Mould is not only unsightly; it can cause many health issues for people who come into contact with it including allergies, skin and eye irritation, headaches, and respiratory problems such as triggering asthma. The health problems caused by mould can become very serious, so it is important to actually kill the existing mould and treat the cause, not just cover it up.
Mould occurs in many homes, and with the recent flooding in parts of Queensland and Northern New South Wales, along with prolonged wet, warm, and humid weather, it’s likely that there will be many people looking for ways to get rid of mould.
Here are a few tips to help you deal with mould if it is a problem in your home.
Before you go ahead with any mould removal, it is vital to take proper safety precautions. According to Better Health Victoria, you should wear protective clothing including rubber gloves, eye protection, a shower cap and a P1 or P2 face mask. Ensure there is proper ventilation in the room.
They also advise that vulnerable people should not be present when mould is removed, such as pregnant women, children, and people with weakened immune systems or chronic lung disease.
Dry brushing a mould-ridden area is not recommended as mould spores can end up in the air where they may be breathed in. Mould can be vacuumed only with a vacuum with a HEPA filter (which traps small particles).In order to prevent the growth and regrowth of mould, the source of moisture needs to be removed. Obviously this is easier said than done for those in flood-affected regions, but if you have any leaks or damp areas these need to be fixed or the mould will come back. It is important to seek professional advice when drying out flood-affected areas.
Fabric items such as bedding, clothing, and soft toys can be washed in the washing machine on a hot cycle, while other larger fabric items that cannot fit in the machine (E.g. carpets, sofas) will need to be cleaned professionally or thrown out.
Regular household detergents can be used to clean mould from hard surfaces, followed by an antibacterial disinfectant to kill any remaining germs.
Mould can also be treated with vinegar or tea tree oil (both diluted in water), or hydrogen peroxide.
Ensure the affected areas are properly dried out. The best way to do this is simply through airing (open the windows and doors) or a portable indoor heater may be used.