Easily remove that mould and mildew before winter

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.

DIY mould solutions

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

Steps

1. Pour a concentration of 80% vinegar to 20% water into three buckets
2. Grab a microfibre cloth, dip it into the first bucket and clean a patch of mould
3. Rinse the cloth in the second bucket, and rinse again in the third
4. Repeat until all mould is cleaned off
5. Wipe areas with dry microfibre cloth when finished

Tea tree oil

Steps

1. Add 2 teaspoons of tea tree oil to a spray bottle filled with water
2. Spray on problem areas and do not rinse
3. Wipe areas with dry microfibre cloth when finished

Grapefruit seed extract

If you don’t like the smell of tea tree oil, grapefruit seed is just as effective.

Steps

1. Add 20 drops grapefruit seed extract to a spray bottle filled with water
2. Spray on problem areas and do not rinse
3. Wipe areas with dry microfibre cloth when finished

Bi-carb soda

You can use bi-carb with vinegar too.

Steps

1. Dissolve 2 tablespoons of baking soda into water and spray onto surface.
2. Let it sit, then scrub and wipe with a damp cloth.
3. Wipe areas with dry microfibre cloth when finished

Vodka

You don’t need to use an expensive vodka for this solution.

Steps

1. Put half a cup of vodka into a spray bottle and add a little water.
2. Spritz the vodka straight on mould and leave on.
3. Use a rag or sponge to wipe away the mould.
4. Wipe areas with dry microfibre cloth when finished

Of course the best solution is prevention. Here’s some tips:

• Invest in a dehumidifier for damp areas – these can be bought from cheap stores for around $2. You’ll be amazed how much moisture they will gather.
• Fix any leaks in a room or gaps in floor boards.
• Let in fresh air and sunlight – open some windows even in colder months.
• Keep clothes and other fabrics dry – don’t leave on the line all week in the rain

Tell us, how have you gotten rid of mould?