Different Types of Mould Found in the UK Homes
Mould on walls is something many homeowners come across at some point. Our damp, changeable weather and the way modern homes hold in heat and moisture create the perfect conditions for it to grow, especially in rooms with poor ventilation.
Not all mould is the same, though. Different types can vary in colour, texture and how they affect your health. Some are more of a cosmetic problem, while others can be a real risk to your wellbeing if left untreated. Knowing which type you have helps you choose the right way to deal with it.
At Condensation Cured, we’ve seen every kind of mould you can imagine. We don’t just remove it, we identify the cause, treat it safely, and put measures in place to stop it coming back.
Why It’s Important to Identify Mould Types
When it comes to mould, guessing isn’t good enough. Different types of mould behave in different ways, and knowing which one you’re dealing with can make all the difference in how it’s treated.
From a health point of view, mould spores can trigger respiratory problems, worsen asthma and set off allergies. Some types, like black mould, are linked to more serious health risks if they’re left to spread.
It’s not just about your health, either. Mould can stain paintwork, eat into plaster, damage woodwork and, over time, reduce the value of your home. The longer it’s left, the more costly it can be to put right.
Because each mould type responds differently to cleaning and prevention methods, accurate identification is key. At Condensation Cured, we make sure the right treatment is used from the start, so the mould is removed safely and stays gone.
Common Types of Mould Found in UK Homes
While mould can appear in almost any damp environment, certain types are more common in UK homes. Here’s how to spot them.
Black Mould (Stachybotrys chartarum)
Black mould is one of the most recognisable, and most concerning, mould types. It appears as dark green to almost black slimy patches and often turns up around windows, in bathrooms, or on kitchen walls where condensation builds up.
It’s known for irritating the lungs and worsening asthma symptoms, so it’s not something to ignore. High humidity and constant dampness are the main triggers, which is why tackling the cause of the moisture is so important.
White Mould
White mould looks like a powdery or fluffy growth, and it’s sometimes mistaken for efflorescence (a harmless salt deposit). It often appears in colder, less-used spaces like basements, lofts, or on cold corners of rooms.
While it’s generally less toxic than black mould, it can still release spores that aggravate breathing problems and allergies.
Green Mould
Green mould tends to look fuzzy, and it may have blue or black mixed in. You’ll often find it on damp plaster, wallpaper, or wooden surfaces. Like other moulds, it can trigger allergic reactions and make asthma symptoms worse.
Blue Mould
Blue mould usually shows up as bluish-green specks. While it’s more familiar on food, it can also grow on bathroom tiles, kitchen walls, and anywhere a leak has left surfaces damp. Left untreated, it will spread and become more difficult to remove.
Cladosporium (Olive-Green/Brown Mould)
This mould appears as dark olive-green or brown spots and can grow on a wide range of materials, from painted walls to wood, fabrics, and carpets. It’s known to cause skin irritation and sinus problems, especially in people sensitive to mould spores.
Each of these mould types needs a slightly different approach to remove it effectively. At Condensation Cured, we don’t just clean the surface, we identify the exact mould type and tackle the source of the problem so it can’t simply grow back.
Black Mould vs Normal Mould: What’s the Difference?
People often talk about “normal mould” as if it’s harmless, but that’s not really the case. In reality, all mould can affect your health and damage your home if it’s left to spread.
Black mould (Stachybotrys chartarum) gets singled out because it can produce higher-risk mycotoxins, which are linked to more serious respiratory problems and other health issues. It also thrives in persistently damp conditions, so once it takes hold, it can be harder to shift.
“Normal mould” is a vague way of describing less toxic varieties, but even these can cause allergic reactions, trigger asthma, and ruin walls, ceilings, or furnishings.
Whether it’s black mould or another type, it’s best to get it removed quickly and fix the cause so it doesn’t return. That’s exactly what we do at Condensation Cured. Safe removal, proper treatment, and long-term prevention.
Why Mould Grows on Walls
If you’ve found mould on walls in your house, it’s usually a sign of excess moisture and poor airflow. Walls are prime spots because they can trap cold and damp, giving mould the perfect place to settle.
