays high for months. The black or green spots you see are colonies that release spores into the air.
Wiping the stain away is only half the job. If the underlying damp problem is not fixed, the mould will come back within weeks. That is why a proper job always combines killing the mould, cleaning the wall, and then tackling the source of the moisture.
Safety first before you start
Mould spores can irritate the lungs, eyes and skin, and bleach-based cleaners give off strong fumes. Always open windows, wear rubber gloves and a mask, and protect your eyes. Keep children, guests and pets out of the room while you work and until it has aired out.
For small patches up to about one square metre you can safely handle the job yourself. If the mould covers a large area, keeps returning, or appears alongside structural damp or water damage, it is worth calling a professional cleaning or property maintenance service to treat it correctly.
Step-by-step: removing mould from a wall
- 1
Ventilate and protect the room
Open the windows and put on gloves, a mask and eye protection. Move or cover nearby furniture and lay an old towel or sheet along the skirting to catch any drips. Good airflow keeps fumes down and helps the wall dry afterwards.
- 2
Apply a mould-killing solution
Use a dedicated mould remover or a diluted bleach solution (roughly one part bleach to four parts water). For a gentler, low-odour option, white vinegar sprayed neat onto the wall also kills most surface mould. Spray or sponge it generously over the affected area.
- 3
Let it dwell, then scrub gently
Leave the solution on the wall for 10 to 15 minutes so it can kill the mould at the root rather than just smearing the stain. Then scrub lightly with a sponge or soft brush. Avoid aggressive scrubbing on painted plaster, which can damage the surface.
- 4
Wipe clean and dry the wall thoroughly
Wipe the area with a clean, damp cloth to remove residue, then dry it completely with a fresh cloth or by running a fan or dehumidifier. A fully dry wall is essential, because any leftover moisture invites the mould straight back.
- 5
Fix the cause and prevent regrowth
Identify and solve the moisture source: improve ventilation, fix leaks, use an extractor fan in the bathroom, or run a dehumidifier in damp rooms. For extra protection, repaint with an anti-mould or moisture-resistant paint once the wall is clean and dry.
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FAQ
- Is bleach or vinegar better for removing mould from walls?
- Both kill surface mould. Bleach acts fast and removes the dark staining well, making it good for visible spots on hard, painted walls, but it has strong fumes. White vinegar is gentler, low-odour and a good choice on porous surfaces or where you want to avoid harsh chemicals. Whichever you use, the key is to let it dwell, then dry the wall completely.
- Why does the mould keep coming back after I clean it?
- Because the moisture that feeds it is still there. Cleaning removes the visible colony, but condensation, a leak, rising damp or poor ventilation will let it regrow within weeks. To stop it for good you must reduce humidity through better airflow, an extractor fan or a dehumidifier, and repair any leaks.
- When should I call a professional instead of doing it myself?
- Small patches up to about a square metre are a safe DIY job. Call a professional if the mould covers a large area, returns repeatedly despite cleaning, comes with a persistent musty smell, or appears with structural damp or water damage. In rentals and hotels, a professional treatment also gives you a documented, guest-ready result.