Mould and mildew can quickly grow inside your home or place of business, often in dark areas where you won’t see them, leading to a range of health problems for you and your family, or your employees and customers.
Not only is it unhygienic, but it also smells awful and can devalue your property if it is rampant. Here are some strategies that you can employ to keep mould and mildew growth in check.
Minimise Moisture
Mould and mildew growth depend primarily on moisture to thrive. Therefore, ensuring proper ventilation is the best way to eliminate the problem. This is particularly important in areas like bathrooms, kitchens, or any other dark, damp areas.
Generally, opening the windows and doors regularly is enough to keep a room dry. But rooms with no windows or poor ventilation may require extractor fans or air vents.
You could also consider installing dehumidifiers to keep humidity levels as low as possible.
Fix the Leaks
If you notice any leaking pipes or drips coming from your roof or window sills, then repair them as quickly as possible to prevent water ingress and subsequent mould growth. Even if it’s just a minor drip, it should be repaired as soon as possible, as this can lead to far bigger problems down the line.
Proper and Regular Cleaning
Surfaces where mould can be expected to grow, such as in bathrooms and kitchens, should be cleaned and dried as frequently as possible using detergents and water.
If you notice visible mould, wash it away thoroughly and ensure the area is completely dry afterwards. A vinegar and water mix is also an excellent solution for cleaning mouldy patches.
Additionally, vacuum your carpets and upholstery regularly to remove mould spores and reduce the chance of their return.
Use Mould-Resistant Building Products
To prevent mould and mildew from growing in your home or business, use mould-resistant paints, primers, and other building materials like fibreglass or PVC, especially in moist areas susceptible to mould and mildew, such as bathrooms, kitchens and basements.
Use Natural Remedies
Natural remedies such as vinegar are effective at killing and keeping mould and mildew at bay. Hydrogen peroxide and tea tree oil have also been known to effectively eliminate mould.
Simply spray the vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, or tea tree oil on the affected areas and give them a day or so before cleaning the dead mould away. By doing so, you can get rid of the problem without using dangerous or harmful chemicals.
Keep Outdoor Vegetation Away from the Building
Trim all the trees and shrubs near the building as much as possible to prevent excessive shade and moisture from building up on the exterior surfaces. This can encourage mould growth both outside and inside the building.
Regularly Inspect and Maintain
Regularly inspect areas of the building that are most prone to mould growth so that you can catch it early and clean it out wherever possible. Key places you should inspect include under the sink, around windows, in basements, doors leading to the outside, bathrooms, and ceilings.
Seek Professional Help
If you have a persistent or extensive mould growth problem, or if you find it difficult to reach the areas where mould might be growing, call in a professional mould remediation service provider to sanitise the area and remove it entirely.
Contact Enviro-Safe to take advantage of our cleaning and sanitisation services and put an end to mould growth in your home.