What To Do If You Have Mould
Mould can pop up at any time where there is excess moisture and warmth so our rainy season offers prime conditions for mould to start up and there are ways to deal with this.
22/08/2023
SHUTTERSTOCK
Mould is not particular where it sets in as long as it is warm and damp. You will commonly find it in laundry rooms, kitchens and bathrooms as well as rooms that have adjoining walls on these.
Although rainy weather is not a precursor for mould, leaks inside or outside the house it can lead to a mould problem in the future and you don't want mould in your home. If you have noticed the appearance of green or black spots on walls or fittings it is good to stay on top of things as mould can quickly take over and become a health hazard.
Where does mould come from?
Mould is a fungus that can be found outdoors or indoors if the conditions are right. This fungus, like any fungus, releases spores into the air and it is these spores search for the perfect spot in your home and are responsible for several health conditions but mostly allergic reactions or asthma.
How does mould thrive?
Mould loves warm, wet areas and it flourishes in damp conditions and that is the main reason why mould loves the bathroom and laundry rooms. These are the most likely places to find mould as well as damp cupboards, damp walls caused by leaks, and rising damp where moisture gains access to brick and mortar and creates the perfect environment for mould. If you discover mould in the home the worse thing you can do is ignore it because it quickly spreads and can be hard to get rid of.
How do you identify mould?
The first step to identifying mould is to look for damp marks on walls or tiles, or even around fixtures in a laundry, kitchen, or bathroom. Damp will be the first indication that there could be a problem with mould later on. If you do notice damp spots, take immediate action to rectify the problem, i.e. finding the source of the water or identifying a leak.
If it has gone past that stage, you need to be on the lookout for the following:
- A damp, musty smell in a room
- Stains appearing on walls or ceilings
- Paint bubbling or peeling
- Recent heavy rains or water damage
How to get rid of mould
First and foremost, safety should be the most important concern when dealing with any type of fungus or mould. DO wear a dust mask, preferably one that incorporates replaceable carbon filters and DO wear gloves.
- Open all the windows and doors to allow cross-ventilation through the area where you will be working
- Where there is bubbling or peeling paint, use a paint scraper to remove all the loose paint
- Pour white spirit vinegar into a spray bottle and use this to liberally wet the infected area and leave for 2 to 4 hours to soak into the surface
- Use a stiff scrubbing brush to go over the infected area
- Rinse with clean water and allow to dry naturally
- If paint was removed from the wall, apply a plaster primer once the wall is dry and then paint over this
You can repeat the application of white spirit vinegar if there are still traces of mould or if the mould has been there for quite some time.
For more information on rising damp, click here for expert advice from DampSure.