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Summerhouse mould

hamzah059tICMEQrdhamzah059tICMEQrd Posts: 2
in Problem solving
Hi all, first post here and not knowledgeable about any gardening related stuff.

Our summerhouse has mould on all the walls. Is this salvageable or should I just knock it down. Not been inside it for almost a year which is probably our mistake.

How best to treat and manage the mould and paint which is flaking off?
Many thanks

Posts

  • amancalledgeorgeamancalledgeorge Posts: 2,736
    I would clean it with a weak solution of bleach using a sponge and make sure to keep the ventilation up. I don't think it looks serious enough to urge demolition, what a waste of resources for what looks like a non crumbling structure. 
    To Plant a Garden is to Believe in Tomorrow
  • greatnorthernexoticgreatnorthernexotic Posts: 119
    Do you have power in there? I use a small, low wattage bar heater on a thermostat in my greenhouse just to keep things above freezing and I'm wondering if something similar would work here. 

    I also add those dehumidifying tubs that you can pick up for £1.50 from the supermarket. I stick a couple in amongst my cacti and they seem to collect a decent amount of moisture from the air - a nice lowtech solution.

    Beyond that, I'd probably do a layer of anti-mould paint.
    Growing tropical and desert plants outdoors in West Yorkshire
    INSTAGRAM/ YOUTUBE
  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    I agree that a wash down with bleach is all that's needed.
  • hamzah059tICMEQrdhamzah059tICMEQrd Posts: 2
    greatnorthernexotic said:
    Do you have power in there? I use a small, low wattage bar heater on a thermostat in my greenhouse just to keep things above freezing and I'm wondering if something similar would work here. 

    I also add those dehumidifying tubs that you can pick up for £1.50 from the supermarket. I stick a couple in amongst my cacti and they seem to collect a decent amount of moisture from the air - a nice lowtech solution.

    Beyond that, I'd probably do a layer of anti-mould paint.
    No power unfortunately but I have bought some of those dehumidifying tubs. Will try those suggestions much appreciated.
  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    I have some of these silicone bags in my summerhouse/shed and in the loft. The dot goes pink when the bag is "full" and ready to be dried out. It can be a good way to keep track. They work very well, although both of my spaces are insulated and not very damp to start with.




  • Joyce GoldenlilyJoyce Goldenlily Posts: 2,933
    hamzah059tICMEQrd said:
    Hi all, first post here and not knowledgeable about any gardening related stuff.

    Our summerhouse has mould on all the walls. Is this salvageable or should I just knock it down. Not been inside it for almost a year which is probably our mistake.

    How best to treat and manage the mould and paint which is flaking off?
    Many thanks

    You have answere your own question when you say you haven't used the summer house for a year. Unfotunately damp ia always a problem in single shelled wooden structures in the garden. Ventilation is essential and regular washes with dilute bleach will remove most of the mould. "When" the weather improves, leaving window and or doors open on fine sunny days will also help.
  • Nanny BeachNanny Beach Posts: 8,719
    We treated ourselves to a summer house about 5 years ago. It's been opened a few sunny windy days this year. As soon as it was erected, hubby,put a second wooden skin, and loft insulation stuff in the middle,to stop this problem. Happy to add pictures. Our last one,was a cheap and cheerful one from B and Q, we never had any mould in there.
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