Mould loves damp, dark spots. If you live in Melbourne, you’ve probably seen it on a bathroom wall after a long hot shower, or on a window frame after a rainy week. More than just being unsightly, mould can make the air feel stale. Some types can even affect your health or damage surfaces if you leave it alone.

The good news is that most mould can be dealt with using basic household items and a bit of elbow grease. Here’s how to get rid of it from the places it likes best.

Quick Safety Checklist Before Cleaning Mould

Before you start scrubbing, take a minute to do this first:

Open windows or run exhaust fans for fresh airflow
Wear gloves, and consider a mask if the mould is widespread
Avoid dry brushing mould indoors, as spores can spread
Never mix cleaning products, especially bleach with other cleaners
If mould covers a large area or keeps coming back, get professional help

1. Ceilings

How to Remove Mould from Ceiling

Mould on the ceiling usually means moisture has been sitting up there for a while. It’s common around kitchen steam and roof leaks.

Start by improving ventilation. A window or fan helps dry the area, and aim to keep indoor humidity between 30% and 50% where possible.

To remove it, use white vinegar in a spray bottle.

Spray the mouldy area lightly
Let it sit for about 15 minutes
Scrub gently with a soft brush
Rinse with plain water
Dry with a cloth

If the mould has sunk into paint, you might need a mould cleaner from the hardware shop. Choose one that says it’s safe for ceilings.

If the mould is deep or spreading across large areas, contact a mould remediation professional. In apartment buildings, mould in shared areas may require proper strata cleaning rather than a DIY fix.

Keep in mind that if the mould has soaked into porous materials, removal rather than cleaning may be required.

How to Remove Mould from Bathroom Ceiling

Bathroom ceilings get steamed up every shower. It’s prime mould territory.

After showers, open a window or switch on the exhaust fan. That alone cuts down on mould repeats.

For existing mould:

Spray with vinegar or a bathroom mould cleaner
Let it sit
Scrub with a brush
Wipe and dry

If the paint is peeling, you may need to repaint with a mould-resistant paint once the area is dry.

2. How to Remove Mould from Walls Without Damaging Paint

Walls can hold mould where furniture pushes into damp spots or where condensation forms.

Start with a mild mix of white vinegar and warm water.

Don’t use bleach on painted walls
Don’t mix bleach with other cleaners
If using bleach elsewhere, dilute it properly, no more than 1 cup per gallon of water
Work in small patches so the wall doesn’t stay wet

Spray the mix, leave it for about 10 minutes, then gently scrub with a soft cloth or sponge. Wipe dry straight away.

If mould is stubborn, a specialist mould cleaner labelled safe for painted surfaces can help.

3. How to Remove Mould from Windows

Window mould is super common in Melbourne, especially if regular window cleaning gets overlooked. Condensation builds up on the glass overnight, then sits along the frames and seals. Mould loves that.

Start with the basics:

Wipe away moisture regularly, especially in the mornings
Open windows when you can, even just a crack
Use a dehumidifier if the room stays damp

To clean existing mould:

Spray white vinegar directly onto the frame or corners
Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes
Scrub gently with an old toothbrush
Wipe clean with warm water
Dry the area completely with a cloth

If mould keeps returning around windows, it’s usually a ventilation issue, not just a cleaning one.

4. Bathroom & Shower Areas

How to Remove Mould from Shower

Your shower sees heat and water every day. That’s a mould magnet.

Mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle.

Spritz tiles and glass
Let it sit for 10 minutes
Scrub grout lines and corners
Rinse off with warm water

Keep a squeegee handy after showers. Wiping down tiles stops mould before it starts.

How to Remove Mould from Grout

Grout is a perfect hiding spot for mould. It’s also one of those details that can really stand out if you’re cleaning up a rental before moving out.

For grout:

Make a paste with baking soda and water
Spread it over mouldy lines
Scrub with a brush
Rinse clean

If you need a deeper reset, especially at the end of a tenancy, professional end of lease cleaning can take care of the tougher mould build-up.

5. Silicone & Seals

How to Remove Mould from Silicone

Silicone around sinks or baths gets mould when water doesn’t dry properly.

Spray vinegar or a mould cleaner
Let it sit for a few minutes
Scrub gently with a soft brush
Rinse and dry

Keep silicone dry when you can. A quick wipe after use helps a lot.

