Mould is an unwelcome guest in any home, and getting rid of it doesn’t always mean it’s gone for good. If you want to keep mould from returning, there are a few steps you can take to make sure your living space stays mould-free.
Understanding Mould
It’s important to understand how mould grows, so you can prevent it from returning.
Mould needs a source/moisture to grow and thrive, so the most effective way to prevent it from coming back is to reduce the humidity levels within your home. To do this, you should ventilate the house regularly by opening windows or using fans, particularly in problem areas such as bathrooms or basements. Additionally, any water leaks should be fixed as soon as possible. Here in Perth for your mould prevention we have a great 4 seasons where we can ventilate our homes daily.
There are several other steps you can take to stop mould from coming back.
- Identify Mould Sources
This includes checking behind furniture and appliances, inside cupboards and drawers, around windows and doors, and in any other damp or humid parts of the house.
Pay special attention to any items that are made from porous material such as wood or fabric as these can be particularly susceptible to mould growth.
If you find any signs of mould during your inspection, it’s important to take action immediately. Cleaning up small patches yourself is usually possible but for larger areas, it may be necessary to call in professional help.
- Dry Out Damp Areas
Begin by fixing any plumbing leaks or other water issues that may be causing dampness in your home. If this isn’t possible, try using dehumidifiers or fans to reduce the humidity in the affected area. Additionally, make sure to ventilate all areas well by opening windows and/or using exhaust fans when needed.
Look for signs of leaks around windows, door frames, and pipes, as these are common sites where water can seep in. If you see any wet spots on walls or ceilings, it may be a sign that there is a hidden leak somewhere.
- Control Humidity Levels
As mentioned earlier, high humidity can create the perfect environment for mould spores to grow and spread. To keep the air in your home balanced, you’ll need to take some proactive steps.
If you notice that your indoor humidity is too high, try using a dehumidifier or air conditioner to reduce it. Additionally, make sure that any water vapours from showers and other activities are properly vented outside, as these can contribute to higher-than-normal levels of indoor humidity.
You will require a professional to test the moisture and air relative humidity to determine the levels within the room or area.
- Clean Surfaces And Materials
Fabric furniture and rugs should be vacuumed regularly and steam cleaned if necessary. Make sure to check in tight spaces such as behind doors or underneath furniture for any signs of water damage or mould.
Hard surfaces like countertops, tile, or wood floors should be wiped down with a damp cloth on a weekly basis. It’s especially important to keep these surfaces dry since moisture can easily accumulate in hard-to-reach places. Window Sills and window frames should also be inspected for moisture build-up and wiped down if necessary. Any areas of standing water should be dried up quickly before they become a breeding ground for mould spores.
- Ongoing Monitoring
To maintain a mould-free home, it’s important to stay vigilant. Even if you’ve taken all the necessary steps to prevent mould from returning, it’s still important to monitor your home for any signs of moisture or microbial growth.
In addition to being alert for visible signs of moisture and mould growth, you should also pay attention to any musty odours or other signs that something may be amiss in your home. High humidity can cause these odours and should be addressed quickly with dehumidifiers or increased ventilation.
Final Thoughts
Preventing the growth of mould in your home requires some effort but taking these steps will help ensure that your home remains healthy and free of this unwanted fungi.
Kleen Slate Services is your professional mould removal in Perth, contact us for a mould-free home.
