Introduction
Mould growth in the home can be a concerning issue for many homeowners. Not only can mould damage your walls and belongings, but it can also trigger allergic reactions and health issues if the spores are inhaled. While mould thrives in damp, humid environments, it can grow almost anywhere if left unchecked. The key is early detection and thorough removal to eliminate the root cause. In this article, I’ll share my tips for identifying, removing, and preventing the return of household mould.
Detecting Mould Growth
The first step is checking your home for signs of mould. Here’s what to look for:
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Visible growth: Look along baseboards, under sinks, in closets, and around windows. Mould can appear in different colors like black, white, green, or grey. It may look powdery, fuzzy, or have a webbed appearance.
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Musty odour: Use your nose to sniff out mould. It often has an earthy, musty smell. The stronger the odour, the larger the mould growth may be.
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Moisture: Excess moisture promotes mould growth. Inspect for water stains, leaks, condensation, or high humidity.
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Allergic reactions: Pay attention if you experience respiratory issues, sinus congestion, itchy eyes, or other symptoms when in your home. You could be reacting to mould spores.
Removing Mould
Once you’ve identified mould in your home, you’ll need to thoroughly remove it. Here are the steps I take:
1. Gear Up
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Wear gloves, goggles, and a N95 mask to protect yourself from spores.
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Cover air vents to prevent circulation of spores.
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If dealing with a large area (10+ square feet), consider renting an air scrubber.
2. Contain the Area
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Seal off the affected room with plastic sheeting.
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Open windows to ventilate the area if possible.
3. Clean Surfaces
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Carefully remove any items with mould growth. Discard porous items that can’t be cleaned.
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Vacuum the area with a HEPA filter to remove loose spores.
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Scrub surfaces with detergent and warm water to remove remaining mould. A brush is helpful for textured areas.
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Dry surfaces thoroughly with rags or a wet/dry vacuum.
4. Kill Remaining Spores
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After scrubbing, apply a disinfectant like bleach, vinegar, borax, or tea tree oil to surfaces. This kills any leftover spores.
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Let disinfectant sit for 10-15 minutes before rinsing.
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Repeat disinfecting for 2-3 days to catch spores as they germinate.
Preventing Mould Return
To keep mould from recurring after removing it, try these prevention tips:
–Fix moisture issues: Repair leaks, improve ventilation, and dehumidify damp areas. Keep humidity under 50%.
–Clean bathrooms: Disinfect showers, tile, and sinks weekly with a bathroom cleaner. Keep grout and caulk mould-free.
–Ventilate kitchen: Always use exhaust fans or open windows when cooking, dishwashing, and showering.
–Air out closets: Don’t trap moisture in closets. Allow air circulation.
–Dry laundry: Move wet laundry to the dryer quickly. Don’t let it sit.
–Dehumidify basements: Use a dehumidifier and seal any cracks where moisture can enter.
–Clean debris: Remove fallen leaves, mulch, and other organic matter around the exterior.
–Check for hidden mould: Periodically inspect attics, crawl spaces, and behind walls for moisture or mould issues.
When to Call a Professional
For large mould problems or mould hidden in walls, attics, or HVAC systems, call in a professional mold remediation company. They have specialized tools to locate and eradicate mould and prevent it from spreading spores during the removal process.
By staying vigilant and keeping moisture in check, you can keep your home mould-free. Let me know if you have any other tips for eliminating stubborn mould!
