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What Is Household Mould and How Can It Affect Your Home? 

Author: admin
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3 MIN READ

Have you ever noticed coloured stains appearing in certain areas of your home? These unsightly marks are often a sign of mould growth.  Understanding Household Mould  The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines mould as a fungal growth that forms and spreads on various kinds of damp or decaying organic matter. Mould can […]

Have you ever noticed coloured stains appearing in certain areas of your home? These unsightly marks are often a sign of mould growth. 

Understanding Household Mould 

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines mould as a fungal growth that forms and spreads on various kinds of damp or decaying organic matter. Mould can be found both indoors and outdoors in all climates during all seasons of the year. 

In the outdoors, mould survives by feeding on plants and decaying organic matter, such as fallen leaves, as a source of nutrition. Indoors, excessive moisture levels are the main cause of household mould growth,. 

Mould can be a hidden danger in many areas of the home, thriving in damp and poorly ventilated spaces. Common areas for mould growth include: 

  • Basements
  • Bathrooms
  • Kitchens
  • Attics
  • Laundry rooms
  • Behind walls
  • Crawl spaces

Mould can also hide in some unexpected spots at home, such as the windows, underneath the sink, refrigerator drip pans, storage areas, and carpets, if they become wet and are not dried properly. 

For mould to grow further, its source of moisture must be constant, so water leaks are a key issue to look out for. Moulds reproduce by releasing small spores that float in the air and land on surfaces. When these tiny spores settle in wet or moist spaces, they can accumulate and form new mould colonies.

The Most Common Types of Household Moulds

There are numerous types of mould and they can appear in various colours, including green, black, and white. It is advisable to eliminate all forms of mould to prevent its spread and cause damage to your health and your home.

Stachybotrys

Stachybotrys moulds are referred to as “black mould,” which typically develop behind the walls, ceilings, and on materials such as fibreboard and gypsum board. 

Aspergillus

Aspergillus moulds typically have grey or green spores that can form thick layers. However, multiple species of Aspergillus appear as different colours.

Alternaria

Alternaria are moulds with club-shaped spores that develop into long, chain-like structures, eventually growing into thick black, green, or grey colonies. 

Penicillium

They show up as blue or green fuzzy organisms and are also known to grow on indoor building materials such as ceiling tiles and wood surfaces. Some species are used in the production of certain meats, cheeses, and antibiotics like penicillin, which comes from Penicillium chrysogenum.

Ascospores

Ascospores survive in damp indoor spaces. Even after drying a wet surface, it may continue surviving until it finds another conducive environment for growth. 

Can Household Mould Cause Structural Damage? 

Mould thrives on organic materials commonly found in construction, such as wood, drywall, and insulation. As mould consumes these materials, it leads to deterioration and weakening of structural components. Signs of mould-related damage include softened wood, discolouration on walls, musty odour reminiscent of the smell of old books, peeling of paint, and weakened ceilings. 

Ways to Prevent Household Mould Infestation

To effectively prevent household mould, focus on controlling moisture and ensuring proper ventilation. Below are several strategies that you can implement. 

Control humidity levels

Keep your home’s indoor humidity below 60%, ideally between 30% and 50%. Use a hygrometer or indoor air quality monitors with humidity sensors to keep track and maintain the ideal indoor humidity levels. 

Ensure proper ventilation

Good airflow helps prevent stagnant areas where moisture can accumulate and create favourable conditions for mould. 

Watch out for leaks and fix them promptly

Any leak indoors, particularly from pipes, roofs, or windows, shall be resolved as soon as possible, as mould can begin growing within 24 to 48 hours of water intrusion.

Take note of your home’s temperature

While temperature alone does not indicate mould growth, it plays a role in creating favourable conditions for mould development. Mould tends to thrive in temperatures between 68°F (20°C) and 86°F (30°C). Within this range, mould can grow rapidly if moisture is present.

Household Mould Removal Techniques

If you suspect your home has mould, it’s essential to take immediate action to remove it safely. Some effective techniques for removing mould at home can be: 

Detergent solution

Mix a mild detergent with water. Use a microfiber cloth to scrub the affected area, ensuring to dry it thoroughly afterward.

Bleach solution

For tougher stains, mix ¾ cup of bleach with a gallon of water. Apply this solution to the mouldy area, let it sit for five minutes, then scrub and rinse thoroughly.

Natural remedy

Spray undiluted white vinegar on the mouldy area and let it sit for an hour before wiping it clean. Vinegar is known to kill approximately 82% of mould species due to its acetic acid content, which disrupts the growth of mould and fungi.

Seek professional help

If the mould covers more than 10 square feet or if there has been significant water damage, it’s advisable to consult professionals who specialise in mould remediation. These professionals have the right tools to perform mould testing and ensure thorough remediation. 

While mould is a common household issue, its presence should not be ignored. Understand the most common types of mould that may linger in your home and take proactive measures to prevent their growth. Not only can you safeguard your safety, but also maintain the integrity of your property.

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