All you need to know about mould

Mould is a common problem that can affect any home or building, regardless of age or location. It thrives in moist and humid environments and can cause a range of health problems if left untreated.

In this blog post, we will cover everything you need to know about mould, from what it is and where it commonly grows in the home to the health symptoms it can cause. We'll also provide you with practical tips on how to remove mould instantly and permanently, so you can keep your home and family safe from this pesky fungus.

So, if you're dealing with a mould problem or simply want to be prepared in case it happens, keep reading for our expert advice on how to tackle this issue head-on.

What is mould?

Mould, also spelled mold, is a type of fungus that can grow and reproduce in moist, warm, and humid environments. Mould can grow on a variety of surfaces, including wood, drywall, fabric, and food. It can also grow outdoors on plants and in soil.

Mould reproduces by releasing tiny spores into the air, which can be inhaled and cause health problems in some people. Exposure to mould can cause allergic reactions, respiratory problems, and other health issues.

Mould can be prevented by controlling moisture levels in indoor and outdoor environments, such as fixing leaky pipes and roofs, using ventilation fans in bathrooms and kitchens, and using dehumidifiers in areas with high humidity. If mould is already present, it should be removed as soon as possible to prevent it from spreading and causing health problems.

Where does mould commonly grow?

Mould commonly grows in any area of a home where relative humidity levels are above 55% including bathrooms, kitchens, basements, and laundry rooms among other wet spaces. An RH level of 70% are ideal thriving environments.

• Bathrooms: Bathrooms are one of the most common areas for mould growth, as they are often humid and have poor ventilation. Mould can be found on shower curtains, tiles, grout, and around sinks and toilets.
• Kitchens: Kitchens are another area where mould can easily grow due to high humidity levels and food spills. Mould can be found on walls, ceilings, and inside cabinets and drawers.
• Basements: Basements are often damp and poorly ventilated, making them a prime location for mould growth. Mould can be found on walls, floors, and in the corners of the basement.
• Attics: Attics are another area where mould can grow, especially if there are leaks in the roof or poor ventilation. Mould can be found on insulation, walls, and ceilings.
• Laundry Rooms: Laundry rooms can also be a breeding ground for mould due to the presence of moisture from washing machines and drying clothes. Mould can be found on walls, ceilings, and inside washing machines.
• Air Conditioning Systems: Air conditioning systems can also harbour mould growth, especially if they are not properly maintained. Mould can be found in ducts, coils, and around the air handler.

It's important to regularly inspect these areas for any signs of mould growth and take preventative measures to control moisture levels to avoid future mould problems.

What health problems does mould cause?

Health problems cause by mould include allergis ractions like sneezing, eye irritation, coughing, irritation, respiratory issues and in sever cases, neurological symptoms.

Mould is also a common trigger for those that suffer from asthma and allergies. This means that exposure to mould among those living with asthma could exacerbate symptoms.

• Allergic Reactions: Some people may develop allergic reactions to mould, which can cause symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, skin rash, and asthma attacks.
• Respiratory Problems: Mould can also cause respiratory problems, such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath, especially in people with pre-existing respiratory conditions like asthma.
• Infections: In rare cases, people with weakened immune systems can develop infections from exposure to certain types of mould, such as Aspergillus and Stachybotrys.
• Irritation: Mould can also cause irritation to the skin, eyes, and throat, especially if it comes into direct contact with these areas.
• Neurological Symptoms: Some studies suggest that exposure to mould may also cause neurological symptoms, such as headaches, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating.

If you suspect that you have been exposed to mould and are experiencing any of these symptoms, it's important to seek medical attention. In addition, it's important to remove any visible mould from your home and take steps to prevent future growth to avoid further health problems.

 

How to remove mould?

To remove mould, a number of different steps need to be employed such as using bleach, vinegar, baking soda, 

While it's important to address the root cause of mould growth and take steps to prevent it from recurring, it's also important to remove visible mould as soon as possible to prevent it from spreading and causing health problems. Here are some tips on how to remove mould instantly:

