Garage Mould Removal: A Step-by-Step Guide

You walked into the garage and noticed it — dark patches on the walls, musty air, maybe even mould spreading across your stored belongings. Garages are often overlooked in mould discussions, but they’re surprisingly vulnerable. And because many garages connect directly to living spaces, garage mould doesn’t just stay in the garage — it can spread throughout your entire home.

Why Garages Get Mouldy

Garages face a unique combination of mould risk factors. They’re typically unheated, poorly ventilated, and built with concrete floors that allow moisture to wick up from the ground. rising damp issues is particularly common in garage floors and lower walls, especially in older Hobart homes without effective damp-proof membranes. Add stored cardboard boxes, timber shelving, and minimal air circulation, and you’ve created an ideal mould environment.

Additional moisture sources include: wet cars dripping on the floor, rainwater ingress around doors and windows, condensation on concrete surfaces, and plumbing from adjacent laundries or bathrooms.

Safety First

Before attempting garage mould removal, assess the situation. If mould covers more than 2-3 square metres, or if it’s growing on structural timbers, call mould removal services rather than tackling it yourself. Garage mould can be extensive because it often goes unnoticed for months. Wear an N95 mask, safety goggles, and rubber gloves for any DIY work. Open the garage door fully for maximum ventilation.

Step-by-Step Removal

1. Remove contents: Take everything out of the garage. Dispose of mouldy cardboard, paper, and fabric items that cannot be cleaned
2. Identify moisture source: Check for rising damp, roof leaks, gutter overflows, and drainage issues
3. Clean hard surfaces: Scrub concrete floors and walls with a solution of white vinegar and water (1:1 ratio). Use a stiff brush for textured surfaces
4. Treat timber: Sand mouldy timber surfaces, then treat with a commercial wood-safe antimicrobial solution
5. Address metal: Clean mould from metal surfaces with vinegar, then dry and apply a rust-preventive coating
6. Dry everything: Use fans and dehumidifiers to dry the garage completely before returning any items

Use our estimate your removal cost if the extent of the problem suggests professional help may be needed.

Preventing Garage Mould

• Improve ventilation with wall vents, louvres, or a small exhaust fan
• Seal the concrete floor with a moisture-barrier coating
• Store items on raised shelving, not directly on the floor
• Replace cardboard storage boxes with plastic containers with sealed lids
• Ensure gutters and downpipes direct water away from the garage
• Check roof for leaks and repair promptly
• Run a dehumidifier during humid months if the garage has power

For broader context on DIY mould removal safety and what makes some approaches safer than others, our DIY guide provides essential safety information. Our laundry mould fixes also covers solutions for adjacent problem areas.