What is mould?
Mould is a form of fungus that breaks down dead organic material. It is usually produced in damp and humid conditions. It’s common to notice mould growing in our homes as they offer moisture, warm air, and materials to feed on, such as wallpaper, wood and carpet.
Unfortunately, mould will continue to develop until it’s cleaned and removed and can harm our health, so you must take care when getting rid of it.
What causes mould?
Many of you may be wondering what causes mould on your walls, ceilings, and bathrooms. Getting to the root of the issue is important to know how to tackle it best. Here are some of the common areas mould is found and their causes.
Humidity
Humidity is one of the most common reasons mould occurs. That’s why mould is primarily found in kitchens and bathrooms where steam often appears from showering and cooking, resulting in more humid conditions than in other rooms.
Condensation
Condensation is another major cause of mould. Condensation is usually caused when warm air collides with cold surfaces. The moisture in the air cannot escape, resulting in mould. Therefore, you will notice mould on hard and cold surfaces such as tiles or around your windows.
Rising damp
Rising dampness may indicate a serious issue in your internal wall. The issues related to rising dampness could be due to plumping leaks such as in the water pipes behind your walls or under your shower or bath.
Poor ventilation
Mould will develop without proper ventilation due to the build-up of condensation from everyday activities like drying clothes indoors, cooking, and showering, which can add moisture to the air.
What mould can do to your health?
Living in a home where mould is present can affect your physical and mental health. Mould can trigger various health issues such as respiratory infections, worsening asthma, depression, allergic reactions, wheezing, sneezing and coughing.
It may affect certain groups of people more than others, such as
Elderly people
Infants and Children
People with existing skin problems, such as eczema
People with respiratory problems, such as allergies and asthma
People with a weakened immune system, such as those undergoing chemotherapy
It’s important to know what mould can do to your health so you can take precautions, especially for those at higher risk.
How to deal with mould and how to treat it?
Your home is somewhere you should feel safe so make sure you know how to keep it free of unpleasant and harmful mould.
Luckily an array of mould and mildew sprays are available. Alternatively, you can also use a natural homemade spray with vinegar and borax
It is essential to wear protective clothing while dealing with mould, so make sure you’ve got your rubber gloves on, safety goggles ready, and a dusk mask at hand before you start the process.
How to treat mould in specific areas?
Whether you’re looking for how to get rid of mould in your bedroom or how to clean mould off your walls, here are some common areas mould is found and how you can treat it.
Bathroom
Want to know how to get rid of mould in a bathroom? A cleaning solution is an excellent option for smooth bathroom surfaces such as sinks, tiles and bathtubs. Whilst wearing protective gloves, spray a cleaning solution onto the area affected with mould and use a sponge to wipe the mould away. For tighter spaces, you can also use a toothbrush for trapped mould.
Kitchen
Mould on kitchen cabinets can be cleaned using a homemade solution with equal parts water and detergent in a spray bottle. Next, use a toothbrush or kitchen scrubbing brush to remove the mould.
Walls and Ceilings
To get rid of mould on walls and ceilings, you will usually need a paint scraper to remove the paint barrier and access the mould to remove it. Once paint or wallpaper is scrapped off, use mould removal spray and a firm sponge to remove the mould.
How to prevent mould from occurring?
To stop mould and mildew from ever coming back, it’s essential to get to the root of the cause of the dampness in your house and take proper precautions.
Let the light enter your home Moist and dark spaces are breeding grounds for mould, so ensure your curtains are open during the day to allow natural light and fresh air to enter the room.
Keep air moisture to a minimum The key to mould prevention is keeping air moisture to a minimum. Dry any condensation that may be gathering on your walls, ceiling to windowsills. Dehumidifiers can also help to remove moisture from the air. Try to keep your bathroom and kitchen doors shut tightly and ensure your windows are open whilst cooking.
Cleanliness is key Regular cleaning, dusting and hoovering are essential to prevent fungus from growing. Be sure to wash and clean organic materials regularly. Mould and mildew feed on organic materials like wood, cotton, and cardboard. Make sure you clean your wooden surfaces, wash fabrics, and replace anything made from cardboard. Remember to change your shower curtains regularly to help eliminate dormant spores and reduce the chances of mould returning.
Ensure your home is well-ventilated Ventilation will be your saviour when it comes to tackling dampness. If you experience condensation issues often, you’ll need to tackle your home’s humidity.
Say goodbye to mouldy things Sometimes saying goodbye to material affected by mould is the best thing to do. Materials such as carpet, drywall and wood must be disposed of if you cannot remove mould.
Keep your home sealed from water If mould is caused by water entering your home via damaged or blocked guttering. you’ll need to clear it out, get it repaired or replace it. Ensure that the seals around windows, pipes and doors are in good condition to help keep your home watertight.
Keep your home well-insulated During the winter, ensure your home is adequately insulated; that’ll help keep air humidity and condensation levels low and avoid mould from occurring.
Time to call in the professionals Mould can often be triggered by damaged brickwork or leaking pipes within your internal walls, which a professional should deal with. If your property is suffering from rising dampness, it is best to contact an experienced builder to add a damp-proof course. This will ensure a barrier that blocks water from being absorbed from the ground. To prevent mould from growing and worsening in your home, it is crucial to recognise and remove fungus as soon as possible. We hope this guide has helped identify the risks and resolutions related to household mould.
