Look after the Air that you Breathe

Eradicate Damp and Mould in the Home

By Bev Hermanson

I have to say, I don’t remember this much rain bucketing down this late in the year before. It’s been incessant and there’s no chance for anything to dry out before the next bout starts.

It’s at times like these that nature loves to take over. Steam in the kitchen, humidity in the bathroom, damp in the walls. The conditions are just right for mould to start growing.

Damp and mould are not friendly to humans. And if you’re not looking out for them, they can encroach on your living spaces before you know it.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF MOULD

*Damp walls are a perfect place for mould to thrive*

Mould is often found in showers, under fitted baths where the sealant between the bath and wall has degraded (a good reason to install a freestanding bath!) under sinks, in cupboards, and anywhere where the plumbing is leaking or the roof leaks. It can also occur in HVAC ducts and air-conditioning filters, as well as inside washing machines and dishwashers if they have been left standing with the doors closed for any length of time.

*A build-up of mould creates a toxic environment*

It’s estimated that there are over a million different types of mould found in nature, but in the home, the most prevalent are:

Acremonium – which often develops into a fine, powdery substance
Alternaria – found in showers, under leaky sinks and around bath tubs
Aspergillis – in dust and on dry walling
Aureobasidium – behind wallpaper
Chaetomium – in water-damaged areas
Cladosporum – on fabrics and wood surfaces
Memnoniella – frequently grows in insulation material
Penicillin – the furry stuff that you sometimes see growing on food
Stachybotrys – thrives where there’s damp wood, paper and cotton products
Trichoderma – in damp areas, air-conditioning filters and HVAC ducts
Ulocladium – in kitchens, bathrooms and around windows.

Stachybotrys, often referred to as ‘black mould’ is one of the most toxic. It can also have a grey or dark green appearance and often has a musty smell. The mycotoxins that it produces can cause severe health problems, including flu-like symptoms, headaches, respiratory problems, fatigue, depression, memory loss and, in extreme cases, possibly even death.

PREVENTION

Controlling the amount of humidity and moisture in areas where there is limited ventilation is key to preventing the spread of mould. It’s advisable to install and use an extractor fan when cooking and get a portable dehumidifier for any of your rooms where you feel there’s too much humidity.

Regular cleaning with a vacuum cleaner to eradicate dust that may contain mould spores is essential. (Sweeping is not recommended, as you may end up spreading the dust and spores to other areas in your house).

When it’s not raining, clothes should ideally be dried outdoors in the sun – and make sure that all your linen, towels and clothes are fully dry before packing them away.

If there are any plumbing or roof leaks, don’t leave them, thinking that you’ll get around to fixing them one day – attend to them as soon as you notice them. The sealant around sinks and baths should likewise be removed and replaced as soon as you see there is degradation or any gaps in the seals.

HOW TO REMOVE MOULD

*Steam cleaning a carpet will help to kill mould spores*

The professionals advise that whoever will be removing the mould should wear rubber gloves, a breathing mask and possibly even transparent goggles to protect them from any airborne mould spores. If the item covered in mould is moveable, it should be taken outside and cleaned in the open air.

Natural mould removal products include white spirit vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, and hydrogen peroxide.

*Regular cleaning with lemon juice will discourage mould from growing*

White vinegar works best when it’s undiluted. Use a spray bottle and let the vinegar soak into the mould. Leave for about an hour before wiping the surface.
If there is still evidence of mould after that, use a solution of baking soda dissolved in water and scrub the area with a brush.
You can also use a solution of hydrogen peroxide (diluted 50/50) or lemon juice, but be careful as they both tend to bleach fabrics.
If you find that the mould growth is stubborn, there are some sprays that you can get from the hardware stores that will tackle the problem – but make sure you don’t breathe in any fumes or get any of these harsh products in your eyes, nose and mouth.
After the culprit is removed, try to ensure that the area is always kept dry and the room is well ventilated.
When it comes to your HVAC ducts and air-conditioning filters, it’s probably best to have them cleaned or replaced by a professional.

All mouldy fabrics, wallpaper and insulation materials should be thrown away and the surfaces cleaned and dried before you re-cover them.

*Minimal clutter, excellent ventilation will keep mould at bay*

STILL STRUGGLING?

I went through an entire season where I found I was struggling to breathe, especially at night. I ended up buying an air purifying unit that improves the quality of the air in a room. Solenco’s Kusasa unit is Ideal for small to medium spaces and includes antiviral filtration, UV-C light technology, as well as WiFi control.

*Dehumidifiers can help with drying clothes indoors*

Solenco also supplies a range of dehumidifiers which are energy-efficient, quiet and hassle-free. There’s even one that can dry laundry indoors when it’s raining … again!

CONCLUSION

Mould can cause a whole range of problems in and around the home. If you are experiencing persistent health issues, it may be time to pay attention to the quality of the air in your home. Eliminating mould and damp may well be the solution you need, to re-energise your life.

Photo credits: Akhmad Jazuli, Rodion Kutsaiev, Aliaksei Lepik, California Steam-Dry Carpet Cleaning, Precious Plastic Melbourne, Alex Tyson and Caroline Rogers

Sources:
https://www.euro-maids.com/blog
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/288651#