How To Reduce Condensation
- pull wardrobes and furniture away from walls, and keep tops of wardrobes clear, to allow air to circulate
- close doors and open windows when cooking
- keep lids on saucepans when cooking
- keep bathroom doors closed when bathing, and open windows slightly afterwards
- do not dry clothes on radiators, unless ventilation is increased
- only use Liquid Petroleum Gas or paraffin heaters in ventilated rooms, as these fuels produce water vapour during combustion
Extreme cases
In extreme cases, try the following:
- a dehumidifier, which extracts moisture from the air, can be bought or hired
- wipe down surfaces affected by condensation regularly to prevent mould growth
- mould can be removed by washing the surface with a disinfectant or a fungicidal wash. This must be used in accordance with the manufacturers’ instructions.
Mould-inhibiting paints and sprays can also help to reduce the effects of condensation.
Equip Your Home With Mold
Building a new home or renovating an old one? Use mold-resistant products like mold-resistant drywall or mold-resistant Sheetrock, and mold inhibitors for paints. Traditional drywall is composed of a gypsum plaster core pressed between plies of paper. Mold-resistant drywall is paperlessthe gypsum core is covered in fiberglass, making the surface highly water-resistant. Moisture-resistant drywall is especially valuable in areas prone to wetness, such as bathrooms, laundry rooms, basements, and kitchens. Not only is traditional drywall more susceptible to mold than the paperless kind, but it is also difficult to rid of mold, and removal and replacement can be expensive. Mold-resistant gypsum board is also available the core of the drywall is developed in such a way as to prevent moisture absorption, and thus prevent mold growth.
Structural Defects Causing Mold
Sometimes structural defects are the reason for mold growth. Unfortunately problems only become noticeable when the mold has already set in.
Regular inspections of your home for maintenance issues such as loose roof tiles or broken guttering may help you avoid mold in your home. You may even notice other issues that can be easily solved such as moisture collecting on pipes in bathrooms.
Get a quote for a new boiler. Save money and energy
Also Check: What To Do When Black Mold Is Found
Cleaning Up Small And Medium Mould Problems
Bleach is not necessary to clean up mould.
You can clean up small areas of mould if you follow the proper procedures and use the right protective equipment. Unless the mould growth is on smooth surfaces such as bathroom tiles, surface cleaning will not eliminate the problem.
In most cases you can clean up medium areas of mould if you follow the proper procedures and use the right protective equipment. Materials damaged by mould must be physically removed and disposed of under safe conditions. However, it is important to seek professional assistance if there is a large mould problem or if mould comes back after cleaning.
Susceptible individuals such as pregnant women, infants, children, the elderly, and occupants with asthma, allergies or other health problems should not be in or near the area where the mould is being cleaned up.
Minimum protective gear needed:
- a disposable N95 mask and
- household disposable gloves.
You can purchase an N95 mask from a hardware store. Make sure that the label says “N95”. Other masks are designed to provide limited protection against dust and are not suitable for protecting against mould exposure. Make sure that the mask is properly fitted and you can breathe through the mask.
Black Mould On Walls Caused By Rising Damp
Dealing with mould that is caused by rising damp is also more complex than just cleaning the mould. Rising damp is caused by groundwater rising through masonry to cause dampness. The Dryzone System offers a full range of products to stop rising damp and treat affected walls. By treating the source of dampness walls can fully dry out, eliminating the possibility of mould caused by rising damp. Find out more about Rising Damp.
Read Also: How To Clean Mold Off Basement Floor
Fix Leaks And Dry Wet Items Quickly
Plumbing leaks, or worse, floods, are often the cause of large mold issues. If you notice a leak, take care of it immediately. For larger leaks, this could mean renting or purchasing water damage restoration fans to dry out the area. Be sure to dry any wet items, and immediately wash towels used to clean up the mess. If you let wet messes sit, particularly in a basement, youre asking for mold trouble.
Worried about leaks or old appliances? Inexpensive leak and moisture detectors will put your mind at ease.
How To Get Rid Of Mold On Fabric
Those damp towels or gym clothes forgotten in a bag create an environment where mold can flourish if left too long. If you spot mold on these fabric items, here’s how to nix it:
- Bring the item outside and brush off the excess mold to prevent the mold spores from getting inside your home.
- If the fabric is machine washable, rub in liquid laundry detergent and wash it on the hottest setting possible according to the care instructions with chlorine bleach or non-cholorine bleach, as specified by the care instructions.
- If the fabric is not machine washable, dry cleaning or hand washing will remove the mold.
Also Check: How To Clean Mold Off Front Load Washer Seal
Types Of Common Household Mold
The good news is that not all molds, even the ones that appear to be black in color, are dangerous. There are three categories of common molds found in households that can have health effects:
- Allergenic molds that can be safely removed by using disinfecting products
- Pathogenic molds that can be controlled with disinfectants
- Toxic molds that require professional treatment and disposal of all affected materials
What has become known as the serious black mold is Stachybotrys chartarum, a colony with a dark green or black slimy surface. Black mold looks like black stains or dots growing in irregular circular patterns. It is most often found in homes or buildings that have been exposed to excessive amounts of water and humidity for an extended period of time, especially after a flood. S. chartarum produces trichothecenes, a type of mycotoxin. Exposure to S. chartarum could potentially lead to a wide range of respiratory health effects, though this has not yet been proven.
