How to get rid of mould once and for all

Article byDean Ipaviz

What is mould, and how the heck do you get rid of mould from the bathroom? What are some tips on removing mould for renters? We have the answers.

It’s as big a mystery as the Bermuda Triangle. We’ve all seen it at some stage in our lives, but why it’s there and why we can’t get rid of it (in some cases) remains a mystery.

Yes, I’m talking about mould – and in case you didn’t know, it’s bad for you.

I spoke to Shaun Primmer from Ventilate Your Home about how to clean mould and what you should do if you discover mould in your house.

What is mould?

Mould is part of a group of common organisms called fungi. It comes in many forms but is typically white, green, grey or black. Mould spores generate in moist, damp, humid conditions and live off the proteins from timber, leather, ceilings and walls.

The spores tend to germinate in the sub-floor area and evaporate up into homes where there is a high moisture content. Mould thrives in damp, dark areas. That’s why you can often find it in cupboards, behind furniture and on the underside of dresser drawers.

How to remove mould from the home?

1. 1. Dispose of mouldy porous materials that are affected by mould.
   2. To clean non-porous surfaces gather your safety gear including gloves, dust mask and a stiff-bristled brush.
   3. Decide on how bad the area is – bleach will work for a badly affected area but is known to have dangerous fumes, especially for those with respiratory issues and young children. Mild detergent will do a great job in most areas.
   4. If using bleach: Mix together 1 part bleach with 3 parts water in a bucket. Cleaning products with bleach will also work.
   5. Scrub the affected area using your chosen cleaning mixture with the brush and as much elbow-grease as required.
   6. When killed, mould fragments into toxic particles and can be more harmful to your health than living mould so rinse the area thoroughly with water and wipe dry.

Tips for getting rid of mould for renters

1. 1. 1. If you’re renting and your home has mould, immediately advise your landlord and property manager in writing.
      2. Understand where you’re introducing moisture into your home, then work backwards to eliminate it. For example, is it mould in the bathroom, or do you need to get rid of black mould on walls? Understanding what causes mould to grow will help prevent the problem from reoccurring.

How to stop mould from re-appearing in your home

1. 1. Try to locate where the source of the problem is. Mould can generate in many ways, so make a list of what causes moisture in your home.
   2. Speak to an expert and assess how bad the problem is. Do you need to get a professional in to clean and remove the mould?
   3. Eiminate the problem for good by using preventative measures such as sub-floor ventilation systems and moisture barriers.
   4. Consider investing in an air purifier, a device that filters the air and helps keep a house dry. They’re usually quite costly options, but they can be well worth the investment.

How do stop mould in the bathroom?

1. Firstly establish where the mould in your bathroom is and the damp areas and try to eliminate or ventilate the moisture. Mould is an environmental problem so you need to alter the environment in which it is breeding.
2. Run your exhaust fan for longer to get rid of the excess moisture in the air.
3. If your fan is venting into the ceiling space, call a handyman to install a flue – this is much more effective for preventing mould.
4. Make sure you have adequate ventilation in the sub-floor of your bathroom.