TIPS for preventing and cleaning mould
Mould needs moisture, it grows when there is dampness in or on a surface, such as walls, ceilings, floors, curtains or furniture, for a prolonged period of time. The most common cause of excess moisture is condensation.
Small amounts of mould are common in most households and usually don’t cause any health concerns, however, when mould is left to grow it can cause serious health problems. Mould releases thousands of very tiny or invisible spores into the air. These spores can cause serious health issues when breathed in, especially for elderly people and infants, people with compromised immune systems or people suffering from asthma or other respiratory problems.
Prevention
The best thing you can do is to reduce moisture in your house.
Use a dehumidifier if need be, or air conditioning is also drying to air.
Wipe condensation off windows and walls.
Dry damp towels by hanging outside on the the washing line, or if drying over a towel heater keep a window open when home.
Open a few windows slightly throughout the house for 1-2 hours a day when you’re home so air can circulate. On sunny days, open windows and doors for longer to let in plenty of fresh air.
When showering use an extractor fan. Leave the window open for a while after your shower to let steam and condensation clear.
Hang washing outside to dry.
If using a clothes drier, ensure it vents outside or that a window is kept open in the room the drier is in with the door to the rest of the house shut.
Keep lids on pots when cooking and let steam out by opening a window and/or use an extractor fan.
Try and avoid splashing water in the kitchen, bathroom and laundry. If water does splash onto surfaces, dry the area with a cloth or towel.
Keep shower curtains hanging inside the shower or bath so that water doesn’t drip on to the floor. Wash your shower curtain regularly and dry outside.
Glass to ceiling shower surround with extraction fan helps to keep the moisture directly in the vicinity of the extraction fan.
Open drapes to let sunlight in through the day and then close them at night to keep the warm air in.
Open wardrobes and bedroom windows regularly for airing.
Dry any wet clothes or shoes outside before putting them into a wardrobe.
Keep beds and furniture pulled slightly away from walls, especially external walls, so air can circulate.
Check your house on the outside as well, look for leaky gutters, downpipes, taps or drains. A common sign of a leak can be a pool of water forming underneath the house that never dries out.
Cleaning
White vinegar is the best way to kill and clean mould, and prevent it reoccurring. Be aware that vinegar does have a bleaching effect. It's said to kill around 82% of moulds.
Spray undiluted white vinegar directly onto the mould using a spray bottle. If necessary, use an old toothbrush to get in to corners. On painted surfaces, dilute the vinegar half and half with water to avoid damaging the paint. Leave it for 1-2 hours to take affect, then wipe using cloths and a bucket of warm water with a squirt of Dishwashing Liquid.
Afterwards soak the cloths in a bucket of hot water and 1C of white vinegar overnight then wash with Sonett Laundry Liquid or Powder in a hot wash and line dry in sunshine.
NOTE: Never ever mix vinegar with chlorine bleach or hydrogen peroxide, highly toxic.
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