13Aug2021
How To Prevent Mould And Mildew In Home & Office
Mould and mildew are common fungi found in the damp, cramped and poorly ventilated areas of homes and offices. Their spores settle on surfaces and fixtures then multiply rapidly when the environment is hot and humid.
Mildew is easier to clean than mould since it is the initial stage of the fungi’s development. But mould spots or mildew in your residential or commercial space are unhealthy as they aggravate allergies, asthma and other respiratory conditions.
Moreover, they can affect the structural integrity of surfaces & fixtures, which is a major problem for home and business owners. Tenants can lose their bond if there are mouldy areas in the rented property.
When the infestation is significant, you must avail of end of lease cleaning in Gold Coast, as per requirement. Additionally, you should be proactive to ensure your home or office remains fungus-free.
Here is a complete guide listing helpful tips by experts to prevent mould or mildew. Have a look
Don’t Ignore The Musty Smell
Often before you spot mould or mildew growth, you can smell it as the spores emit a musty odour. This smell can originate from carpets, ceilings, pantry, bathrooms, kitchen, or other areas of your home or office. You should never ignore the musty odour, as it indicates mould or mildew is developing, and you must inspect every corner of your house or workplace. If you cannot find the source of the smell on day one, keep checking for the two to three consecutive days as mould grows rapidly and spots may appear 24-48 hours after the spores settle on a damp area.Deep Clean Regularly
Fungal development is common in corners of ceilings, baseboards, cabinets, bathroom walls, behind furniture and other areas of homes or offices that are generally overlooked during regular cleaning. These areas remain undisturbed by vacuum cleaners or dusters. Thus, they accumulate dust, dirt and moisture during hot, rainy, and humid seasons. Therefore in addition to general cleaning of your home or office, deep clean it regularly. You can avail an office cleaning service in Gold Coast to thoroughly sanitise your workplace and reduce the chances of mould growth. Create daily, weekly and monthly cleaning checklists for maintaining household hygiene. Using these checklists, you can keep your home neat and mould-free all year round.Maintain Proper Ventilation
After heavy rainfall, storm, cyclone or flood, there is excess moisture in the air and long periods of humidity/heat, making the environment favourable for mould and mildew to overgrow. Therefore, you need to keep your home or office well-ventilated and reduce dampness by opening the windows and doors. Other things you should do include:- Switch on the fans to dry damp areas quickly
- Ensure the air venting ducts are clean
- Check the HVAC system is functional
- Change the furnace filter if it’s extremely dirty
Invest In A Dehumidifier
As the name suggests, a dehumidifier is an electronic appliance that draws moisture from the air and reduces humidity. You can install a dehumidifier in your home or office to prevent mould or mildew development and eliminate musty odours. A variety of household and commercial dehumidifier models are available in the markets of Gold Coast. The majority of these are energy efficient and help improve the indoor air quality of homes and workplaces. Thus, if you don’t have this appliance in your residential or workspace, get one mainly to tackle humidity during humid reasons.Remove Mildew Or Mould Spots Immediately
Never ignore mildew and mould spots on walls, ceilings, floors, tiles and other areas of your house or office. These are easy to remove, and you should treat them immediately to prevent further growth. Here is what you can do.- Saturate the affected area with soap and warm water
- Scrub gently with a soft-bristled brush
- Wipe with a damp microfiber cloth until no residues and stains remain
- Spray the clean area with white vinegar and let it air dry to prevent regrowth.
