Mould Prevention

There are thousands of types of moulds, of which only 31 are found in the home and can cause allergic reactions in people, especially the immune compromised, the young, the old, the sick and asthma and allergy sufferers. That is why mould prevention is crucial in almost every home to stop mould growth before it becomes too big of a problem. Even for people with persistent symptoms like cold and flu, can’t stop coughing or excessive phlegm in throat.

Many homes provide the three things that mould needs to thrive: moisture, oxygen and a food source. Moulds can live in a range of places as they feed on a variety of sources including your mattress, clothes, furniture, indoor pot plants, valuables, floors, carpet, tiles – just to name a few.

Black mould is the most common type found in the home. It is usually directly caused by condensation. Mist and water droplets on windows and mirrors may be followed by black and coloured spots or stains – this is mould growth. The emphasis on providing insulation such as closing windows and curtains, comfy carpets and soft furnishings, has created perfect conditions for mould. With decreased natural light and ventilation, mould spores find it “cave” like, perfect conditions to grow.

A house can accumulate up to 15 litres of moisture a day from daily activities including cooking, showering and even breathing. Kitchens and bathrooms are most susceptible to mould problems because of the large amounts of steam produced in cooking and bathing.

Allergy and asthma sufferers are advised to clean damp areas such as basements where mould is likely to be growing. These areas must have adequate ventilation and air circulation. Mould removal includes removing musty-smelling furniture, as well as damp and or old moulded carpets as these are often breeding and feeding grounds for mould.

Keep your home or office as dry as possible, recomended relative humidity 65% or lower. Dehumidifier hire removes moisture from the air when you need it most. Even if a room does not feel at all damp you will be amazed how much moisture these machines take out of the air on a daily basis. Rent one today from as little as $100.

Dehumidifiers reduce dampness at a very fast rate and may play an important role in mould prevention. Remember to follow these simple tips:

- Ensure adequate ventilation by opening windows and doors.

- Ensure adequate natural light.

- Check for condensation on windows, sills and walls as well as on curtains in close proximity to windows.

- Check and maintain southerly aspect facing rooms.

- Use extractor fans in kitchen, bathroom and laundry.

- Keep showers, shower curtains, baths and basins as dry as possible.

- Remove damp towels and wash thoroughly, preferably in hot water.

- Wash or dry damp clothes as soon as possible.

- Dry and air wet or damp shoes outside as soon as possible.

- Ventilate room when clothes drier is operating to prevent dampness and condensation building up in both room and drier.

- Remove fruit and veges from plastic wrapping and refrigerate within 72 hours.

- Discard mouldy fruits and vegetables. Keep fresh food in sealed containers.

- Check and fix leaking taps and drain pipes inside and outside the house as soon as possible.

- Monitor condensation and wet spots preventing mould spore condusive environments developing.

- Check and dry air conditioners, humidifiers, dehumidifiers to prevent mould growth being distributed when in use.

- Outside the home, slope soil away from foundations and walls providing water drainage and prevent rising damp.

- Avoid vegetation growing or overhanging too close to your home.

- Provide good ventilation underneath the house in the crawl space or check with a reputable ventilation installer.

- Compost heaps should be sufficiently distanced from the house and covered.

- Clean water features regularly.

Improve indoor air quality standards with dehumidifiers for sale Australia wide. Further mould and allergy relief, stop and prevent mould in cupboards and wardrobes with Dampp Chaser storage dehumidifiers and natural damp rid products such as zeolite Australia wide supporting active mould prevention from the ground up.

Click here to see our range of stop mould products.