1st July 2016

Winter and Mould, Be Vigilant

Winter and Mould, be vigilant.

With the onset of winter, you normally have a bigger temperature difference between the cooler outdoor weather and warmer indoor areas. This temperature difference can create an increase in moisture indoors, often seen as water condensation on windows or walls. This increase in moisture can lead mould issues.

Below is a summary of information from a NSW Health Fact Sheet on mould.

To view the whole fact sheet use this  link.

What is mould?

Mould is part of a group of very common organisms called fungi that also include mushrooms and yeast. It is present virtually everywhere, both indoors and outdoors.

Mould may grow indoors in wet or moist areas lacking adequate ventilation, including walls/ wallpaper, ceilings, bathroom tiles, carpets (especially those with jute backing), insulation material and wood. If moisture accumulates in a building mould growth will often occur.

How can I prevent mould from growing in my home?

The key to preventing mould growth is reducing dampness in the home. This can be done by:

·         Maintaining proper ventilation

·         Turn on exhaust fans, particularly when bathing, showering, cooking, doing laundry and drying clothes.

·         Open windows when weather permits, to improve cross ventilation.

·         Reduce humidity

·         Limit the use of humidifiers.

·         Limit the number of fish tanks and indoor plants.

·         Limit use of unflued gas heaters

·         Controlling moisture/ dampness

·         Repair all water leaks and plumbing problems e.g. burst water pipes, leaking roof or blocked rain gutters.

·         Opening blinds and curtains to let in sunlight can help prevent mould growth.

If water enters your home, completely clean and dry water-damaged carpets and building materials. Discard material that cannot be cleaned and dried completely.

What can I do if I have mould in my property?

It is good to remove mould as soon as it appears. This may take some effort. Remember that mould is likely to return unless you also take steps to treat the cause of the problem (see above).

As a tenant you need to keep the property clean and take measures to ensure the building is properly ventilated. If mould is still growing, please contact your property manager at Cale Property Agents.

How can I remove mould from my home?

For routine clean-up of mouldy surfaces, use mild detergent or vinegar diluted in water solution (4 parts vinegar to 1 part water).

If the mould is not readily removed and the item cannot be discarded, use diluted bleach solution (250mls of bleach in 4 litres of water) to clean the surface. When using bleach, protective equipment is recommended: PVC or nitrate rubber gloves; safety glasses; and safety shoes. Make sure the area is well-ventilated while you are cleaning with bleach.

Ensure the surface is dried completely once cleaned.

Absorbent materials, such as carpet may need to be professionally cleaned or replaced if they are contaminated with mould.