Mould 101

Some of the most common health effects of mould include irritation of the eyes, skin, nose, throat and lungs. In addition, inhaling or touching mould may cause allergic reactions in some people, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes and dermatitis. Mould may also trigger asthma attacks in people with asthma. That’s why it’s important to understand what causes mould, how to prevent it and how to get rid of it in our homes.

Mould is a type of fungus found everywhere, both indoors and outdoors, that grows in moist and poorly ventilated areas like ceilings, walls, carpets, bathroom tiles, wood and insulation material. Ensuring good ventilation in your home can help minimise moisture and prevent mould growth.

Mould can be found anywhere that moisture and oxygen are present. It spreads by producing tiny reproductive cells known as spores that float through the air and can’t be seen by the human eye.
Mould spores are naturally present in both indoor and outdoor air where there’s a level of humidity or moisture. In your home, moisture can come from many sources, including the following:

• Leaking or seeping through walls or floors
• Showering, cooking, cleaning and laundry activities

The amount of moisture that the air in your home can hold depends on the temperature of the air. As the temperature goes down, the air is able to hold less moisture. This is why, in cold weather, moisture condenses on cold surfaces, encouraging mould to grow.

The key to mould prevention is managing moisture. If mould is a problem in your home, clean it up promptly and address the moisture issue.

• Remove humid air by opening a window or installing exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens.
• If necessary, leave fans operating for a few hours after use.
• Use exhaust fans or open windows whenever cooking, running the dishwasher, dishwashing or doing laundry.
• Control excessive moisture sources such as clothes dryers without air vents, unflued gas or kerosene heaters and overly frequent or long, hot showers.
• Increase ventilation or air movement by opening doors and/or windows when practical, especially in rooms susceptible to mould.
• Open curtains to allow the sun to warm the house.

If you find mould in your Hobart property, whether on windows or walls, you can easily clean and remove it with soap and water. Alternatively, you can carefully apply a mould remover spray to the affected surfaces. Be sure to read the instructions before using a mould remover solution, as they can be very strong.

Treat the mould with a diluted bleach solution, and take precautions when cleaning mould, including the following:

• Avoid breathing in mould and mould spores.
• Wear a mask, gloves and goggles.
• Increase the air temperature using heating appliances.
• Clean guttering to prevent the backflow of rainwater.