No home, whether it is a new build or an older structure, is immune to mould. These tiny fungi are not only ugly, but also sometimes harmful to human health.
Mould, in addition to damaging building materials, can cause health issues such as respiratory problems, eye irritation or headaches. So, what can be done to prevent it from occurring in your home? Thankfully, there are a number of measures you can take.
1— Let in That Breeze!
The air inside your property should move freely and be refreshed regularly. Just open the doors and windows — even in winter — a few minutes every day. If your home has an air exchange system, it’s just as efficient!
2— Always Turn On the Fan
In the kitchen, the range hood should always be on when cooking food (even if the fan is very noisy!). The heat and vapours generated when cooking inevitably cause moisture to stick to the ceiling and walls, eventually leading to the deterioration of these surfaces.
3— Follow the 20 Minutes Rule
In the bathroom, a single open window will not be enough to keep mould at away. A fan is required and must be strong enough to suck out the steam that builds up during a shower. After every shower, let the fan run for 20 minutes.
4— Your Dehumidifier Is Your Best Friend
A house should have an ambient humidity level of around 30% in winter and 50% in summer. You can easily purchase a hygrometer in a hardware store to find out the level of humidity in your home. If the air is too damp, plug in your dehumidifier. You can also use your air conditioner to remove moisture (many models have this function). Note that just as fungi find an overly dry environment unpleasant, so will you. Therefore, dehumidify sparingly!
5— Dry It Out Right Away
Has the little one dropped their glass of juice on the wood floor? Did you accidentally splash water behind the bath? Do not allow these liquids to seep into the material. Dry it quickly to prevent mould from growing.
6— Throw Out Affected Materials!
You have just noticed that your old washer has been leaking for days. As a result, the gypsum wall behind it is soaked and blackened. If the drywall and wood studs are too far gone, remove them immediately. Mould could spread elsewhere, even after a proper cleaning. Instead, replace the damaged materials.
7— Take Out Your Magnifying Glass (Sort Of)
It is recommended that you inspect all bathrooms and the kitchen at least twice a year for leaks. Where there is water, there can be mould! Damaged seals can allow harmful droplets of water to slowly leak out over a long period of time. If a leak occurs, seal it with silicone caulking. Also, make sure the washer and dryer pipes are secure.
8— Don’t Clutter Your Home
Items and containers stacked on top of each other — in a storage room for example — can trap moisture and create the perfect environment for mould to spread. Regular cleaning or decluttering can save you from a lot of trouble down the line!
The presence of mould should never be taken lightly. Clean the affected area it as soon as you see any sign of it and quickly resolve the underlying issue that caused it in the first place. Your property will thank you!