If you discover extensive mold growth, it is a good idea to have a professional mold removal company come in to test and identify the type of mold present. Your local public health department can offer advice on mold testing and refer you to a mold remediation company. The U.S. Department of Environmental Protection recommends the professional removal of mold colonies that cover more than 10 square feet .
What Causes Black Mould
Mould fungi are almost always present in our environment, surviving for years undetected in the dry. When the conditions are right, previously dormant mould spores grow. Mould thrives in damp and dark places. Often water leaks and damp problems provide a perfect environment for mould growth on walls.
Mould on walls develops when mould spores hit damp walls. In the right conditions, mould can develop in 24 48 hours. Over time a small mouldy spot can turn into brown or black patches. To treat mould on walls effectively, the source of dampness must be found and rectified before effective cleaning can commence.
Don’t Miss: Would An Air Purifier Help With Mold
Tips To Control Mould Before It Controls You
Whether youve spotted a small patch of mildew in the bathroom or large chunks of mould on walls, getting rid of it should be your first priority.
Without a continuous flow of fresh air into and out of your home the relative humidity rises, and the internal atmosphere quickly becomes full of moisture. Eventually leading to condensation, especially with fluctuations in temperature which occur during winter. After a period of this cycle continuing, the water droplets that form on colder surfaces can lead to mould growth and, in some cases, damage to the building fabric itself.
Mould is a fungus that breaks down dead material. It grows in our homes because they offer the ideal conditions for it to grow namely moisture, warm air, and materials to feed on, such as wood, carpet and dust.
It will continue to develop until its cleaned and removed. However, dead spores can be just as harmful to our health, so its important that you take care when getting rid of it.
The key to preventing mould is simple: Moisture control. Here are several ways to curb moisture indoors, and the mould that thrives on it.
Top Spots For Mould Growth
- Bathroom: Mould can appear around sink drains, in the shower recess and even on the walls and ceilings if the room is not well ventilated. Toothbrush holders can also be harbouring mould.
- Laundry: Front-loaders are especially prone to mould, so wipe them down after each load. Regularly clean the detergent dispenser. If you use a tumble dryer, ensure the room is well ventilated and always use an exhaust fan.
- Kitchen: Old food in the fridge can quickly develop mould. Regularly clean out the fridge to prevent this from happening.
- Wardrobes: Improperly stored clothing can become a breeding ground for mould. Ensure all clothing is well dried before placing them inside the wardrobe. If the wardrobe does not receive adequate air-flow, consider investing in a moisture absorber .
Recommended Reading: Is Mold Removal Covered By Homeowners Insurance
Be Careful When Storing Items Away For Winter
Many of us store summer clothes, camping equipment, outdoor gear, and other warm-weather items in the basement, garage, shed, or other out-of-the-way area. Make sure any items are completely clean and dry before storing. When possible, store summer gear in plastic tubs and/or on shelving units that sit off the ground. This will ensure they stay dry all winter, even if leaking or flooding occurs.
Ventilation Is The Best Solution
The best solution for condensation is proper ventilation, in order to vent condensation your home needs to have an adequate air flow and kept at a good temperature. When a room gets to a certain temperature, humidity gathers creating moisture in the air. If this excess moisture is not ventilated it will cause condensation.
- EnviroVent has a ventilation system for every kind of home, whether it be the smallest apartment, bungalow, house or a major building project. With a wide range of energy efficient and innovative ventilation systems, you can be assured that your indoor air quality will be dramatically improved, whilst having a positive effect on your health and your home. Our condensation control vents, are designed to minimise if not eliminate condensation.
Also Check: How To Rid Mold On Walls
Avoid Drying Clothes On Radiators
Not always practical for people living in flats or during the wet, winter months. However, drying clothes on a radiator can cause you problems. The flash increase of moisture in the air will certainly create damp spots in your home.
Its best to dry your clothes immediately after washing by hanging them on a washing line. An alternative would be to use a tumble dryer but they can often produce condensation, increasing humidity.
Monitor Your Humidity And Check For Mold
As we mentioned, the best way to maintain a healthy humidity, particularly in hot humid conditions, is with a dehumidifier. Most dehumidifiers come with a humidistat that will automatically turn the unit on when its needed.
Unsure if you have mold or moisture issues? Mold isnt always easy to spot, and if you see it, then the problem is likely much worse than what meets the eye. The Mold Detective Kit is a great way to determine the levels of mold in your home. This at-home kit checks for mold and results are sent to you in a report. Check out its product page if youre interested in checking your house for mold.
