Solutions For Mould, Mildew, Dampness and Condensation
How do I get rid of Mould and Mildew?
Indoor mould growth can and should be prevented or controlled by controlling moisture in the air. If mould is present, spores will be found floating through the air and in house dust. The mould spores will not grow if moisture is not present.
If there is mould growth in your home, you must clean up the mould and fix the moisture problem. If you clean up the mould, but don't fix the moisture problem, then, most likely, the mould problem will keep coming back.
|
 |
About Moulds
Mould is Natural
Moulds are part of the natural environment. Outdoors, moulds play an integral part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees. But indoors, mould growth should be avoided.
Reproduction
Moulds reproduce by means of tiny spores; the spores are invisible to the naked eye and float through outdoor and indoor air. There are many types of mould, and none of them will grow without water or moisture.
Dampness is your enemy
Creating conditions where mould, mildew and bacteria thrive at the expense of damage to your home and contents. In addition, you and your family face an increased risk of bronchial and asthmatic illness. So what can be done? Moisture Cure has the answer.
Humidity and Condensation
Humidity and Condensation leads to Mould, Mildew and Bacteria. Humidity levels over 70% will allow mould and mildew to colonise or grow on most natural and absorbent materials including leather, clothing, paper, paintings, electronics and many more surfaces in your home. A dehumidifier will lower and maintain correct humidity levels thereby dramatically reducing the opportunity for mould and mildew growth.
Can Mould cause health problems?
Yes! Moulds have the potential to cause serious health problems.
Moulds produce allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions), irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances (mycotoxins). Mould does not have to be alive to cause an allergic reaction. Inhaling or touching mould or mould spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Allergic reactions to mould are common and can be immediate or delayed. Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms and asthma attacks. |
 |
Symptoms other than the allergic and irritant types are not commonly reported as a result of inhaling mould.
Mould can destroy objects they come into contact with.
To start getting on top of your mould issue, you can look at our dehumidifier range, cleaning products or just call us directly for advice 1800 255 379
We also offer a full mould remediation service for customers anywhere between Sydney and Brisbane - and further afield will also be considered.
Learn more on the articles we were featured in by FreshMag:
Ideally, the humidity level in your home should be between 40% and 60%. The cheapest and easiest way to keep humidity at this optimal level is to open your curtains and windows. It's amazing the difference that sunlight and fresh air can make to your home - and it's free! |
 |
Here are some simple common sense tips to keep your home dry and free of mould.
- Be sure your home has enough ventilation.
- Leave windows and doors open as much as possible.
- Use exhaust fans which vent outside your home in the kitchen and bathroom.
- Increase circulation throughout the home by using fans and opening closet doors and drawers as often as possible.
- Ensure that kitchen exhaust fans are vented to the outside and used regularly when cooking. Cover boiling pots to prevent moisture build-up.
- Discard clutter; especially in storage areas. Moulds grow on paper, fabrics, wood and anything else that holds moisture and collects dust. If you must store items like paper, clothes and fabric, do so in sealed containers.
- Ask family and friends to remove shoes when entering your home. Mould spores from soil, dust and air be can attached to shoes.
- Consider not using carpet in rooms or areas like bathrooms or basements that commonly contain a lot of moisture.
- Check for water leaks under the sink, around the tub, shower and toilet to prevent water damage and mould.
- Leave the exhaust fan on for several minutes after showering is completed. Take shorter showers. Wiping down wet surfaces after showering is also beneficial.
- Make sure your clothes dryer vents to the outside of your home. Better still - use your dehumidifier. Clothes will dry gently and naturally.
- Immediately repair any leaks in the roof, walls or plumbing so mould does not have moisture to feed on.
- Be mindful of humidity levels. Moulds thrive in warm, humid conditions. A dehumidifier separates moisture from the air, thereby changing the conditions to dry and fresh.
- You can monitor the moisture content in your building with a hygrometer. Relative humidity in the home should be under 45 percent in the winter (or lower to avoid condensation on windows). A dehumidifier will help lower the relative humidity dramatically.
- If you have heat recovery ventilators (HRV) clean the filter inside often.
- Frequently cleaning the drip pan at the back of the refrigerator and vacuum dust from refrigerator coils.
- Take out rubbish daily and clean garbage cans frequently.
- Don't bring into the home furniture, clothing, books or other items that have been water damaged or stored in a damp or mouldy place.
- Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA Filter.
- Check outside of the home also on a regular basis for places where water may intrude or pool.
- Check eaves, gutters and downpipes regularly to make sure they are connected, working properly and debris-free.
- Install down-pipe extensions to lead water further away from the home.
- Choose central air conditioning with a HEPA filter attachment is best.
- Special attention is required to drying after flooding. Clean up and dry out your home thoroughly and quickly within 24 hours of flooding.
To start getting on top of your mould issue, you can look at our dehumidifier range, cleaning products or just call us directly for advice 1800 255 379
|
