Moulds are a natural element of the environment. Moulds play an important role in nature by decomposing decaying organic waste such as fallen leaves and dead trees, but Mould growth should be avoided indoors. Moulds grow and reproduce by dispersing spores, which are invisible to the naked eyes and float through the air, both outside and within. Mould can start growing indoors when mould spores land on damp surfaces.

Although mould comes in a variety of shapes and sizes, none of them will grow without water or moisture which is why it is often found in areas that are prone to moisture, like basements and bathrooms. Mould is more than a typical household annoyance, it can cause extensive damage to your home and even compromise your health.

Mould can enter your home through open doorways, windows, vents, and heating and air conditioning systems. Since it thrives on moisture, it can be found around roof leaks, windows, and pipes, or where there has been flooding. Mould can grow on a variety of surface including Dust, paint, wallpaper, insulation, drywall, carpet, cloth, and upholstery.

Health Implications

Mould is something we’re exposed to on a daily basis, and we’re normally unconcerned about it because mould spores are quite harmless in little doses. When mould grows on a surface that you come into contact with on a daily basis, you may be exposed to higher levels of mould spores, which can cause health problems.

Mould is commonly found in homes and comes in a variety of forms. While all of them can induce allergies, some, such as black mould (stachybotrys chartarum) can cause more serious respiratory issues over time. Allergic reactions to mould are common. Exposure to microbial mould spores has been linked to respiratory symptoms, allergies, asthma, and immunological reactions by the World Health Organization. The most prevalent effects of mould are upper and lower respiratory diseases.

Long term exposure could also cause Chronic weariness, cold and flu-like symptoms, shortness of breath, and weakness. Other health complications can include breathing difficulties, skin rashes, headaches, cough, wheezing, and asthma. While some moulds have the potential to kill people, it is nonetheless rare.
This is why it is critical to understand how to recognise the most prevalent mould forms, so you know what you’re dealing with and how to get rid of it safely.

Common Signs of Mould

If possible, attempt to discover mould problems early on by looking for the following signs such as black spots on walls, musty, earthy odours, water stains, discolouration of walls, floors or ceilings, peeling, bubbling, or cracking of paint or wallpaper, condensation on windows, walls or pipes and rotting.

Mould Prevention

Mould poses health and building safety issues that can be prevented. The most practical ways to mould prevention includes:
• regular cleaning
• proper ventilation
• indoor moisture control
It’s critical to keep your home’s dampness under control. This includes finding and repairing any sources of moisture, such as burst pipes, leaking toilets, a fractured foundation, or excessive humidity.
Relative Humidity (RH) is a measurement of how much moisture is in the air compared to how much the air can contain at that temperature. The relative humidity in a healthy environment should be below 50 percent to prevent moisture issues or mould problems.

To control moisture, you should reduce humidifier use, quickly repair leaks, employ professional help for water damage, ensure vents in bathroom and kitchens are working, clean carpets and furniture, avoid using moisture trapping carpets in humid areas, use antifungal paint where possible and ensure proper ventilation.

Regular air exchange is important for mould prevention. There are lots of contaminants in the air inside your house, this makes efficient air exchange important, thus reducing the risk of contaminant pile up. Regular cleaning means you’re most likely to find mould problems at an early stage and nip it in the bud.

Mildew Vs Mould

Mildew is the most prevalent mould found indoors. Mildew is a type of surface mould that thrives in warm, moist environments like your bathroom, on fabrics and books stored in damp basements. Mildew starts as a powdery grey or white colony. If left unchecked, it can turn black or brown.
Mildew infestations can be easily treated with home cleaners if discovered early.

Best Ways to Get Rid of Mould

Mould may be safely removed regardless of its nature; the first step is to evaluate the extent of the infestation. If the mould is somewhat isolated, you can probably manage it yourself. It all boils down to taking the necessary precautions.

For safety, Wear rubber gloves, goggles, a medical-grade face mask, and clothing that covers all of your skin to prevent mould spores from sticking to you. On Surfaces, Bleach diluted with water is the most efficient solution for killing mould; nevertheless, bleach fumes can be poisonous, so make sure the area is adequately aired. Hydrogen peroxide will suffice If you’d rather use a less potent product.

Once mould has taken hold in fabrics, it’s quite impossible to remove it on your own, so you’re best off simply removing the infected parts. To prevent the spores from spreading, bag them and carry them outside. If you detect mould covering more than 5 feet of surface area or if portions of your home have a strong musty odour, It’s time to call in a professional. At that point, the mould is likely to have spread beyond what you can see on the walls or floors, which necessitates exploration.

Do You Have a Mould Problem?

Indoor areas like bathrooms and basements are prone to mould due to excess moisture and humidity.
Mould puts your health at risk and it can also damage the structure of the building. It’s best to engage mould removal pros to handle the work to avoid the spread of fungi and germs.

Our skilled cleaners have the training and equipment necessary to eliminate mould from your home completely and effectively. We deliver results to our clients in a fast and effective manner.

To learn more about our mould removal services and to receive a free estimate, contact us now.