The growth of mould is a fairly common household problem that's most common in the damp environments of bathrooms, although it can appear in any room. Mould is a serious issue for homeowners, as it ruins the appearance of your walls, and it's potentially damaging to your health.

If you're hiring someone to paint a room for you, mould can cause yet more problems. Covering it in paint isn't usually a permanent solution, and you might find a professional refuses to begin decorating until the mould has been dealt with because it can affect the quality of the finish. Allow plenty of time and follow these steps to get rid of your mould problem.

Scrub down the wall

Before you start the proper cleaning, it's best to remove any loose paint from the walls, as damp and mould can cause it to peel.

Give the walls a good scrub with a dry scouring pad, or gently scrape it with a palette knife. While you do this, you should wear a respirator to avoid breathing in mould spores and dust.

Next, use a vacuum cleaner to remove dust from the walls and floor. It's important to be thorough here because particles left behind can cause problems when it comes to painting.

Once you've finished, put your clothing on a hot wash immediately to get rid of any mould spores that have landed on you.

Clean properly

Although there are plenty of products designed to kill mould, you can make your own that's normally just as effective. Add one part bleach to three parts hot water and mix them together thoroughly. If you make your solution in a spray bottle, it will be easier to apply, but you can sponge it on instead if you prefer.

Apply your bleach solution to the walls, even in spots where you can't see any mould. Clean it carefully with clean, warm water and leave it to dry. One application is usually enough, but you can repeat the process if you want to be totally sure.

Dry out the air

To keep mould away, you need to keep the room dry. Make sure you open the windows as much as possible to maximise ventilation, and use a dehumidifier if the room is still damp.

Talk to your painters

Let your painters know about your mould problem, as they might need to inspect the walls before they begin decorating.

They might also be able to use a primer or a specific type of paint to reduce the risk of mould reoccurring, so it's well worth discussing it with them.