It looks unsightly and can impact your health, yet an elongated wet season presents the perfect conditions for mould to grow. Mould and mildew thrive in dark, damp and poorly ventilated areas in our homes and are often spotted on bathroom walls and ceilings, in tiling grout and in shower recesses. But infestations are not limited to bathrooms – they can also be found in laundries, bedrooms, wardrobes and kitchens; and grow best on porous substances like wood, leather, plaster and textiles.
Mould is a black, fuzzy fungi, while mildew presents as a powder-like greyish, white form – and both can be difficult to eradicate and become dangerous if not treated. Mould sensitivity varies from person to person, and can cause nasty allergies or respiratory illnesses, not to mention structural damage to your home. Therefore it is essential to act quickly to ensure it does not take hold in your home. Here are some tips to help put a stop to the mould growth in your home.
Maintenance
To reduce the incidence of mould, it's vital to control the amount of moisture in the home. Keep an eye out for roof leaks, water leaks, plumping issues and blocked gutters. If water enters your home, clean and dry the affected areas and discard any material that cannot be cleaned or dried completely.
Fresh Air
Poor airflow in homes during winter can contribute to the severity of mould infestations so brave the cooler conditions and open your doors and windows to maximise ventilation. Air-conditioning and ceiling fans can also help to improve ventilation.
Dehumidify
If the outbreak is particularly severe, it might be worth investing in a dehumidifier to treat the mould. Dehumidifiers suck moisture form the air and help to prevent the growth of mould and mildew. There are devices available to buy that can check humidity in your home.
Clean
Once you're sure the area is dry, give the area a good clean. There are several off-the-shelf mould cleaners which are largely bleach based that can be purchased to help clean infestations, but there are also several non-toxic options that are just as effective. For example, vinegar can be used undiluted and works wonders on mould clean-ups, with clove oil being another natural option. There are also no poisonous fumes like bleach, which is only effective against surface mould.
Prevention
Preventing mould is the best way to stop it from taking hold in your home. A simple wipe down of the shower or other wet areas after use can help to avert an outbreak. Similarly, hang your washing out as soon as possible to stop it becoming smelly and mouldy in the washing machine. Front loaders can be particularly susceptible to mould growth, so wipe them down after each load and regularly clean out the detergent dispenser. Sealing grout and tiles in bathrooms to ensure they're waterproof is one of the best ways of preventing mould infestations in wet areas.