• Use Bleach: Bleach is an effective way to kill mould on hard, non-porous surfaces such as tiles, glass, and countertops. Mix one cup of bleach with one gallon of water, then use a spray bottle to apply the solution to the affected area. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then scrub the area with a brush and rinse with water.
• Use Vinegar: Vinegar is another effective natural remedy for removing mould. Simply spray undiluted white vinegar onto the affected area and let it sit for an hour. Scrub the area with a brush, then rinse with water and wipe dry.
• Use Hydrogen Peroxide: Hydrogen peroxide can also be used to remove mould. Mix equal parts of 3% hydrogen peroxide and water in a spray bottle, then spray the affected area and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Scrub the area with a brush, then rinse with water and wipe dry.
• Use Baking Soda: Baking soda is a natural abrasive that can be used to remove mould from non-porous surfaces. Mix one quarter of a tablespoon of baking soda with water to make a paste. Apply the paste to the mouldy area and let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then scrub the area with a brush and rinse with water.
• Use a HEPA Vacuum: A vacuum with a HEPA filter can also be used to remove mould from carpets, upholstery, and other soft surfaces. Vacuum the affected area thoroughly, then dispose of the vacuum bag or empty the canister outside to prevent further mould spores from spreading.

Remember to wear protective gear such as gloves and a mask when handling mould, especially if you have allergies or respiratory issues. If the mould covers a large area or is in a difficult-to-reach location, it may be best to hire a professional to remove it. 

How to remove mould permanently?

Removing mould permanently requires identifying and addressing the root cause of the mould growth, disinfecting the area and control humiditiy levels through the use of a dehumidifier or other tools.

We’ve written about how to kill mould permanently in a previous blog post, but it’s a topic worth exploring again especially during periods of heavy rain in Australia. Here are some steps you can take to remove mould permanently:

• Identify and Fix the Source of Moisture: Mould needs moisture to grow, so the first step in removing it permanently is to identify and fix the source of moisture. This may involve fixing leaky pipes, repairing roof leaks, improving ventilation, or reducing humidity levels in the home.
• Remove Porous Materials: If the mould has grown on porous materials such as drywall or insulation, it may be necessary to remove and replace these materials to eliminate the source of the mould. Be sure to properly dispose of the contaminated materials to prevent further spread of the mould.
• Clean and Disinfect: Once the source of moisture has been eliminated and any contaminated materials have been removed, clean and disinfect the affected area using one of the methods mentioned in the previous answer (bleach, vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, or baking soda). Be sure to let the solution sit for at least 10-15 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing with water.
• Use a Mold Inhibitor: After cleaning and disinfecting the area, consider using a mold inhibitor such as borax or tea tree oil to prevent future mould growth. These natural remedies can be applied to the affected area and left to dry, forming a protective barrier against future mould growth.
• Maintain Proper Ventilation and Humidity Levels: To prevent future mould growth, it's important to maintain proper ventilation and humidity levels in the home. Use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens, open windows to improve air circulation, and use a dehumidifier in areas with high humidity levels.

The Ionmax Leone compressor dehumidifier effectively removes up to 25 litres of excess moisture daily. The unit comes with a relative humidity level monitor and WiFi pairing for remote control, allowing you to conveniently make changes to your unit's settings, wherever you may be.

If the mould covers a large area or is in a difficult-to-reach location, it may be best to hire a professional to remove it and address the source of the moisture. Regular inspections and preventative measures can help prevent future mould growth and ensure a healthy home environment.

We hope this post about mould has been helpful. Mould can be a serious problem in any home, causing health issues and structural damage if left untreated. Identifying the source of moisture and taking preventative measures is key to preventing mould growth. However, if mould does appear, it's important to take immediate action to remove it and prevent it from spreading.

Using natural remedies such as vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, and baking soda can be effective for instant mould removal, while fixing the source of moisture, removing contaminated materials, and using a mould inhibitor can help to remove mould permanently. By maintaining proper ventilation and humidity levels, regularly inspecting for mould, and taking preventative measures, you can keep your home healthy and mould-free.

Ionmax dehumidifiers can help with maintaining optimal humidity levels indoors and controlling mould by reducing humidity indoors and eliminating excess moisture. 

By removing excess moisture from the air and maintaining optimal humidity levels (between 30% to 50%), Ionmax dehumidifiers help to prevent mould from growing and ensure the environment remains less conducive for mould growth.

With a wide range of dehumidifier models removing 6L up to 50L of moisture per day, Ionmax dehumidifiers are ideal for moderate to serious moisture issues. Featuring high dehumidification performance, mobile app connectivity, digital humidity displays, built-in humidistats and options for continuous drainage, Ionmax dehumidifiers are highly reviewed and regarded as the best dehumidifiers in Australia.

Browse our range of CHOICE recommended and Sensitive Choice approved desiccant dehumidifiers and compressor dehumidifiers today. 

 

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general reference only. Please seek advice from professionals according to your needs.

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