Finding mould in kitchen cupboards is more common than you might think—especially in older UK homes or flats with limited ventilation.According to a recent Shelter UK report, over 40% of renters have faced mould issues, with kitchens being a key trouble spot.
It can show up as black patches, a musty smell, or even flaking cupboard lining. But don’t panic. In this guide, we’ll explain why it happens, what you can do about it, and how to stop it from coming back.
What Causes Mould in Kitchen Cupboards?
Mould thrives in damp, dark, and poorly ventilated spaces, which makes the inside of kitchen cupboards a perfect hiding place. Here are the usual culprits:
- Condensation: Everyday kitchen activities like boiling water, cooking pasta, or drying laundry indoors release a surprising amount of moisture into the air. Without proper ventilation, this moisture settles behind your cupboards.
- Leaky plumbing: A dripping pipe under the sink might not seem like a big deal, but over time, it creates the perfect conditions for mould to grow.
- External walls: Cupboards fitted on outside-facing walls tend to be colder. When warm, moist air hits these cold wall surfaces, condensation forms, often unnoticed.
- Poor air flow: Many cupboards are sealed tight against the wall, stopping air from circulating. This traps moisture and creates a hidden damp spot.
Did you know? UK kitchens can hold 60–70% relative humidity after cooking. Anything over 55% starts to promote mould growth.
Why Is Mould Behind Kitchen Units Dangerous?
You might be tempted to ignore the problem if it’s hidden, but mould can affect both your health and your home:
- Health concerns: Mould releases spores that can trigger sneezing, itchy eyes, skin rashes, asthma, and more. The NHS warns that children, elderly people, and those with respiratory conditions are most at risk.
- Food contamination: Damp and mouldy cupboards aren’t just unpleasant—they’re unhygienic. Mould spores can settle on food packaging or even contaminate the contents inside.
- Structural damage: Persistent damp can weaken chipboard shelving, swell MDF panels, and rot wooden frames. This could lead to cabinet replacements, or worse, affect the wall behind.
Tip: A professional damp survey can spot these risks early—before you’re faced with costly repairs.
Signs of Mould Inside or Behind Your Cupboards
Not all mould is visible straight away. Keep an eye (and nose) out for:
- A musty, earthy smell when you open cupboard doors
- Black, green or grey patches near corners or back panels
- Peeling paint, soft timber, or bulging laminate
- Condensation on the inside of cupboard doors, shelves, or surrounding tiles
Real Homeowners Say: “We thought it was just steam from cooking, but once we moved the unit, the whole wall behind was black.” – Jane T., Manchester
How to Clean Mould in Kitchen Cupboards Safely
If the mould is only on the surface and hasn’t spread, you can try cleaning it yourself. Just be careful not to use harsh chemicals or scrub dry, as that can release spores into the air.
What You’ll Need to Clean Mould from Cupboards:
- Gloves, a mask, and protective eyewear
- White vinegar or mild detergent (avoid bleach near food areas)
- A microfibre cloth or soft sponge
- Anti-mould spray and paint (optional but recommended)
Steps:
- Take everything out of the cupboard.
- Open the windows for good ventilation.
- Wipe down the affected areas with vinegar or detergent.
- Rinse with clean water and dry completely.
- Apply anti-mould spray and paint if available.
If mould keeps returning or covers more than 1m², don’t tackle it yourself. That may be a sign of hidden damp that needs professional mould treatment.
What If Mould Is Behind Your Cupboards or Sink Units?
This is more common than most people realise. If your under-sink cupboards smell musty or show mould at the back, chances are the wall behind is worse.
Here’s how to investigate carefully:
- Check for water staining or swollen edges around the cabinet base
- Shine a torch under the unit or remove the kickboard for a better look
- Run your hand along the wall behind (if accessible) to feel for damp
Can Damp in Kitchen Units Spread Elsewhere?
Yes—and quickly. Mould spores are light and travel through the air. That’s why:
- The cupboard next door can soon show mould spots
- Skirting boards, laminate flooring or nearby plaster may become damp
- You might notice window condensation or a musty smell elsewhere in the house
Addressing mould early stops it from becoming a bigger (and costlier) problem.
Preventing Mould in Kitchen Cupboards: What Works Best?
Once cleaned, prevention is key. Try these trusted fixes:
- Fit a passive vent in the back panel of external-wall cupboards
- Install or upgrade an extractor fan, ideally one with a humidity sensor
- Wipe down cupboard interiors with anti-mould spray every few months
- Fix drips promptly—don’t ignore slow leaks from u-bends or seals
- Use moisture absorbers or mini dehumidifiers inside problem units
Leave cupboard doors open for a few hours after cooking or washing dishes to let trapped air escape.
When Should You Replace the Units?
Not all mouldy cupboards can be saved. You might need to replace them if:
- The chipboard is swollen or spongey to the touch
- Black mould is visible on both sides of the panel
- You’ve cleaned it, but the smell or spores return within weeks
Replacing units is an investment, but only if the root cause of the damp is fixed first.
When to Call Damp2Dry Solutions
If you’ve cleaned the mould and it keeps returning, or you suspect it’s behind your units—it’s time to call in experts.
Damp2Dry Solutions offers:
- Free, no-obligation damp surveys in Cheshire, Manchester, Liverpool, Chester, Stoke On Trent, Congleton, Macclesfield, Warrington and the surrounding area
- Moisture testing, thermal scans and leak diagnostics
- Professional treatment for mould, rising damp and condensation
- 20-year guarantees on our damp proofing work
Book your damp survey today and stop mould before it spreads any further.