Mould is a significant topic in the cleaning industry due to its impact on health, property and hygiene standards. BCHS work closely with Thrive Sciences Ltd, who provide cleaning solutions tailored to industry needs.
Thrive offers sustainable alternatives to harsh chemicals and wasteful practices. Thrive helps organisations reduce their environmental impact and protect natural ecosystems. With a strong focus on innovation and sustainability, Thrive seamlessly connects research with real-world applications to create cleaner, safer environments. Producing cleaning products that provide a better alternative for the planet and people.
This article will discuss mould and the health risk involved, and why preventative steps need to be in place. Find out more at https://www.bunzlchs.com/Thrive-Biotech-Solutions
Tackling Mould in UK Housing
Mould is a persistent maintenance issue in UK housing, but in the wake of Awaab’s Law (a landmark UK housing regulation set to come into force on 27th October 2025) and growing public concerns over poor living conditions, it’s become much more than that.
For landlords, housing providers, contractors and their supply chains, mould has become a compliance risk, a public health concern and a test of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) credibility. For residents and homeowners, it’s a major concern.
Tackling mould isn’t simply about ticking a box; it’s about protecting people from serious health risks and ensuring those responsible are actively managing the reduction of risk. It is a more involved process than cleaning a stain or wiping a service.
For housing providers, contractors, and landlords, tackling mould effectively is a visible marker of whether an organisation is delivering on its duty of care and acting responsibly.
According to a 2021 report, it is estimated that the NHS in England spends an estimated £895m a year treating illnesses associated with living in cold or damp housing conditions. That doesn’t include effects on health from damp in commercial properties.
The health and safety of workers within commercial buildings is also a major legal and compliance issue.
The regulations are clear, and the responsibility lies with businesses:
- Under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002, mould is classified as a hazardous substance. This means landlords and employers are required to actively manage the risks of mould exposure and ensure their teams are trained on proper precautions.
- The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 reinforce this by mandating adequate ventilation.
- While Awaab’s Law specifically addresses residential properties, it sets a powerful precedent for the importance of swift action and prevention.
Mould is a critical issue for three key reasons:
- It affects the health and wellbeing of residents and employees. Poor indoor air quality can lead to a host of health problems, directly impacting the well-being of the people in properties.
- It increases the likelihood of complaints, claims, and reputational damage. In an age of social media, a single complaint about mould can quickly escalate into a public relations crisis, damaging your brand and leading to costly legal battles.
- It highlights inequalities in housing quality, putting pressure on social landlords and contractors to take action and demonstrate commitment to their communities.
Why traditional treatments are flawed
Bleach washes, biocide sprays, and repainting over the issue only treat the surface. The underlying, and dangerous side of mould remains, and so do the health implications.
The root cause is still there, and the visible mould returns, with the spores increasing underneath, further causing health issues, damaging infrastructure, and creating a bigger and more expensive problem to resolve down the line.
Mould spores are microscopic, abundant, and capable of lying dormant until conditions are right for growth, which makes them exceptionally hard to eliminate. They are highly resistant and can withstand harsh environments, often surviving traditional treatments.
The result is that many common methods only remove the visible mould, while the spores remain, ready to return as soon as the environment allows.
Beyond the surface – The power of clean chemistry
Unlike harsh traditional treatments, clean chemistry alternatives are engineered to go beyond the visible problem. They are designed to:
- Target microbial growth at its source, disrupting mould at the root.
- Improve indoor air quality by avoiding the harsh chemical residues associated with bleach and solvents.
- Support your ESG goals by reducing chemical impact while delivering healthier, safer living and working spaces.
- Provide longer-lasting results, which cut down on repeat interventions and associated costs.
This shift towards cleaner solutions opens a clear opportunity to supply and champion products that don’t just tick a box, but genuinely align with compliance, health, and sustainability priorities.
Lead with Prevention
Organisations need to go beyond simply fixing problems after they appear. They need to show leadership and prevent issues before they put anyone at risk. By choosing clean chemistry mould solutions, your organisation can :
- Respond quickly to compliance deadlines.
- Demonstrate ESG alignment in procurement and reporting.
- Deliver healthier, more sustainable homes and workplaces.
Mould will always be a challenge in the UK’s climate. The real question is how your organisation chooses to address it. Those who move away from short-term fixes towards sustainable, root-cause solutions will not only meet compliance standards but also lead the way in building healthier, more resilient communities.
Ready to lead the way in mould mitigation? Contact BCHS today to learn more about our clean chemistry solutions and how they can help you protect your people, your properties, and your reputation.
Learn more about Thrive here: https://www.bunzlchs.com/Thrive-Biotech-Solutions
Bunzl Cleaning and Hygiene Supplies are leading the way in sustainable alternatives within the industry with partnerships like Thrive. For more information on sustainable alternatives and solutions for your business, Click Here.