The most common causes include:
Condensation and poor ventilation
Everyday activities like cooking, showering and even breathing release moisture into the air. Without enough ventilation, that moisture settles on cold walls and feeds mould growth.
Leaks, rising damp, and penetrating damp
Water getting into your home through damaged roofs, plumbing, or walls creates damp patches that mould thrives on.
Cold spots from poor insulation
Areas where insulation is thin or missing can stay cold, attracting condensation and, in turn, mould.
At Condensation Cured, we don’t just remove mould, we find out why it’s there and put the right measures in place, from fixing leaks to improving ventilation, so it doesn’t come back.
How Condensation Cured Can Help
We know mould problems can be frustrating, especially if they keep coming back. That’s why we focus on fixing the root cause, not just cleaning the surface.
Free visual mould assessments
We’ll inspect your property, confirm the type of mould, and find out what’s causing it.
Expert identification
Our team knows the difference between harmless-looking surface mould and the more harmful types that need urgent treatment.
Safe removal
We use industry-approved methods to remove mould without spreading spores around your home.
Long-term prevention
From installing Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) to carrying out damp proofing, we make sure mould has no reason to come back.
Nationwide coverage
Our experienced, certified technicians work across the UK, so help is never far away.
Prevention Tips for Homeowners
Even after mould has been removed, keeping moisture under control is key to stopping it returning. Here are some simple steps that make a big difference:
Maintain good airflow. Use extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms, and consider a PIV system for whole-house ventilation.
Control indoor humidity. Aim to keep humidity between 30–60%. A simple hygrometer can help you track it.
Fix leaks quickly. Whether it’s a dripping tap, leaking roof or faulty guttering, deal with water ingress before it creates a damp patch.
Insulate cold spots. Improving insulation on external walls helps prevent condensation from forming in the first place.
By combining these habits with our professional prevention measures, you can keep your home mould-free all year round.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mould in UK Homes
What are the different types of mould found in UK homes?
The most common mould types include black mould, white mould, green mould, blue mould, and Cladosporium (olive-green or brown mould). Each type looks different, thrives in different conditions, and has its own level of health risk.
What Does Mould Look Like?
Mould can take on a range of colours and textures, and knowing the signs early can stop a small patch from becoming a much bigger problem.
Here’s a quick guide to common mould types and how they appear:
Black: Slimy or soot-like patches, often around windows, on ceilings, or in bathrooms.
White: Powdery or cottony growth, usually in colder corners or less-used rooms.
Green: Fuzzy patches that may also have black flecks mixed in.
Blue: Speckled blue/green spots, often in kitchens, bathrooms, or near leaks.
It’s not just about what you can see. Early warning signs include musty smells, staining on walls or ceilings, and peeling paint or wallpaper. If you spot any of these, it’s worth getting it checked before it spreads.
What does mould look like when it first appears?
Early signs can be small dots or smudges on walls, a faint discolouration, or a musty smell before you see anything obvious. Mould can be black, white, green, or blue depending on the type.
Is white mould on walls dangerous?
White mould is generally less toxic than black mould, but it can still trigger breathing problems, allergies, and damage to surfaces. It’s best to remove it quickly and fix the cause.
What causes green mould on walls?
Green mould usually develops where plaster, wallpaper, or wood has been exposed to damp conditions. Poor ventilation, leaks, or high humidity are the most common causes.
How do you treat blue mould on walls?
Blue mould is removed in a similar way to other moulds, by cleaning the affected surface, treating it with the right antimicrobial solution, and fixing the underlying moisture problem so it can’t return.
Can mould on walls in a house spread to other rooms?
Yes. Mould spreads by releasing spores into the air, which can settle and grow in other damp areas of the property. That’s why controlling moisture and fixing the source is as important as cleaning the mould you can see.
How can I prevent different types of mould on walls?
The key steps are improving ventilation (with extractor fans or PIV systems), controlling indoor humidity, insulating cold surfaces, and dealing with leaks immediately.