Mould growth in garages is not uncommon, as mould thrives in dark, damp environments, and can grow anywhere, both indoors and outdoors. Mould spores can enter your garage through open doors or windows, or via HVAC systems. They can also be brought into your garage or home on shoes, clothing, and pets. Your garage is particularly vulnerable to mould if it is attached to your home and used as a main entrance. The good news is that mould in garages can be removed and prevented.
Why Does Mould Thrive in Garages?
Garages are highly vulnerable to moisture because they’re frequently exposed to the elements whenever the door opens. Even when closed, garage doors often have poor seals, allowing rain or snow to seep in and create puddles. Water tracked in on shoes, tires, or from washing your car inside can further boost dampness which are conditions that easily foster mould growth.
Mould quickly spreads on materials common in garages like cardboard, wood, fabric, and even painted concrete. Poor drainage, inadequate ventilation, and limited sunlight only make matters worse, turning your garage into an ideal environment for mould to thrive.
How to Get Rid of Mould in Your Garage
If you find mould in your garage, it needs to be properly cleaned to prevent further growth and migration to other areas, including into your home. Mould can spread widely and rapidly if not addressed quickly. Critically, mould spores are airborne and therefore need to be contained during the cleanup process to keep them from spreading to uncontaminated areas.
If you're tackling mould cleaning in your garage yourself, it's important to take safety precautions. When working with any type of chemical cleaning product, especially bleach, only work in a well-ventilated space and wear protective gear including gloves, goggles, and a mask.
Follow these steps to clean mould in your garage:
- To help prevent mould spores from spreading to other areas while cleaning, first spray the affected area with warm water.
- Next, spray the mould with bleach or a commercial cleaner designed to kill and lift mould spores. Distilled white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide are both good options, but they should never be mixed together.
- Once you've applied the cleaner, let it sit briefly, then scrub the area with a stiff-bristle brush. Rinse the area with water and repeat the process if you see any remaining mould.
- After successfully scrubbing and removing the mould, be sure to also dry the affected area thoroughly.
When You Should Call a Mould Removal Specialist
If you discover mould in your garage, call a professional mould remediation company to assess the problem. Specialists can identify hidden mould in places like drywall, ceiling tiles, wall cavities, and insulation, and determine if it has spread to other areas of your home.
Health Canada warns that any mould patch larger than three square meters poses a serious health risk and demands immediate professional removal. Only certified experts should handle major outbreaks to safeguard your health and protect your garage or home's structure.
How to Prevent Mould Growth in Garages
Here are a variety of ways to prevent mould from developing in your garage:
- Limit excess moisture and humidity inside your garage.
- Install a dehumidifier to lower the moisture level.
- Remove standing water immediately with a squeegee, then dry the area thoroughly.
- Make sure your garage has adequate ventilation and, if possible, sunlight.
- Use only waterproof or mildew-resistant paint on concrete areas inside your garage.
- Replace cardboard storage boxes with sturdy, plastic bins.
- When building or remodeling, use mildew-resistant materials.
If a mould problem in your garage persists or becomes too large to manage on your own, don’t let it escalate. Act quickly and contact a reliable mould remediation company with the expertise and resources to remove mould safely and efficiently. Mould specialists can also advise you on the best ways to prevent the recurrence of mould growth in your garage.
ServiceMaster Restore provides expert mould remediation services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year across their national network. Our IICRC certified technicians will act quickly and provide the resources necessary to remove mould at your property.