Why Does Mould Keep Coming Back After Cleaning?

Most people treat mould like a regular stain — something you can wipe off and forget.
But mould isn’t just a surface issue. It’s a biological organism, and like weeds in a garden, if you don’t remove it by the root, it’s going to grow back.

Here’s why mould usually keeps coming back after you’ve cleaned it:

1. The Wrong Cleaning Products Are Being Used

Let’s clear up a big myth right away:

Bleach doesn’t kill mould at the root.

While bleach may appear to “kill” mould on the surface, especially on non-porous materials, it doesn't penetrate porous surfaces like gyprock, timber, grout, or plaster. What’s worse — the water content in bleach can actually feed the mould, causing it to come back even faster.

DIY options like vinegar, bicarb soda, and sugar soap are also often ineffective at treating mould properly. They may temporarily remove stains, but they don’t treat the spore colonies that are deep within the surface.

At Ever Ready Solutions, we use industry-grade, mould-safe chemicals specifically designed to neutralise spores at the source — without damaging your home’s surfaces or releasing harsh fumes.

2. The Surface Isn’t Properly Dried

Mould needs moisture to survive. If the surface is still damp after cleaning, you’ve just created the perfect condition for mould to thrive again.

Many people clean mould without following up with thorough drying and moisture control, especially in humid areas like bathrooms or laundries. Even condensation or leftover spray on a wall can re-activate mould spores.

Part of our mould removal process involves making sure the treated area is completely dry and ventilated so spores don’t reactivate and continue spreading.

3. Poor Ventilation & High Humidity

Queensland homes — especially those near the coast or in tropical areas — experience high humidity levels year-round. This is one of the biggest reasons mould is such a persistent problem here.

Rooms like bathrooms, laundries, kitchens, and bedrooms often lack proper ventilation. And if steam or moisture can’t escape, it settles on surfaces like ceilings, walls, windows, and floors — making those spots prime targets for mould.

Even in brand-new homes, this problem can occur if:

• Exhaust fans aren’t working or are underpowered

• Windows stay closed for long periods

• Airflow is blocked by furniture or curtains

If you don’t fix the airflow and humidity problem, even the best mould cleaning job won’t stop it from coming back.

4. Repainting Without Proper Treatment

Another big mistake we see is painting over mould.

This might cover the stain for a while, but it traps the spores inside — giving them a warm, sealed environment to thrive. Mould will eventually eat through the new paint, creating bubbles, discolouration, and a reoccurring stain that’s often worse than before.

Painted mould also releases more spores into the air, which can circulate through your home and land on other damp surfaces, creating new colonies.

If you plan on repainting, the area must be properly cleaned, treated, and sealed first — otherwise, you’re just giving mould a fresh new home.

Where Mould Loves to Hide (and Reappear)

Even when you can’t see mould growing, you can usually smell it — a damp, earthy, musty odour that lingers in rooms even after cleaning.

Here are the most common places we treat for recurring mould:

• Bathroom ceilings and cornices

• Laundry walls, corners, and tiled splashbacks

• Window sills, especially aluminium frames

• Behind blinds and curtains

• Ceilings after rain, roof leaks or condensation

• Outdoor walls, verandahs, and shaded patios

• Ceiling fans and air vents

These areas are often overlooked during routine cleaning and can harbour mould for months before it becomes visible again.

How Ever Ready Solutions Handles Recurring Mould (The Right Way)

We don’t just spray and leave — we apply a proven step-by-step process that removes mould safely and stops it from coming back.

✅ Our Professional Process Includes:

• Inspection and assessment of affected areas

• Application of mould-safe antimicrobial solution

• Careful cleaning to remove all visible mould

• Full drying and ventilation of the area

• Post-cleaning guidance for mould prevention

• Optional routine maintenance for rental or commercial properties

We never use harsh chemicals like straight bleach, and we ensure all our work is safe for families, pets, tenants, and workers.

How to Prevent Mould From Returning

Once your home is mould-free, keeping it that way comes down to moisture control and ventilation. Here’s what we recommend:

🪟 Improve Airflow

Open windows daily to flush out humid air and promote airflow. Use exhaust fans while showering or drying clothes indoors.

💨 Use Dehumidifiers

These are a great investment for Queensland homes, especially during summer and rainy seasons. They reduce airborne moisture and create a less mould-friendly environment.

💧 Fix Leaks Promptly

Don’t wait. Even slow drips from taps or small roof leaks can lead to mould growth over time.

🧽 Avoid Over-Washing Walls

Excessive moisture from over-cleaning can sometimes contribute to mould returning — especially in homes with poor ventilation. Let professionals handle deeper cleans when needed.

📅 Book Annual Preventative Cleans

We offer routine maintenance cleans to keep rental homes, apartments, and high-risk areas mould-free all year round.

Conclusion: Mould-Free Living Starts with the Right Help

If you’re tired of wasting time and money on temporary mould solutions that don’t last, it’s time to get it done properly.

At Ever Ready Solutions, we help Queensland homeowners, renters, and real estate agencies take care of mould the right way — safely, thoroughly, and professionally. No shortcuts. No guesswork.

You’ll get peace of mind, a healthier living space, and the knowledge that your mould issue is gone for good.

📞 Book Your Professional Mould Clean Today

Whether it’s a small bathroom patch or a whole-house refresh, we’re ready to help.
✅ Fast quotes
✅ Fair pricing
✅ Local, trusted professionals

📍 Servicing Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast & Surrounds
🌐 www.everreadysolutions.com.au
📩 Or send us a message to book your clean