What is mould?

Mould is a common problem in every home and can usually be found in damp, dark or damp areas, e.g. bathroom or kitchen, messy storage areas, recently flooded areas, basement areas, plumbing spaces, areas with poor ventilation and outdoors in humid environments. Here in this article, we will let you DIY removing mould and cleaning mould, which one you need to focus on?

Although most are aware of what mould looks like and the damage it can cause to homes, we’re not all knowledgeable on the finer details. Mould in its most basic form is an organism that grows and breaks down organic material.

Furthermore, there are many different mould varieties, but together they’re referred to as fungi. You may recognize the term fungi when talking about health and the body, as everyone at some point can be susceptible to fungi.

Moisture is the main source of growth for mould, along with a few other materials. When most people come across mould it’s directly related moisture, and this is how it arises within many properties.

How does mould grow in a house?

The obvious signs that indicate you may have a problem are:

1. Humidity
2. Stained walls and damp ceilings
3. Brick and plaster that is salty
4. Peeling wallpaper especially on skirting boards
5. Smells and odour
6. Rotten sockets and peeling paint
7. Unsightly black mould (Aspergillus niger)

As being best house cleaning Sydney company, we have cleaned 1000’s of houses. We have seen many houses they have a mould and people are not aware of how bad mould could be for your health. Our goal is to kill and prevent mould in the long term. We can provide help and advice, and recommend the most appropriate solutions. Removing mould is something you need to start asap if you have one in your home. Mould in Bathroom, Kitchen, wall, and ceiling are most common these days and need to kill mould asap.

Mould Health Issue

Mould is a very common occurrence in Australia but has recently been highlighted as a serious health hazard. It has been linked to many health issues in recent studies. Symptoms of mould exposure can include:

• Nasal and sinus congestion, runny nose
• Eye irritation, such as itchy, red, watery eyes
• Respiratory problems, such as wheezing and difficulty breathing, chest tightness
• Chronic Cough
• Throat irritation
• Sneezing / Sneezing fits
• Headaches

So mould is not only unsightly but could be affecting your family’s health! 

What conditions are best for mould growth?

Mould has initially developed due to a number of environmental conditions that are ideal for mould growth. No two homes are the same and the following issues can have an effect on condensation for mould:

1. The size of your home.
2. The age and type of construction materials used.
3. The number of occupants in the home.
4. The many changes that have been made to a typical home over the years.

The problem arises because of high relative humidity, a lack of natural ventilation and, in most cases, cold external walls and surfaces. 

We can recommend changes that may be done to your home to greatly reduce the risk of mould growth re-occurring.

Step by Step DIY Cleaning and removing mould from your house

Cleaning mould must not be burdensome. For small areas (less than three patches, with each patch less than one square meter), use a household cleaner. Begin scrubbing with the detergent, wipe with a clean, damp cloth and continue with a complete drying of the area. While cleaning, always wear a disposable dust mask and household rubber gloves. If the mould spreads to larger areas, leave the cleaning to professionals.

Once you have cleaned the mould patches, or before they can form, there are things to avoid. Because the main requirement for mould is moisture or moisture, limit the use of humidifiers and the number of fish tanks and indoor plants since all this can raise the humidity level in your home. Adequate ventilation also contributes. Turn on the extractors, especially when bathing, showering, cooking and washing clothes. When the weather permits, open the windows.

Doing all these things will mean nothing if the source of moisture is not controlled. In other words, repair any leaks or plumbing problems, clean and dry carpets damaged by water and other materials. If it cannot be cleaned and dried properly, dispose of it (yes, that means the large and expensive bathroom carpet too).

None of these steps is especially difficult to implement, and the reward is well worth it. Meanwhile, if you suspect that mould affects someone’s health, talk to your doctor as soon as possible.

Is bleach or vinegar better to kill mould?

Bleach – For killing mould with bleach use a ratio of one cup of bleach per gallon of water (ie about 1 part bleach to 10 parts water). Apply the solution to non-porous surfaces with mould growth either by using a spray bottle or by using a bucket and a sponge or cloth.