Read Also: What Happens If There Is Mold In Your House
Use Fans To Send Moisture Outside
If your home has kitchen, bathroom or window fans that vent the moist air outside, use them when you cook or take a shower. If you do not have fans, open a window when you cook or shower, cover pots when cooking, and try to take cool, short showers. Dry clothing on a clothesline outside or use a clothes dryer that vents air outdoors.
Get Rid Of Dust Mites
Household dust mites and their debris flourish in damp, mouldy conditions. Living in bedding, carpets and other soft furnishings, dust mites thrive in homes that dont have adequate ventilation and where relative humidity is high. Did you know if you have had your pillow or duvet for over 2 years 10% of their weight is made up of dust mites, dead mites and their droppings. When this detritus comes into contact with skin or is inhaled, it can cause allergic reactions, resulting in asthma attacks, eczema, watering eyes, itching, sneezing and a runny nose.
Reducing humidity levels considerable reduces the mites ability to thrive. Bedding, cushions and carpets should be frequently cleaned or hoovered, and mattresses flipped to help remove mites and their debris as well as dead skin cells and hair that provide them sustenance.
Also Check: How To Get Rid Of Black Mold In Air Ducts
Prevent Mold By Eliminating Excess Moisture
Controlling moisture in your home is essential. This means finding and fixing any sources of moisture, be it broken pipes, leaking toilets, cracked foundation or high humidity.
Relative humidity is a measure of the amount of moisture in the air relative to the maximum amount the air can hold at that temperature.
In a healthy home, relative humidity should be between 30% and 50%. Any higher and you probably have a moisture problem, not to mention, a mold problem.
How To Remove Mold From Walls And Ceilings
The bad news: If the surface is very porous, like a ceiling tile, it’s best to replace it. The good news: If you find small areas of mold on walls or ceilings of sheetrock or plaster, you can stop mold when it starts if you act fast. Here’s how:
- Clean the surface with detergent and water using a sponge or brush and let the surface dry completely.
- Follow with a water and bleach solution: Mix ¾ cup of chlorine bleach to a gallon of warm water. Wearing rubber gloves, apply the water-bleach mixture to the stains with a sponge or brush.
- Let sit five minutes, scrub, rinse, and air dry.
Recommended Reading: How To Stop Mold In Toilet
A Guide To Cleaning And Preventing Mold And Mildew
Mold growth is an inevitable fact of nature. It can also be a major problem in areas of your house. Bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and basements are all areas that retain moisture and practically invite mold to make itself at home. Here are tips for fighting mold in the home before it spreads to vulnerable areas.
Clean Your Walls And Ceilings
As weve said many times before, mold loves moisture. It loves it so much that it will throw a party everywhere they find enough moisture and organic food. That being said, in order to prevent mold from invading your home, it is important to thoroughly check your walls and ceilings for any signs of leaks. Both high humidity level and condensation may increase your chances of having mold on your walls, so keeping control of these two components will keep control of mold.
Start by dusting and vacuuming all the surfaces in every room. Wipe the walls and get rid of any spider web you see. If you notice any leaks, find the cause and fix it immediately. While you are at it, carefully dust your light bulbs, chandeliers and any other light source you have in your room. Remember, there is no better organic food for mold than dust.
Read Also: How To Remove Mold And Mildew From Car Interior
How To Prevent Mold Growth During The Winter
by Lisa | Feb 10, 2021 | Mold |
Household mold can grow on a variety of surfaces and objects, from walls and windows to clothes, books, and toys. Over time, an unremedied mold issue in your home can damage your property and belongings and pose serious risks to your familys health.
The wet winter season is one of the most common times to discover mold growing in your home. This article guides you through the indoor places youre most likely to find mold in the winter and what you can do to prevent it.
Removing Mold In The Kitchen
To prevent mold and practice adequate kitchen maintenance, open your windows to improve ventilation and run the hood vent when cooking and cleaning. Wipe water from hard surfaces, and fix leaky faucets as soon as possible. Always make sure your tableware and serving dishes are dry before storing them to keep mold from proliferating in cabinets.
Spotted mold in your kitchen? Scrub any hard surfaces with one of the solutions mentioned above, taking care to thoroughly rinse any food prep areas after. You may need to replace porous surfaces, such as wooden cabinets, that are contaminated.
Read Also: How To Eliminate Mold Spores
Stop Harmful Fungi From Taking Over Your Home With Simple Steps For Removal And Prevention
Mold and mildew are types of fungi that can quickly grow anywhere you find moisture. There is very little difference between the two in fact, mildew is just mold in its early stage. Both serve an important purpose in our environment by helping to destroy organic materials such as leaves, which enriches the soil. But some mold and mildew isn’t as helpful for humans. Living in a moldy home can cause serious health issues like headaches, respiratory problems, sinus congestion, and eye, nose, or throat irritation. It’s especially dangerous for infants, children, pregnant women, elderly individuals, and people with existing respiratory conditions, who are at a higher risk for these problems.
BHG / Laura Wheatley