How to Remove Black Mould from Silicone Sealant

Black mould on silicone can look grim, but it’s not something to ignore. Even small patches can release spores into the air, which may trigger allergies or breathing issues, especially in damp bathrooms.

Before cleaning, make sure you:

Open a window or run the exhaust fan
Wear gloves, and consider a mask if it’s widespread

You can treat it with:

A stronger vinegar solution
A special mould remover

Spray, wait, scrub, rinse, and dry. If the mould has gone deep into the sealant, replacing the silicone is often the safest long-term fix.

If black mould keeps coming back quickly, it usually means there’s an underlying moisture or ventilation problem that needs fixing, not just cleaning.

How to Remove Mould from Washing Machine Seal

Front-loader washing machines often get mould on the rubber seal.

Pull back the seal gently
Check your machine manual first
Some manufacturers advise against vinegar, and frequent or concentrated vinegar use may degrade rubber seals

If vinegar isn’t recommended, use a mild detergent or a cleaner the manufacturer recommends.

Spray the area
Let it sit for about 10 minutes
Scrub lightly
Wipe dry

Run an empty hot wash with a washing machine cleaner if recommended. Make sure to dry the seal after every wash to stop it from coming back.

6. Fabric, Clothes & Textiles

How to Remove Mould from Fabric

If mould gets on laundry, brush it off outside first. That stops spores drifting around the house.

Wash with detergent
Use the hottest safe setting
Add a cup of white vinegar for smell and mould help

How to Remove Black Mould from Fabric

Black mould spots can be stubborn.

Pre-treat with vinegar or hydrogen peroxide
Let it sit for 10 minutes
Scrub lightly
Wash as normal

Avoid using bleach on coloured fabric.

How to Remove Mould Stains from Coloured Fabric

Colourful clothes need gentle care.

Avoid bleach
Use an oxygen-based stain remover
Or try diluted vinegar solution
Soak according to directions
Wash as normal

7. How to Remove Mould from Carpet

Carpet mould is a real pain because it burrows into fibres.

Vacuum dry spores with a HEPA filter if possible
Do not wet the area before vacuuming

Spray a carpet-safe mould cleaner or vinegar solution
Blot with a clean cloth until dry
Let air circulate
Use a fan or dehumidifier to speed drying

If the carpet fibres hold mould deeply, removal may be the safest option rather than trying to clean it all out.

8. How to Remove Mould from Leather

Leather doesn’t like water, so be cautious.

Gently remove dry mould outdoors, or use a vacuum with a soft brush attachment to avoid spreading spores inside
Wipe the area with a cloth lightly dampened with rubbing alcohol or a leather-safe cleaner
Dry straight away with a clean towel
Condition the leather afterwards to stop it drying out or cracking

Always spot test first and use as little liquid as possible, especially on valuable leather.

9. How to Remove Mould from Canvas

Canvas bags or outdoor gear can get mould if stored damp.

Brush off dry mould outside
Mix water with a little vinegar
Sponge the mouldy area
Rinse lightly
Air dry in the sun if possible. Sunshine actually helps prevent mould coming back.

10. How to Remove Mould from Wood

Wood is porous and holds moisture.

Vacuum up dry spores first
Use vinegar or hydrogen peroxide on a cloth
Test in a hidden spot first
Dry thoroughly after cleaning

For deep infestations:

Sanding may be needed
A professional may be the safer option

Leave It All Up to Simone’s Cleaning Services

If you’re tackling mould in your Melbourne home, these tips will help you get on top of it. Most mould can be prevented with good airflow and quick drying. But if it gets out of hand or you are unsure how to deal with it, getting some professional help, like booking home cleaning services, takes the stress out of the job.

Here’s why locals trust Simone’s Cleaning Services:

Provides everything from regular home cleans, like window cleaning and oven cleaning, to deeper jobs like end-of-lease and strata cleaning
Trusted across Melbourne’s west, including Cobblebank, Melton, Werribee, and Point Cook
All employees are equipped with specialized training to execute the highest level of service amongst our expanding clientele
Offers flexible cleaning support for clients who need a bit of extra help at home, including through NDIS home cleaning support

If mould is really getting the better of you, Simone’s experienced teams can handle a deep clean or regular upkeep so you don’t have to worry about it yourself. Contact us today to book an appointment!

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