Mould might be a form of fungus that develops from airborne
spores. It can grow anywhere: on walls, ceilings, carpets, clothing, footwear,
furniture, paper, etc... Not only can this affect the standard of the indoor
air, it may also have a detrimental effect on health. Children, the elderly,
and people with respiratory problems are particularly in danger. Let's take a
look at mould prevention and what you can do to help prevent mould from
developing in your home.
Find and eliminate sources of moisture
Mould grows where there is moisture. If you detect signs of humidity as a result of condensation, rising humidity (capillarity) or leaks, you should call a specialist technician who will audit your home to identify any problem areas. You can check the indoors humidity level with a hydrometer.
Ventilate the bathroom ...
Moisture accumulates quickly within the bathroom, so it's important that it's sufficiently ventilated. If possible, keep the window ajar and also the door open. Moisture can develop in the air, but also on the walls, so when possible clean the walls to reduce the risk of mould growth.
... And the kitchen
In the same way, the kitchen is another room at risk, especially if you cook regularly. Make sure to use the range hood, if you have one. If you don't, keep the kitchen door closed to contain the moisture and open a window afterward. This will help stop condensation from forming on the wall and ceiling or not so intense.
Clean up spills
It doesn't take long for mould to grow on damp work surfaces or floors so confirm any spills are cleaned up quickly.
Check your appliances
Kitchen appliances such as refrigerators have drip trays and these should be checked regularly to make sure they are not leaking or spilling.
Don't overfill the cupboards
Bedroom closets can be a breeding ground for black mould by preventing air from circulating. Similarly, make sure there is space around the furniture in your bedroom and that it is not leaning against an outside wall.
Dry clothes outside when possible
Drying clothes on a radiator is in a different way to create condensation within the home. Of course, hanging your clothes outside isn't an option within the winter months so try and do it during a well-ventilated room. Ideally, with the window open. If you use a tumble dryer, make sure the room is properly ventilated so moisture escapes outside. Don't leave wet clothes in a pile as mould can appear quickly.
Check your indoor plants
Mould loves house plants and also the moist soil within the pots provides an excellent breeding ground. If spillage occurs when watering, be sure to keep the soil clean and add an anti-fungal agent that acts as a deterrent.
Keep the water away from the walls
Just like checking the inside of your home, you should also inspect the outside. Check that there is no accumulation of water around the walls. If the walls and bricks appear damp for a long time, even after days have elapsed since the last rains, it is a sign that some type of pathology is occurring (moisture by capillarity, seepage, accumulation of water, breakage of pipes, ...).
The "downspouts" and roofs
Leaking roofs and leaks or clogged downspouts can cause mould, too. Get them checked, because if you see damp spots on the interior walls or ceilings, it may be a sign that there is a leak from the outside.
However, if you are looking for a safe way to prevent mould and damp in general, we always recommend calling a mould inspection specialist to examine the source of the moisture and treat it definitively and with a guarantee.
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