Mould Prevention Tips
Mould is a fungus that can appear in your home when you least expect it. It sometimes indicates an underlying moisture issue in a home, but it can often easily be managed by following some simple tips.
If you ever notice mould appearing in your property, you should always speak with your property manager about having the building checked for water leaks or hidden moisture issues. However, if you discover that there’s no water leaking or moisture rising into your property, your mould issues can probably be resolved quite quickly. Try these simple tips for preventing and minimising mould in your home.
Fresh Air
Mould loves high humidity, so opening up your windows and letting fresh air in can be an instant way of lowering the humidity and allowing fresh clean air to circulate inside your home. It’s tempting to keep all doors and windows closed during the cooler months, but opening up your home regularly, even in Winter, is important to allow fresh air inside.
Lower the Humidity
Use your rangehood when cooking in the kitchen and your exhaust fan in the bathroom when showering to remove the excess moisture from the air as quickly as possible. Remember to clean your rangehood and exhaust fans regularly (by removing the covers and filters, following the manufacturer’s instructions) so that they continue to operate effectively.
If you have an air conditioning system (not evaporative air con) you can use it (on cool or warm settings) to dry and circulate the air in your home.
Using a dehumidifier can also help extract additional moisture from the air, with some models removing up to 20 litres of moisture in an hour. This can be an excellent addition to your home if you’re living in a high humidity climate and you don’t have an air conditioner that can dry and circulate air.
Dry wet areas
If you notice that mould is appearing in your bathroom and laundry more frequently, prioritise drying down the surfaces in these rooms. This might include wiping the walls with a clean dry towel in the bathroom after showering, or using a clean, dry mop to wipe the upper walls and ceiling in the laundry after using the clothes dryer.
Store Items away from the Wall
Avoid storing furniture and belongings pressed up against walls that are prone to moisture. You want to ensure that air is able to circulate around your belongings, so moving your furniture a few centimetres away from the wall can make a world of difference.
Clean the Mould
If you notice mould appearing in your home, you’re wise to clean it promptly. Many people find that white vinegar is an excellent product for removing mould (remember to wear gloves!) But if white vinegar isn’t doing the job properly, you can always pick up mould removing products at your local hardware store. Remember to patch test the product to avoid causing any damage to the surface.
Having mould in your home is frustrating and inconvenient, but with a few simple steps you might be able to prevent and reduce mould in your home quickly and without any fuss!
