Quick answer
For minor, surface-level mould in UK homes, a domestic cleaner can offer a budget-friendly solution for visual removal. However, for anything more significant, recurring, or impacting health or structural integrity, specialist cleaning companies are essential for effective and lasting mould removal. Specialists conduct thorough assessments to identify and address the mould’s underlying cause using advanced equipment and methodologies. Unlike domestic cleaners who typically only treat the visible problem, professional remediation ensures long-term prevention of mould re-growth and tackles associated health and structural risks.
Dealing would mould growth in UK homes
Infestations of mould in homes is more common than you may think. One in five homes in the UK suffer from instances of damp and mould which not only affects health but, if not properly treated, it can cause structural damage to the building too.
If you are currently suffering from instances of damp and mould in your home and looking into the best course of action to take, this blog article will help to answer the following questions:
- What are the pros and cons for using domestic cleaners for mould removal?
- What are the pros and cons for using a specialist cleaning company to remove mould?
- How much does mould removal cost?
- What are the risks of trying to remove mould yourself?
- What are the top tips for preventing mould growth in the future?
If time is short, you can contact one of the Ideal Response team who will be happy to answer any questions you have on removing damp and cleaning mould from your home for good.
What causes mould to grow in UK homes?
A combination of the UK’s climate and old housing stock help to make instances of mould incredibly common. For mould to thrive, it needs environments where there are high levels of humidity such as bathrooms and kitchens. Common causes of mould growth include:
- Humid rooms with little or no ventilation
- Condensation on walls and windows
- Leaking pipes
- Poor levels of insulation
- Instances of flooding where the room is not dried out and treated properly
- Inconsistent or poorly heated properties because there’s a higher risk of condensation
What are the pros and cons for using domestic cleaners for mould removal?
Unsurprisingly, domestic cleaners are a homeowner’s first port of call when mould appears. They use off-the-shelf products to clean the mould infested areas but are limited to how effective this approach is to permanently resolving the issue.
Pros
Budget-friendly: Domestic cleaners charge much less compared to specialist cleaning companies. This makes them a good option should you wish to temporarily remove mould from surfaces in your home.
Convenient and practical: When it comes to small patches of mould, for example in bathrooms, domestic cleaners offer a convenient option for addressing the sight of mould practically and quickly.
Maintenance in mind: Regular house cleaning by a domestic cleaner will help to prevent the build-up of dirt and other organic material which, when combined with warmth and moisture, helps mould to grow.
Cons
Limited mould remediation knowledge: Domestic cleaners are not trained in mould remediation and therefore lack the specialist knowledge to permanently remove the mould, but surfaces will look clean.
Incorrect products for permanent mould removal: Bleach-based sprays do a great job in tackling mould on surfaces around you home, but they don’t destroy the root structure which means that mould will come back at a later date.
Lack of equipment: HEPA technology, specialist safe fungicidal cleaning solution or ULV fogging technology are some of the key pieces of equipment needed to remove an infestation of mould for good. Unfortunately, domestic cleaners don’t have access to this type of equipment.
What you can expect to pay for mould removal by a domestic cleaner
Unlike specialist cleaning companies, domestic cleaners are often not trained in mould remediation. A great domestic cleaner will do a brilliant job in removing the surface signs of mould but will struggle to address the root cause. They may address visible mould but lack the knowledge to tackle underlying causes such as issues with ventilation.
A deep clean (involving cleaning the surface mould) by a domestic cleaner can range between £20 – £30 per hour. Depending on the cleaner you use, they may charge you for using any off-the-shelf products.
What are the pros and cons for using a specialist cleaning company to remove mould?
Specialist cleaning companies are experts in permanently addressing common issues such as mould in homes. Often comprehensively trained and industry-accredited, they have the knowledge and professional equipment to remove mould permanently along with identifying and fixing the cause of the infestation.
Pros
Expert assessment and survey: A specialist cleaning company worth their salt will undertake a thorough damp and mould assessment at your home to identify the severity of the mould infestation, the cause and what type of mould is present. This helps to ensure maximum results from any mould remediation work.
Effective methodology: Specialist cleaning companies have the expertise and knowledge to effectively remove the mould at source. Preventing future mould growth in the affected area. However, this is only the case if the cause of the mould growth is repaired, such as damp caused by a slow-leaking pipe. It may be the case that you will need a leak detection service if the cause can’t be identified there and then.
Understanding the importance of PPE: Why PPE? By using containment strategies along with PPE, the risk of mould spores dissipating throughout the property whilst the cleaning process is taking place is significantly reduced. This is particularly important when dealing with black mould because the spores can impact respiratory health.
Alignment with your insurance company: Along with guarantees, market-leading specialist cleaning companies offer comprehensive reports that are insurance-friendly to help make the claims process easier for homeowners. However, this is dependent as to what is included within your insurance policy.
Cons
Expect to pay more: A mould remediation service from a specialist cleaning company is more expensive than a domestic cleaner. This is because the service is more comprehensive and produces lasting results and not a temporary visual fix.
