How to Identify and Treat Mould in your Home

Does your home have mould?

In existence for millions of years, mould is a form of fungus that thrives on moisture and organic material, and can form almost anywhere in your property. If left untreated, exposure to toxic forms of mould can cause acute and serious health risks over time such as allergies, severe asthma, and chronic lung diseases. It can even cause serious damage to your property, meaning costly repairs.

Damp and poorly ventilated spaces are where mould grows best. It can be found in most outdoor and indoor spaces particularly on objects such as food, furniture, fabrics, carpets, walls, clothing and plumbing.?

With extreme weather conditions in full force as a result of the climate crisis, minimising the risks of dampness and mould in homes has become increasingly important!

Signs of Mould In Your Home

Even in the cleanest of homes, the reproduction of mould is almost unavoidable - especially in tropical locations across Australia. According to the World Health Organisation, 10-50% of Australian homes are affected by dampness and mould. Although they are visible to the human eye - often in the appearance of ‘fuzz’ or a stain, smudge or discolouration - some mould develops in places that are completely out of sight!

Here are 5 simple ways to identify if mould is growing in your home.?

1. You sense an unusual and unpleasant odour.
2. There are ongoing signs of moisture and condensation.
3. You are regularly experiencing personal health symptoms, such as a runny nose, watery eyes, headaches and sneezing.
4. There are places around the house that have a history of water build-up or the event of water damage.
5. You discover spotted clothing, contaminated carpets and warped walls.

The best places to check for mould is where moisture persists the most, such as in your bathroom, your kitchen, and your laundry. However, condensation can occur anywhere it seems fit.

When to Call an Expert

Prevention is more effective than removal!

The first step to eliminate mould in your home is by eliminating its source - moisture. This can be done by:

• Immediately repairing leaking roofs and walls.
• Increasing air ventilation with windows and fans.
• Using a dehumidifier around your home.
• Remodelling your home using mould-resistant materials… and more!

If the problem area is small, then a quick D.I.Y clean-up should do the trick! Ensure you wear protective eyewear, gloves, and a P1 or P2 face mask, as well as having good ventilation in your space. To help clean surfaces to eliminate mould growth, a suitable biocide such as an 80% white vinegar solution or a bleach solution applied with a clean microfibre cloth should do the trick.?

TIP: Be careful not to dry brush affected areas or roughly handle damaged materials. Mould spore particles can spread into the surrounding air that you or others may inhale in.?

What about when it comes to the severe effects of torrential rain and floods you may ask??

Well, for many flood-affected residents, they will inevitably have to face the aftermath of mould in their homes during post-flood clean-ups. Due to the complexity of this large-scale remediation, this process will be best tackled by the experts. So before you clean or dispose of mould-damaged goods, always consult with a professional first!

At Abril, we have the capability and extensive range of specialised equipment to service all your water damage needs, and to reduce and remove mould growth in your home. Although mould itself is unavoidable, we can help you prevent and conquer it.?

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