How to Get Rid of Mould in Your Home

There are several reported ways to get rid of mould that, unfortunately, do not always work. Given the health risks associated with mould it is important to understand that many mould problems require the help of professionals like Mould & Hygiene Solutions. 

DIY Mould Removal Methods

Here are some frequently used DIY mould removal methods that people use in an attempt to get rid of mould in their home:

• Dilutred vinegar. 
• Detergent. 
• Diluted bleach. 
• Commercial Mould Cleaning Products.

The limitation with these DIY mould removal methods, is that they provide no ongoing protection against mould which means that mould will return to the treated surface. Additionally, it is important to consider and resolve the root cause of the mould (e.g. leaking roof) trying to get rid of mould.

Additionally, when trying to remove mould from your home it is important to address the root cause of the mould, for example a roof leak; more on this later. 

Understanding the Basics of Mould and Mould Growth

Understanding the basics of mould and mould growth is important when attempting to get rid of mould in your home. Mould is a part of a group of very common organisms called fungi and it is found throughout nearly all parts of the world and makes up a vital part of the earth’s eco system. 

Below is a diagram depicting the life cycle of mould growth.

Mould has the ability to grow on most surfaces and is found in most parts of Australia. This highlights the importance of undertaking regular inspections of your property so you can act quickly and get rid of mould in your home. Mould likes to grow when there is:

1. Moisture 
2. Darkness 
3. Inadequate ventilation 
4. A food source

Understanding what encourages mould growth will help you to not only get rid of mould in your home but to also prevent mould from returning. Noting that many of the DIY methods have no ability to protect surfaces against mould, it is worth considering engaging professionals like Mould & Hygiene Solutions who have solutions to not only get rid of mould but prevent it from returning. 

Safety Equipment

No matter how big or how small your mould problem is, it is imperative that you wear appropriate PPE when attempting to get rid of mould in your home. 

Here are some items of PPE that you should consider wearing when trying to get rid of mould in your home: 

• A disposable P2 Mask or Respirator.
• Gloves 
• Safety Glasses 
• Disposable overalls 

Identifying the Root Cause of Mould in Your Home

Identifying the root cause of mould is an important step when you are trying to effectively get rid of mould in your home. Often there be an many contributing factors to mould growth which may require the services of multiple professionals including mould removal and mould prevention companies like Mould & Hygiene Solutions, builders, plumbers, roofers, landscapers and even engineers. 

Below are some common examples of what can cause mould to grow in your home: 

Water Ingress 

Water ingress can be defined by water entering its way into a building. Common examples of water ingress include:

• Roof Leaks 
• Rising Damp
• Burst Pipes
• Overflowing Gutters 

Solution: 

Seek professional help. Often it is best to engage a reputable mould removal company like Mould & Hygiene Solutions who provide a free inspection and can advise you to speak to other professionals. 

Condensation 

Condensation is defined as the process whereby water vapor in the air changes from a gaseous state to a liquid state. Common examples of condensation occurring in a property include: 

• Tempered glass windows that have water droplets on them – this is particularly common in winter. 
• Hot showers - This is particularly problematic when the extraction fan is not powerful enough to remove the moisture from the air and is further exacerbated when there is little to no fresh air making its way into the bathroom. 
• Lack of ventilation - Properties that are often shut for long periods of time or have minimal windows and doors that can open will be subject to higher levels of condensation. 

Solution:

Given that there are several ways condensation can occur within a property, the solutions is often not a simple one. Contacting professionals like Mould & Hygiene Solutions to provide you with guidance will often be your best choice. To help stop mould before it starts you should always try and ensure that your property gets as much fresh air and airflow as possible. Additionally, consideration could be given to replacing outdated building materials such as tempered glass windows as well as installing a dehumidifier. 

Health Impacts of Mould 

Various state government websites document that mould can cause a runny or blocked nose, irritation of the eyes and skin, and sometimes wheezing. Additionally, there are claims that the species of Stachybotrys chartarum, also known as black mould, has the greatest impact on humans’ health. 

Attempting to remove large amounts of mould from your home can potentially expose you and your family to the harmful effects of mould and therefore strong consideration should be given to engaging professionals to resolve your mould problem. 

Attempting to Get Rid of Mould in your Home 

So, you’ve read all of this, and you still want to try and get rid of mould in your home by yourself. Here is how you can attempt to get rid of mould in your property: 

1. Choose your cleaning solution; many will opt for a diluted vinegar solution. This is because it is a natural solution that can kill most species of mould. Note: there is no evidence that Vinegar has the ability to protect the treated surface and prevent mould from returning.
2. Wear appropriate PPE. 
3. Get a microfibre cloth and moisten it with your cleaning solution of choice. 
4. Begin scrubbing the mould affected surfaces. A little elbow grease will likely be required, however if it is not coming off, consideration should be given to engaging a professional. 
5. Clean microfibre cloth with clean water and repeat step 4 until desired outcome is achieved. 
6. Check surfaces for any runoff and clean up as soon as possible to ensure it does not leave any streaks and/or discolor the surface. 
7. Appropriately dispose of PPE and any mould contaminated items. 
8. Monitor the surfaces over a long period of time to ensure that the mould does not return. 

Long-Term Prevention Solutions

Whilst we have discussed how to get rid of mould in your home, it is perhaps even more important to prevent mould from returning. Here are some tips to prevent mould growth in your home: 

• Ensure Adequate Ventilation.
• Keep a clean and tidy house free from dust and dirt.
• Utilise extraction fans when cooking and showering. 
• Address any building defects such as roof leaks and broken gutters.  
• Install a ventilation system or dehumidifier. 
• Utilise the dry mode on your AC. 
• Assess and rectify drainage issues around the property.

Whilst it is unlikely that any of these tips will, on their own, prevent mould growth from occurring in your home, being diligent about air flow and keeping moisture to a minimum will reduce the likelihood of mould growth growing in your home. 

Unfortunately, too many Australians continue to battle mould because DIY solutions are not always effective. That’s why engaging a company like Mould & Hygiene Solutions who  invests heavily in mould prevention will be your best choice to ensure that your home remains mould free. 

Conclusion

Whilst some DIY methods may be somewhat effective when attempting to get rid of mould in your home, they often fall short when tackling a major mould problem and they rarely provide a long-term solution leaving you and your family’s health at risk. It is always a wise decision to book a free inspection with a company like Mould & Hygiene Solutions who can effectively get rid of mould in your home.