It’s mould season once again – it’s damp, it’s cold, and we’re trying to stay warm and keep the heat it, making it the prime environment for mould to grow.
If you’ve noticed your walls have been more wet than usual, it’s likely you have mould or you’re about to. Removing mould isn’t just for visual purposes – it eats into surfaces, ruins fabric and can affect our health.
An allergy to mould can develop as a result of exposure over an extended period of time and about 50 per cent of people who live in mouldy conditions will develop hay fever-like symptoms. Health conditions are made worse by mould as it can irritate your airways and aggravate asthma.
First thing’s first, here’s how to prevent mould if you haven’t yet found any.
1. Identify problem areas
Mould can grow in new and old homes, so there’s no official way to mould-proof your home, but you can make it mould resistant. Identify areas that could get mould. Is your bedroom close to a big tree outside? Do you have a downstairs that is flood prone? Is there condensation on a window? Whatever the case, address the problem now with a builder or your real estate if you rent.
2. Dry wet areas immediately
Mould can’t grow without moisture, so dry those wet areas right away. Don’t leave wet items lying around the house, and make sure to dry the floor and walls after a shower. Don’t leave wet clothes in the washing machine either.
3. Prevent moisture
Make sure an activity as simple as cooking dinner, taking a shower, or doing a load of laundry doesn’t invite mould. You can do this by having proper ventilation in your bathroom, kitchen, laundry room, and any other high-moisture area. Use windows, fans, air conditioners and dehumidifiers.
These solutions are all natural and don’t involve harsh chemicals. In fact, it’s been proven that bleach and ammonia are not effective in preventing mould.
Vinegar solution
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Tea tree oil
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Grapefruit seed extract
If you don’t like the smell of tea tree oil, grapefruit seed is just as effective.
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Bi-carb soda
You can use bi-carb with vinegar too.
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Vodka
You don’t need to use an expensive vodka for this solution.
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Of course the best solution is prevention. Here’s some tips: