Rainy weather usually brings with it some much-needed relief from the scorching Australian weather. However, if you have a few small leaks in your roof, you might be dreading wet walls and the eventual appearance of mould spores.
Luckily, dealing with a leaking roof or a plumbing emergency is as easy as contacting the plumbing services Melbourne residents rely on in a crisis. However, when the plumber leaves it’s time for cleanup. That often includes dealing with the areas that may have created a haven for mould and mildew.
What Exactly is Mould?
Essentially, mould is a fungus that appears as spores on walls, ceilings and floors. It can be white, grey, green or black. Mould spores usually generate in damp, moist and humid conditions.
They live off the proteins on the timber that make up your ceilings as well as on the paint of your ceilings and walls. The most common places to find mould is in the bathroom, kitchen or laundry where there’s a considerable amount of moisture from steam or other water sources.
Why is Mould a Problem?
Mould and mildew release bacterial spores into the air which can trigger typical allergy symptoms such as:
- Irritated eyes
- Blocked nose
- Itchy skin
- Coughing
- Wheezing
Aside from creating respiratory issues, constant exposure to mould can trigger symptoms of existing conditions such as asthma and seasonal allergies.
How to Prevent the Growth of Mould in Your Home
If you’ve had mould in your home before, then you know how unpleasant it can be. The best way to deal with mould is to prevent it from settling in your home in the first place, using these tips:
- Deal with small leaks around the home as soon as they are detected—check taps and pipes for possible leaks as part of your domestic plumbing checks around your home.
- Open your windows and doors on dry and sunny days.
- If a room feels stuffy or you live in a humidity dense area, consider adding a dehumidifier to your home.
- Use a fan to create airflow in areas without windows, such as the laundry or bathroom.
- Vacuum, dust and wash counter and furniture surfaces often.
- Regularly open cupboards to air out clothes.
- Don’t hang wet clothes in bedrooms or living areas, especially if there isn’t adequate airflow.
- If you’re using a clothes dryer, ensure that it’s adequately ventilated and be sure to remove lint from the filter regularly.
Tips to Clean Mould From Your Walls and Furniture
While mould is a pest and often difficult to rid from your house altogether because it just keeps showing up, the good news is that it’s fairly simple to wash off most surfaces. Here are a few common tips for cleaning mould from most household surfaces.
1.     White Vinegar
One of the more effective ways to clean mould from walls and tiles is by using regular white vinegar (the kind you buy from supermarkets). It’s as simple as mixing one part vinegar with four parts water.
You can make the mixture in a bucket and use a microfibre cloth to clean surfaces. Alternatively, add the mixture to a spray bottle and spray it onto a surface before washing it off.
2.     Bleach
Another common way to rid walls and tiles of mould is to make a solution of chlorine bleach and water. Mix one part bleach to three parts water or opt for a detergent that has bleach as the active ingredient.
Take a hard bristled brush to scrub the blackened area and then use a cloth to rinse with water. Leave the area to dry and where possible open windows or put a fan on for better airflow.
We recommend testing bleach on a small, out-of-sight area of the wall to ensure that it doesn’t damage the paint.
3.     Soapy Solutions
If you have found mould spores on your curtains, bedding or other materials, wash them with a warm soapy solution. Be sure to air dry these items outside in the sun rather than using the tumble dryer because the sun’s rays are likely to kill the mould spores for good.
4.     Leather Cleaner
For mould on leather items such as shoes and bags, opt for leather cleaner. Don’t use bleach on these items as they may discolour the surface without removing the mould.
Final Thought
Remember that the mould spores you see settling on your walls, ceilings or furniture aren’t the full extent of the problem. Those are only the signs of airborne spores that are either in the walls or in the ceiling. To completely eradicate mould, you need to find the cause of the problem and have a professional take care of it.
If you can’t find the cause of the mould in your home, speak to your plumber to assist with locating the problem. Most plumbers will also be able to provide you with a sustainable solution!
