Clean mould with a fungicidal wash, let the wall dry, then apply two coats of anti-mould paint—never over damp or active mould.
AB-01Rule out rising or penetrating dampAnti-mould paint only helps with condensation, not rising or penetrating damp. Check for tell-tale signs: a tide mark up to about 1 metre above the floor, white salty deposits, crumbling plaster near the skirting, or patches that get worse after rain rather than after cooking or showers. If you're not sure which you have, see HomeGraft's 'Tell condensation from rising or penetrating damp' guide before you do anything else.
AB-02Deal with the cause, not just the mouldAnti-mould paint treats the symptom. If the room has poor airflow, improve it first: use an extractor fan when cooking or showering, open a window daily, and avoid drying washing indoors. If you skip this, the mould will likely come back under the new paint.
AB-03Protect the room and yourselfMove furniture clear of the wall and lay dust sheets. Open a window or door for ventilation — mould wash and paint fumes build up fast in a small bathroom or kitchen. Put on gloves and, if you're sensitive to fumes, a dust mask too.
1 pack · Disposable gloves AB-04Wash off the mouldApply a fungicidal mould wash exactly as the label says — most need to be left on for several minutes before wiping. Wipe away with a disposable cloth, working from the edges of the patch inwards so you don't spread spores. Never mix the mould wash with any other cleaning product, especially bleach-based ones — this can create dangerous fumes. Keep the window open throughout.
1 500ml bottle · Fungicidal mould wash 1 pack of 10 · Disposable cloths AB-05Let the wall dry completelyLeave the wall to dry fully before painting — this usually takes 24 to 48 hours depending on ventilation and room temperature. Touch the wall to check it feels dry, not just surface-dry. Never paint over a wall that's still damp or over any mould that hasn't fully died back — the paint will just seal problems in.
AB-06Apply the first coat of anti-mould paintStir the paint well before use. Cut in around edges, corners and skirting with a brush, then roll the rest of the wall in even strokes. Keep the window open or a fan running while you work — these paints often have a stronger smell than standard emulsion.
1 2.5L tin · Anti-mould paint 1 each · Paintbrush, 50mm 1 set · Roller and tray set AB-07Apply the second coatCheck the tin for the recoat time — usually 2 to 4 hours. Apply a second full coat for even colour and full fungicidal protection; one coat alone won't give lasting resistance to mould.
AB-08Tidy up and keep the room ventilatedWash brushes and rollers before the paint dries on them. Keep the window open and furniture away from the wall until the paint is fully cured, usually a few days — check the tin. Dispose of used mould wash cloths and any paint waste according to the product label, not down the sink.
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