What Causes Mold and How Can I Stop It?

The most common cause of mold in the home is dampness from condensation or a combination of high humidity and poor ventilation.

Black mold is often found in bathrooms, around windows, and behind furniture. Bathrooms have high humidity and are often home to damp towels that hold moisture.

Mold forms around windows because they are the coldest point in the room and condensation build up around them. Mold on ceilings often appears near the edges, where insulation is lacking.

Black mold on walls often develops behind large or fixed pieces of furniture, where airflow is limited.

If you want a genuinely mold-free home then cleaning off the mold is only the first step.

Anti-mildew paint can be applied to a clean area to discourage future growth but cannot prevent condensation build-up. There is only one surefire way to stop mold from ever coming back: find the cause and fix it.

Mould thrives in a humid environment so the simplest way to prevent regrowth is to ensure that there is no dampness in your home.

Use extractor fans in the kitchen and bathroom, avoid drying clothes indoors, and open the windows to air the house whenever you can. Adequate ventilation will prevent the build-up of dampness.

Check your insulation. Cold spots on the walls and ceilings encourage condensation so make sure that your insulation is doing its job!

If you are still struggling to keep your home dry, a dehumidifier can be a great investment. You can pick up a small model for as little as £100, which is a lot cheaper than frequent redecorating.

If you hire a specialist to deal with your mold problem then they should be able to give you specific advice about preventing the return of the problem. This is why it’s important to choose PuroClean of Melbourne as a reliable and knowledgeable contractor.

What’s Involved in Removing Black Mould?

Depending on what surface the mold is present on, the routes to removal will be slightly different.

Removing Mould from Walls, Ceilings, and Grout

If you have a small area of mold and are ready to tackle it yourself, you need to start with some simple equipment – the good news is that you will probably have the basics in your cleaning cupboard!

• One part chlorine bleach to three parts water
• A stiff-bristled brush
• Gloves, a face mask, and eye protection

It’s important to protect yourself from the mold spores you are about to shake loose, so it’s good to make sure that the area you are cleaning is well-ventilated. Open any windows and set up a fan if you have one.

Once you are happy to begin, apply the cleaning solution and scrub the black mold well with the brush. You might want to test a small area first to make sure the solution doesn’t damage your paintwork.

Removing Mould from Carpets, Towels, and Furniture

Unfortunately, removing mold from fabric is a little more difficult. If the mold is bad then you might be tempted to simply throw away the items and start again – but, there are a few things you can try first.

It’s best to dry the item thoroughly and brush off the mold with a clothes brush or old toothbrush. Do this outside, if possible, and make sure your mouth and nose are covered.

A vacuum cleaner can also be used on furniture to remove as much mold as possible.

A normal detergent or a light bleach solution can be used to gently clean fabrics. Always check the labels first and spot-check on an inconspicuous area if needed, as non-colorfast items will be faded from the bleach.

Some clothes can be washed in the machine with a little bleach added to the tub while others may need specialist dry cleaning to remove mold.

What Should You Do If You Notice Mold Growth?

Cleaning and removing mold can be a dangerous task, especially if the mold is hidden and has been growing for some time. If you are not experienced in mold remediation, it is best to leave the cleanup to a professional.

If the mold spans an area smaller than 10 square feet, there are steps you can take to remove the mold yourself. Keep in mind that these are not the same steps a professional would take. Learn more about black mold remediation here. NEVER mix ammonia and bleach products together, as this creates a dangerous toxic gas.

Call PuroClean of Melbourne for Mold Remediation!

Follow these prevention tips to avoid mold growth throughout your property. Should you encounter mold, however, the first step is to find and eliminate the water source, then call a professional mold remediation company, such as PuroClean. Our certified, professional technicians understand and apply industry-standard approaches to remediate mold effectively.

Regardless of the circumstances — dealing with mold, water damage, fire/smoke damage, or biohazard remediation