Control mould at your property
Did you know getting rid of mildew or mould in your home is crucial as it can lead to condensation and damage the fabric of your property. Without fresh air, the relative humidity rises, leading to moisture in the atmosphere.
Did you know?
This can cause water droplets on colder surfaces to soak through into the underlying material of walls and ceilings, creating damp patches that are ideal for mould growth.
Mould is a type of fungi that requires moisture to grow and reproduce. It can be black, grey, green, or white and can look like a stain or smudge. Moulds are found everywhere, indoors and outdoors, and can grow on various materials like food, furniture, fabrics, carpets, walls, paper, timber, and plumbing. They can also grow around the exterior of homes in decaying leaves, stale damp soil, and compost.
Mould itself
Mould thrives in homes with the right conditions, such as cold, darkness, dampness, poorly ventilated areas, and inadequate heating. This can be seen in bathrooms or kitchens where extraction fans are not regularly used to extract moisture.
Mould is a fungus that breaks down dead material, and if allowed to get a foothold in homes, it grows quickly due to the ideal conditions: moisture, warm air, and materials to feed on, such as wood, carpet, and dust.
After a shower, bath, boiling a kettle or cooking the humidity levels in your bathroom/kitchen skyrocket. If you don’t already have an extractor fan or some form of ventilation fitted this humidity can turn into condensation and affect the whole house.
Closing the door while using the bathroom or kitchen contains the moisture produced, and opening a window after will allow any excess moisture to disperse naturally without affecting the temperature of the air in the rest of the house and preventing condensation from settling on walls, ceilings and windows in your bathroom or kitchen, which can lead to mould problems.
Indoor air quality can be significantly impacted by chemicals from household cleaners, hairsprays, deodorants, and air fresheners. To improve air quality, open windows and use the opportunity to clear the air by using a cracker.
Hardwood floors can harbor dust mites, dirt, hair, and fungus, which can worsen breathing conditions like asthma, bronchial attacks, hay fever, and eczema. These nasties can also cause bad smells and reduced air quality. If your bathroom or kitchen carpet becomes wet from bathing and cooking, consider using tiles or laminate to eliminate breeding grounds for these critters. If carpet is used, ensure it is cleaned regularly and well-ventilated to maintain humidity.
Ventilation is the best solution
Proper ventilation is the best solution for condensation in homes. Adequate air flow and maintaining a good temperature are essential for preventing condensation. When humidity accumulates, excess moisture in the air is released, causing condensation if not properly ventilated.
How to stop black mould
Black mould, a common type of mould, can be harmful to health, especially if it comes from the same strain as green mould. It can be treated with normal methods, but the more difficult type, known as ‘toxic black mould’ or’stachybotrys’, can have more serious health implications.
To remove non-toxic mould, use a non-toxic cleaning solution and dry the surface thoroughly. Another short-term solution is to use bleach to kill mould and marks on walls. Wear thick clothes, rubber gloves, and a face guard to avoid inhaling the fumes.
Mould spores and building dust, which are often invisible to the naked eye, can cause adverse effects that can lead to bigger problems concerning mould and your overall wellness.
Mould, a harmless black area on walls or ceilings, can quickly become a mould infestation, contaminating the interior air and causing various illnesses.
As a responsible homeowner, inspect your property for mould infestations and, if necessary, choose mould removal. Although weather conditions may not be favourable for fungus growth, specific interior issues can cause mould development in walls.
Ways to eradicate mould
To eradicate mould, it is crucial to remove it as soon as possible. Avoid dry brushing, and use a solution of 20% water and 80% white vinegar.
Avoid using bleach as it has a high pH and is ineffective in killing mould.
Wipe surfaces with a mould remover and a clean cloth, changing the cloth frequently to prevent the spreading of spores. Dispose of used cloths in a plastic bag and dispose of dirty ones. Repeating this treatment will help prevent mould re-growth. Avoid using a dirty cloth, as it may spread the infestation.