Vinegar – To remove mould with vinegar, use white vinegar which you can buy easily from Woolworths. Don’t mix water just pour some vinegar into a spray bottle. First, spray the vinegar onto all the mouldy surface and leave it an hour to dry. After an hour again spray and wipe to clean the area with warm water and use dry clothes to dry.

Mould Removal Products

There are several products you can use to kill and remove mould. Some of the most effective mould removal products include:

• Bleach
• Borax
• Vinegar
• Ammonia
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Detergent
• Baking soda
• Tea tree oil
• Grapefruit seed extract

Cleaning Method and Solutions:

What type of solution?

Many DIY specialists suggest their own solutions when it comes to cleaning mould off walls or surfaces, but there is consistency in the popularity of some basic solutions/mixes.

• Baking Soda & Vinegar & Water
• Baking Soda & Detergent & Water
• Vinegar & Water

You’ll find these are the basic home solutions created by homeowners but there are also off the shelf products that will be able to provide similar results.

How do I effectively apply my solution?

With all solutions, it’s best to utilize a spray bottle and old rag as your basic tools. If possible you should attempt to find a scrubbing brush to assist with the more stubborn mould.

You should then spray your solution directly on the mould and wipe away if possible, repeat this until you’re recognizing some results.  After you’re satisfied with the surface to make sure you deliver the last wipe over with some warm water.

When completing your scrubbing motion on the tough mould you should be careful to ensure you’re not causing damage to the actual surface.

Mould Species:

Here is a list of the most common identified mould within the home:

Alternaria:

• Damp Places (leaking pipes, showers, carpets)
• Outdoors and indoors
• Can cause allergic symptoms and onset of asthma
• Greater risk to elderly, children and those with respiratory issues.

Penicillium:

• Found in carpet, wallpaper, fabrics, and insulation
• Can lead to sinus infections, lung inflammation and more
• A common type of mould and spreads easily

Stachybotrys Chartarum:

• Grows where there is a constant level of moisture
• It can cause fatigue, depression, asthma attacks, sinus infections, etc.

What is Black Mold and how dangerous is it?

Black mold is a dark green or black fungus that has been linked to some serious health problems. Black mold is also known as Stachybotrys Chartarum first spoke of in Prague in the early nineteenth century. Stachybotrys chartarum is found outdoors as well as indoors, the black mold infestation in homes is generally found where there have been extensive moisture problems such as a leaking roof or flooding. There is definitive evidence of the detrimental effects of black mold on health. Although not yet scientifically established there also is evidence that black mold is linked to sick building syndrome, a syndrome usually related to poor indoor air quality.

If your home is suspected of having a black mold problem remediation is important. This is not something to mess around with. This is especially the case in homes that house children or people with weak immune systems or previous respiratory problems. Mold has been linked to deadly pulmonary conditions.

Black mold will not grow if there is not some type of moisture problem this can be something as small as condensation on pipes. Check for evidence of any type of water problem. Unfortunately, the breeding ground for black mold is not always evident for example a pipe that may be leaking behind a wall. Mold can appear just about anywhere in your home if you notice any discoloration on your walls baseboards or other areas this may be a black mold problem. The attic the basement and the bathroom are prime places for the growth of black mold. Check for spaces in the grout in your shower, how about the seal around the toilet theses is two places that provide great breeding grounds for toxic black mold. Check the pipes in your basement if there is any sign of rust that means there is condensation and that’s right the potential for black mold growth.

If you see evidence of black mold you may want to get a mold test kit, these test kits are available at most retailers and may be able to tell you what type of mold is present.

The first important step if you have a black mold problem is to stop the moisture. Rid your home of the breeding ground this organism needs to grow. Mold is a very important part of the food chain but not in our homes. Before you start to attack this problem on your own check out mold clean up for a list of the gear you need to protect yourself. You may be best served by calling a mold remediation specialist to help resolve your black mold problem.

Should I utilize DIY methods for mould removal or enlist a professional cleaner?

You should only complete DIY mould removal on small areas of mould growth. If your home has become overrun by mould in several places then it’s important to consider environmental changes and contact a professional local cleaners Sydney.

Although it’s impossible to change the weather conditions in your area there are many ways to inhibit or protect your home against mould. Living in areas prone to humidity should urge you to look into mould prevention in a more serious manner.