How can I prevent mould from growing in my home?
Although mould can be found almost anywhere, it needs moisture and nutrients to grow. The following actions can help prevent mould growth by reducing dampness in the home.
Maintain proper ventilation
- Turn on exhaust fans, particularly when bathing, showering, cooking, doing laundry and drying clothes.
- Open windows when the weather permits to improve cross ventilation.
Reduce humidity
- Limit the use of humidifiers.
- Limit the number of fish tanks and indoor plants.
- Limit the use of unflued gas heaters.
Control moisture and dampness
- Repair all water leaks and plumbing problems, for example burst water pipes, a leaking roof or blocked gutters.
- If water enters your home, completely clean and dry water-damaged carpets and building materials. Discard any material that cannot be cleaned and dried completely.
Rising and lateral damp
Rising damp is ground moisture rising up a brick or stone wall. Poor sub-floor ventilation or moisture in the sub-floor area will worsen the problem. This can be fixed by installing a new damp course or waterproof barrier in the wall. Ensure the weep holes and air vents at the base of your home are kept clear.
If you have rising or lateral damp, an experienced building consultant can check the damp course and recommend ways to fix the problem.
What can I do if I have mould in my home?
It is best to remove mould as soon as it appears. This may take some effort, and remember that mould is likely to return unless you also treat the cause of the problem (see above).
If you rent your home and mould is still growing despite the building being properly ventilated, raise the issue with the owner or managing agent. Tenants seeking further information about their rights and responsibilities can call NSW Fair Trading on 13 32 20. Public housing tenants should call the Housing Contact Centre on 1800 422 322.
How can I remove mould from my home?
- For routine clean-up of mouldy surfaces, use a mild detergent, or vinegar diluted in water (4 parts vinegar to 1 part water).
- If the mould is not readily removed and the item cannot be discarded, clean the surface with a diluted bleach solution (250 ml of bleach in 4 litres of water). When using bleach, protective equipment is recommended: PVC or nitrile rubber gloves, safety glasses and enclosed shoes. Make sure the area is well ventilated while cleaning.
- Ensure the surface is dried completely once cleaned.
- Absorbent materials such as carpet may need to be professionally cleaned, or replaced if contaminated with mould.
Should I get my home tested for mould?
Since most mould is visible, it is generally not necessary to test for mould in the home. However, some mould contamination may be present in wall cavities or the ceiling.
Symptoms associated with sensitivity or allergy to mould are diverse and non-specific, so symptoms alone are not a reliable indicator of mould. Indoor surfaces need to be inspected to determine the extent of any mould.
If you think you have mould in your home but cannot find the source of the problem, you could engage an occupational hygienist. For a fee, these professionals provide specialist mould testing and consultancy services.
Further information
Further advice on the health risks of mould is available from your local Public Health Unit. In NSW, call 1300 066 055.