It’s a longer process: Depending on how severe the mould infestation is, you’ll find it takes longer with a professional mould remediation company. This is because it’s not just cleaned, the cause of the mould is also identified and fixed.
What you can expect to pay for mould removal by a specialist cleaning company
Specialist cleaning companies who are experienced with the process of removing mould from properties do charge more. This is based on using their expertise to remove the mould for good along with their ability to work with your insurer to make the claims process easier (depending on if you are covered by your insurance policy).
Experts in mould removal will have a multi-stage process which is always recommended to prevent a recurrence. This would include an initial survey to comprehensively assess the extent of the mould infestation, and then the following treatment works. A professional damp and mould survey costs between £300 – £500 depending on the size and location of the property. The treatment works will depend on the outcome of the survey. However, average costs for mould remediation range between £1,500 – £2,000.
Which is right for you? Domestic vs specialist cleaning for mould
There are several factors which will help you decide who to choose for treating any mould in your home. A specialist cleaning company is the best choice when:
- Mould is covering larger areas and might be affecting multiple rooms.
- The mould keeps returning, no matter how often you have been cleaning the infected area.
- There are continuous instances of black mould which, if left untreated, can cause health issues especially with vulnerable people such as the elderly.
- Mould is causing or resulting from damage to walls, floors, or ceilings.
Domestic cleaners maybe chosen for minor instances of surface mould. Such as cleaning spots of mould around windows which is usually caused by everyday condensation. However, if the mould is resilient and continues to spread, reach out to a specialist provider of mould remediation.
Questions?
No matter if you are a homeowner, tenant or responsible for commercial properties, ensuring any issues with mould need to be addressed with long-term removal in mind. This is to reduce the risk to health and the integrity of the building in the future. Whilst specialist cleaning companies charge more, the results speak for themselves.
If you are suffering from a damp and mould in your property, contact one of the Ideal Response team who will happily answer any questions and advise on what the best course of action is.
Domestic cleaning vs professional mould removal: Frequently asked questions
How common is mould in UK homes, and why is it a concern?
Mould is a significant issue in the UK; roughly one in three (29%) of the population experiences mould in their homes, with some estimates suggesting up to 6.5 million households are affected. It’s a concern because mould can cause serious health issues (like respiratory problems and allergies) and lead to structural damage to your property if left untreated.
What's the key difference between domestic cleaners and mould removal specialists?
The key difference lies in their approach and capability. Domestic cleaners typically offer surface-level cleaning using off-the-shelf products, which can temporarily remove visible mould but do not address the underlying cause. In contrast, specialist cleaning companies provide comprehensive remediation; they diagnose the root cause of the mould, use specialised equipment (like HEPA filtration and fungicidal solutions), and ensure permanent removal to prevent recurrence.
When is it appropriate to use a domestic cleaner for mould?
A domestic cleaner might be suitable only for very minor, surface-level mould that is purely cosmetic and appears in isolated, easily accessible areas, often due to temporary humidity. For these small, non-recurring patches, a budget-friendly clean might offer a quick visual fix.
When is it essential to call a professional mould remediation company?
You should always call a professional mould remediation company for:
-
Large or widespread mould infestations.
-
Recurring mould problems.
-
The presence of black mould.
-
When mould is causing or suspected of causing structural damage.
-
If occupants are experiencing health issues linked to mould exposure.
What are the health risks associated with mould exposure in the home?
Exposure to mould can trigger or exacerbate various health problems. These include respiratory issues like asthma attacks, bronchitis, and persistent coughing, as well as allergic reactions such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes. Prolonged exposure can also impact overall well-being.
How much does professional mould removal typically cost in the UK?
The cost of professional mould removal in the UK varies significantly based on severity and area. For small areas, it might range from £200-£500. For medium-sized properties, costs are typically £500-£2,000. Severe or extensive infestations requiring significant work could exceed £2,000 to £10,000+. A professional survey often costs £50-£300 to diagnose the issue accurately.
Why can't domestic cleaners provide a permanent mould removal solution?
Domestic cleaners cannot provide a permanent solution because they lack the specialised knowledge and equipment to identify and address the mould’s underlying cause, such as hidden leaks, ventilation issues, or damp problems. Without tackling the root source, the mould will almost certainly return, leading to recurring problems and wasted effort.
Murat Kunacav - Technical Account Manager
Murat has a rich blend of over 15 years of experience from both the insurance and restoration industries, including a Bachelor's degree in Business Management. Since joining Ideal Response in 2020, Murat has become a specialist in technical scoping and managing major and complex loss restoration projects. With a focus on high-net-worth client management and intricate insurance-led restoration, he excels at collaborating across all parties, insurers, loss adjusters, contractors, and clients, to ensure seamless, end-to-end project delivery. Murat believes that the power of technical expertise lies in building strong relationships and delivering compliant results, no matter the scale or complexity.
