Is Cork Mould Resistant? What You Should Know

Cork is a natural material that continues gaining popularity in flooring, wall coverings, and insulation; but as more people turn to it for eco-friendly interiors, a pertinent question arises: is cork mould resistant?

We’ll explore, in this article, the science behind cork’s natural mould resistance, when it can be vulnerable, and how to keep it protected. 

What is mould and why does it grow?

Moulds are - according to mycologists - quite fascinating, even if unwelcome guests in our homes. They’re types of fungi that like dark, damp environments where organic material is present, so they spread quickly wherever there’s a combination of humidity, lack of ventilation, and warmth - a common sight in materials like wood, drywall, and fabric.

The problem with mould isn’t merely aesthetic: it doesn’t just stain surfaces, but it can also affect air quality and trigger allergies.

Is cork mould resistant?

Cork bark evolved to survive in harsh outdoor conditions - which means it’s built to resist fungi and insects - so to a large extent, yes, cork is naturally mould resistant. That’s part of what makes it such a great choice for interior materials like wall panels, underlayment, or flooring.

A waxy substance called suberin, which is found in cork’s cell walls, gets the credit for this: it helps protect the cork tree from decay in the wild by repelling water and blocking microbial growth.

So, is cork mould resistant? Absolutely - but like any material, it needs proper care and conditions to stay that way.

Can cork mould over time?

Cork can mould, despite its resistance, if exposed to too much water for too long, and especially if ventilation is poor and liquid spills are left unattended.

The main thing that should be clear is that cork requires some maintenance to prevent mould, like any other organic material.

How to prevent mould on cork products

• It’s not hard to protect cork from mould if you follow these simple practices:
  
• Use a vapor barrier when installing cork underlayment or flooring over concrete or in places prone to moisture
• Seal the surface of cork flooring and wall panels with a water-resistant sealant
• Avoid standing water - if there’s a liquid spill, clean it up as soon as you can
• Ensure good airflow - mould thrives in stagnant air, and ventilation helps cork stay dry
• Clean regularly with a pH-neutral product, avoiding soaking during cleaning

These precautions help reinforce cork’s natural defences and significantly reduce the chance of mould growth.

Where is cork safely used? 

Thanks to its resistance to mould, cork is widely used even in areas where humidity might be a concern - as long as it’s installed properly. Common applications include:

• Cork underlayment beneath hardwood or laminate floors
• Wall tiles in bedrooms, offices, or yoga studios
• Flooring in kitchens or dry bathrooms, if sealed and maintained
  
• Soundproofing and insulation in music studios or home theatres

Cork is even used in saunas and steam rooms - but in such cases, it must be professionally installed with full sealing and moisture barriers.

Conclusion: is cork a good choice for mould resistance?

Cork’s natural structure and composition protect it and make it an excellent choice if you want to keep your home clear from mould and mildew. Still, proper installation, sealing, and moisture control can’t be neglected.

So yes - cork is mould resistant, though like any natural material, it performs best when treated with some care.

If you’re ready to explore your options, check out Portuguese Treasures' wide range of cork flooring designed to meet both your aesthetic preferences and practical needs.

*Images on this blog have been AI generated.