Mould is one of the common problems experienced in Australian households. It can cause various health problems, and is also unpleasant when visible. Fortunately, there are steps you can follow to eliminate the mould from your home. In addition to explaining the major causes of mould, this post will also provide you with essential steps to get rid of it for good.
What Causes Mould in Properties?
Mould usually only needs moisture and a sustenance source to grow rapidly. Generally, organic substances like cotton, leather, or cellulose, present in paper and wood, cause mould growth. Unfortunately, many of these materials are prevalent in many home items. The mould needs condensation from a broken window seal or water in the shower door’s tracks. The frame, walls, floors, ceilings, and furnishings of houses are all fair game, so there’s no shortage of organic material for them to consume. Accordingly, mould may develop practically anywhere. By being watchful and taking early action, you can reduce the harm mould can do to your house and your health.
Items You Need to Remove Mould
To safeguard yourself and keep your space hygienic, have the required tools and personal protective equipment (PPE) before beginning a mould-removal process. Here’s an outline of the necessary supplies for mould removal:
- Safety gear: To protect yourself from mould spores, wear rubber gloves, safety goggles, and a face mask (ideally N95).
- Cleaning solution: Select an ideal mould removal solution like iDestroy. The extent of the mould development and the surface that needs to be treated will determine the amount of solution needed. Although it’s a good idea to try natural treatments first, a professional mould-cleaning product could be required for obstinate fungus.
- Spray bottle: To begin with, fill a spray bottle with the cleaning solution of preference.
- Scrubbing tools: An old toothbrush, microfiber cloth, or a stiff-bristled brush is used for more minor mould spots. A scrubbing sponge may be helpful for textured surfaces or getting rid of mould on porous materials and surfaces.
- Plastic sheeting: Plastic sheeting should cover large spaces or furniture to prevent cross-contamination and protect unaffected areas from the cleaning solution.
- Fans/dehumidifiers: For mould prevention, you must have good ventilation to reduce moisture levels in the given space. To assist in drying the area, use fans and dehumidifiers before and after the treatment.
- Garbage bag: Have cleaning cloths, disposable PPE, and durable garbage bags to throw away mouldy parts.
Steps to Get Rid of Mould in Your Home
1. Evaluate the possibilities and prepare the space.
Determine the mould growth level and check for all the probable moisture problems (e.g. leaks or humidity problems). Do not forget to organise your pace and wear your safety gear before cleaning. Remove large furniture and objects from the place and cover them if possible. Movement of mouldy objects should be carried out cautiously because the process might induce spores to enter the air. Make sure that the ventilation is proper in the space. Open windows and use a fan to ventilate the room if needed.
2. Select your cleaning agent
The extent of the mould problem and the surface that has to be cleaned will determine the cleaning method you use. Any of the following methods can achieve a lasting mould removal solution.
Natural options: Use a tablespoon of borax with a cup of water, five millilitres of tea tree oil with a cup of water, one teaspoon of bicarb with ± 300 millilitres of water, or undiluted white vinegar.
Commercial and professional goods: Use a professional mould-cleaning product or concentrated hydrogen peroxide. Pay close attention to the directions and take note of any cautions. Keeping these detergents away from your skin and eyes, and inappropriate or perishable objects and/or surfaces, is particularly crucial.
3. Put the cleaning solution on.
Use a cloth to gently dab or spritz the afflicted region with your preferred cleaning solution.
Permeate the area and let the solution destroy the mould. All solutions will require different lengths of time to work, depending on what you are using. For example, vinegar and tea tree oil take an hour to seep into the mould, whereas hydrogen peroxide, bicarbonate and professional cleaning chemicals require a few minutes, between three to five minutes. Be very vigilant around product labels and ensure that you adhere accordingly. Do not get the surface too wet, as this would aggravate the situation of mould.
4. Remove the mould by cleaning
Get rid of the mould by gently scrubbing it in a circular motion (using either a sponge or a stiff-bristled brush). Avoid scratching the surface. Rinse clean all your scrubbing apparatus each and every time you use it, to stop the spread of spores. If the mould is still visible, you may have to apply and scrape for the second time.
5. Dry and rinse the area.
Rinse the area well with clean water after removing any noticeable mould. You can wipe the surface with a sponge to remove extra water and residue. Using fans or dehumidifiers to completely dry the area and stop mould from growing again.
6. Get rid of cleaning supplies and mouldy things.
Prevent cross-contamination by putting mouldy materials, cleaning clothes and single-use PPE in garbage bags, making sure that they are tightly closed. Check on the guidelines that govern trash disposal in your area before disposing of the bags.
7. Track and stop the growth of mould in the future.
Check the treated area frequently for indications of regrowth, and take quick action to resolve any moisture, humidity, inadequate ventilation, or regrowth problems. Future indoor mould issues can be avoided by keeping your house dry and clean.
Mould may be removed from walls, ceilings, tiles, and grout by following our detailed instructions. Verify if the cleaning solution is safe for your surfaces. Be aware that certain products can potentially damage your surface or exacerbate asthma symptoms. So, always check ingredients before using any such solutions.
Conclusion
If your DIY attempts have not effectively removed mould in your home, you may need a professional’s service. Call our friendly team at Exterior Clean Melbourne, and we will help you with the proper mould removal procedure. Regardless of the surface type, with years of experience, we remove mould and all kinds of dirt the right way. Call us today!