Is your home a breeding ground for mould? 4 ways to get rid of it according to an expert
Mould is not just unsightly and potentially damaging to your home, it can also pose serious health risks. Here’s how to eliminate it. Mould is a type of fungus that thrives in damp, moist conditions and, acccording to Asthma Australia, 50% of Australians have had mould or dampness in their home in the last 12 months, with one third (34%) reporting mould.
“Mould associated with damp buildings can trigger nasal congestion, sneezing, coughing, wheezing, respiratory infections and worsen asthma and allergic conditions,” according to Better Health Channel from Department of Health, Victoria.
Condensation drops, dampness, and humidity can cause mould to grow on windows in a room. Picture: Getty
The good news is you can stop mould from taking over your home.
This is where IXL Innovative Dehumidifier Systems (IDS) come into play – they’re wall-mounted, tankless units designed to control and maintain humidity at a comfortable level, prevent mould and improve indoor air quality.
“The IDS IW25-5 Wall Mounted Dehumidifier with combined Bi-polar Ionisation Technology controls excessive moisture that contributes to poor indoor air quality, property damage, mould, comfort complaints, and possible liability risks,” says the Senior Brand Manager of IXL Innovative Dehumidifier Systems.
And the best part? An IDS drains directly to your existing plumbing and can remove up to 31.5 litres of condensation per day to reduce relative humidity in spaces up to 140 square metres – perfect for the northern states who have been dealing with La Nina for the last few years.
Here are some simple tips to rid your home of mould. But first…
Why is mould a problem?
As well as being an eyesore, mould can be harmful to our health if it’s not controlled.
If you do try to tackle mould growth at home, it’s important to wear proper safety gear. Picture: Getty
Mould can also cause structural damage to your home, leading to decay and corrosion which can result in collapsing ceilings, or rotting window frames or floorboards – and these can cost a fortune to fix.
Why mould grows in the home
Mould tends to grow in places without a lot of air circulation and where warm, moist air meets a cold surface.
Bathrooms and kitchens are highly susceptible to mould, as well as the spaces around windows, curtains, and doors due to the constant release of steam and condensation.
This is especially true in regions with high humidity such as northern New South Wales, Queensland and Northern Territory, where warm weather, high rainfall and high humidity over the last few years have meant homes have endured constant exposure to moisture in the air, creating an environment where mould can flourish.
It can also occur because of water intrusion – whether from a leaky roof or plumbing issue, or flood damage.
How to tell if you have mould
The tricky part is just because you can’t see mould, it doesn’t mean it’s not there.
“Mould is not always easy to recognise as it may be growing behind walls, under flooring, tiles or wallpaper.”
“You may be able to identify it from musty odours and stain, or discolouration of affected surfaces.”
Not only does mould smell, but it causes discolouration on surfaces. Picture: Getty
The most common moulds are black, green or white, but it can also range in colour from grey to orange to brown and may change depending on age or life-stage.
4 ways to prevent mould
1. Roll up your sleeves and start scrubbing
From natural remedies to chemical solutions, you may be able to remove visible mould with some old-fashioned elbow-grease – although unless you’ve identified and controlled the cause, this is just a temporary fix and likely only effective for minor outbreaks.
2. Call in the professionals
The Senior Brand Manager says only a specialist mould removal company and proper ventilation equipment can completely eliminate the underlying cause of the mould problem.
“As a guide, you can expect to pay between $500 and $2000 for the removal of mould in a residential home – though depending on the scale and location of the mould, this can sometimes be higher according to Choice.”
3. Stop mould before it starts
The best way to handle mould is to prevent it.
“Maintaining good indoor air quality with adequate light, regularly opening doors and windows to improve air on days where relative humidity is low and reducing it with a humidifier are key to preventing mould growth.”
4. Install an IDS
An IDS helps maintain indoor relative humidity level under 60% to prevent mould growth, maintain a healthier and more comfortable living environment, protect your home from damage, and reduce dust in your home.
An IDS can assist is reducing mould growth and keep your home more comfortable. Picture: IXL
So with all these tips under your belt, you’ll be able to keep your home mould free this summer, and subsequently enjoy a healthier home.