Technique for Eliminating Mould and Stopping Its Recurrence within Your Residence
Mold, the pesky fungus that lurks in damp and unventilated spaces, is a major headache for homeowners. Here's a breakdown on how to keep this irritating intruder at bay and deal with it if it rears its ugly head.
What is Mold?
Simply put, mold is a type of fungus that grows and spreads on wet, poorly ventilated surfaces. While it originates from plant and animal matter, it can easily find a home in your residence, thanks to those airborne spores floating around. "Mold spores thrive on damp, moist, or warm surfaces," says Kieran Davies, the Head of RACV Trades.
A Colorful Problem
Contrary to popular belief, the color of mold doesn't determine its danger level. "Black mold" may sound sinister, but it can be dark green or black, like Stachybotrys chartarum. The more common types you'll come across in your home include Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, and Penicillium.
Spotting Mold
Keep an eye out for suspicious spots on surfaces - white, black, yellow, blue, or green stains could be mold. Rarer varieties may be grey, orange, or brown.
Preventing Mold at Home
To keep mold at bay, reduce moisture in all parts of your house. Since poor ventilation is one of the main culprits behind mold growth, ensure you have optimal ventilation throughout your home, under the floors, and in the roof. A dehumidifier can help by absorbing excess moisture from the air, improving air circulation and reducing allergens such as dust.
Killing Mold
Bleach won't eliminate mold; it merely removes its color, making it invisible to the naked eye. Instead, opt for baking soda and white vinegar, or a methylated spirits solution to annihilate the pesky vampire. These methods disrupt the mold's microscopic structure, instantly killing it.
Mold Removal in the Bathroom
If mold has taken over your bathroom, don't fret. A simple spray of vinegar, followed by baking soda and water, should do the trick. Test a small area first, then spray undiluted vinegar onto the mold and let it sit for an hour. After that, mix one teaspoon of baking soda with half a liter of warm water in a clean spray bottle and spray over the vinegar-treated area. While the baking soda is still damp, scrub with a damp cloth, then rinse thoroughly.
Waterproofing and Proper Maintenance are Key
Always ensure your bathroom is correctly waterproofed and the roof is weather-tight. Regularly clean your bathroom with antifungal solutions that eliminate soap scum, and keep the shower door, bathroom door, and any bathroom windows open after showering. Install an exhaust fan and leave it on during showers and for about 20 minutes afterward.
Keeping Mold Away from Your Clothes
If you notice moldy spots on your clothes, it's a sign of dampness or moisture in your wardrobe. To remove mold from the walls, shelving, and drawers, try using the vinegar and baking soda solution. Start by removing your clothes and other items from your wardrobe. Spray the entire wardrobe with vinegar. Allow the solution to soak in for about half an hour, then apply the baking soda and water solution before using a damp cloth to scrub the affected areas. Wipe clean with a fresh damp cloth. Vacuum and clean the floor thoroughly after the cleanup, making sure everything is dry before putting your clothes back.
Dealing with Mold on Fabrics
If mold has invaded your clothes or other fabrics, mix two parts baking soda with one part white vinegar and add this solution to a pot of hot water. Let it soak for an hour or more, depending on the amount of mold present. Use a toothbrush or a brush with firm bristles to scrub the moldy areas, then wash your clothes using your washing machine's regular cycle.
Mold Removal in the Bedroom
If you find mold on the walls, ceilings, or hardwood floors of your bedroom, try using a mild detergent like sugar soap and a microfibre cloth for gentle cleaning. Dry the cleaned area thoroughly after wiping mold off the surfaces. If this method doesn't work, use a vinegar and water solution instead.
Keep your bedroom fresh and airy by opening windows for a few hours on cold days, if possible. Regularly maintaining your heating and cooling systems will also help reduce mold.
Laundry Care
Mold thrives in the humid conditions of the laundry, especially if you have a condenser dryer. Opt for a heat pump dryer if you can, as they don't blow hot, moist air into the room but rather extract moisture from the clothes, collecting it in a container that you then empty. Turning on exhaust fans during dryer use and keeping European-style laundry areas open while the dryer is running will also help.
Invest in a dehumidifier for your laundry area to reduce moisture in the air. Regularly clean and dry your window sills to prevent mold growth.
Mold Prevention after Flooding
Heavy rain, storms, and floods can cause pooled water, creating the perfect breeding ground for mold. If your home has been flooded for more than two days, high mold levels are likely. Clean and dry your house as soon as possible to minimize mold growth. Consult your insurance company before starting the clean-up process to avoid voiding any coverage.
Mold-Resistant Building Materials
If you live in an area prone to mold or if your property continually battles mold, consider using mold-resistant materials when building or maintaining your home. Many options exist that are naturally resistant to water and mold, or treated to resist mold. These include anti-mould paints, hardwood or steel framing, rigorous insulation, solid-core doors, epoxy or semi-epoxy grout, mould-resistant sealants, hardwood or tile skirtings, fiber cement or villaboard wall linings, and tile or polished concrete flooring. Consult a qualified builder or tradesperson for the best options for your property.
Mold and Your Health
Exposure to mold can lead to a range of health issues, including nasal congestion, sneezing, coughing, wheezing, and respiratory infections. It can also worsen asthma and allergies, and irritate eyes and skin. People with weakened immune systems, severe asthma, lung diseases, or allergies are more susceptible to these effects. If you're concerned about mold and your health, seek medical advice and contact your local council.
A Final Word
Keeping your home mold-free requires regular cleaning, reducing moisture levels, and maintaining proper ventilation. With these simple strategies, you can enjoy a cleaner, healthier living space. If you're unsure about tackling mold on your own, consult a professional. Remember, it's better to be safe than sorry!
- Mold, a type of fungus that grows on wet, poorly ventilated surfaces, can originate from plant and animal matter, making it prone to grow within homes due to airborne spores.
- Contrary to common belief, the color of mold doesn't determine its danger level, as it varies from white, black, yellow, blue, green, grey, orange, brown, and even rarer colors.
- To prevent mold at home, it is essential to reduce moisture in all parts of the house, ensure optimal ventilation throughout, use a dehumidifier for excess moisture absorption, improve air circulation, and reduce allergens such as dust.
- If mold removal is needed in the home, avoid using bleach, as it only removes mold's color and doesn't kill it completely. Instead, opt for baking soda and white vinegar, or a methylated spirits solution to effectively kill mold.
