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What is mould

Mould is a form of fungus that breaks down dead organic material. It is usually produced in damp and humid conditions. It’s common to notice mould growing in our homes as they offer moisture, warm air, and materials to feed on, such as wallpaper, wood and carpet.

Unfortunately, mould will continue to develop until it’s cleaned and removed and can harm our health, so you must take care when getting rid of it.

What causes mould?

Many of you may be wondering what causes mould on your walls, ceilings, and bathrooms. Getting to the root of the issue is important to know how to tackle it best. Here are some of the common areas mould is found and their causes.

Humidity

Humidity is one of the most common reasons mould occurs. That’s why mould is primarily found in kitchens and bathrooms where steam often appears from showering and cooking, resulting in more humid conditions than in other rooms.

Condensation

Condensation is another major cause of mould. Condensation is usually caused when warm air collides with cold surfaces. The moisture in the air cannot escape, resulting in mould. Therefore, you will notice mould on hard and cold surfaces such as tiles or around your windows.

Rising damp

Rising damp may indicate a serious issue in your internal wall. The issues related to rising damp could be due to plumping leaks such as in the water pipes behind your walls or under your shower or bath.

Poor ventilation

Mould will develop without proper ventilation due to the build-up of condensation from everyday activities like drying clothes indoors, cooking, and showering, which can add moisture to the air.

What mould can do to your health

Living in a home where mould is present can affect your physical and mental health. Mould can trigger various health issues such as respiratory infections, worsening asthma, depression, allergic reactions, wheezing, sneezing and coughing. 

It may affect certain groups of people more than others, such as

It’s important to know what mould can do to your health so you can take precautions, especially for those at higher risk.

Different types of mould to look out for

Mould comes in different forms, some blackish and patchy, others green and textured. Knowing where mould grows in the home can help you stop the issue at its source and prevent you from continually trying to get rid of it.  

Here are some common types of mould in houses and their health implications to look out for.

Alternaria

Alternaria tends to be velvet-like in texture with dark green or brown hairs.

This type of mould tends to be found in damp places such as showers, baths, or under leaky sinks. It grows all year round but is most common between July and September. As it spreads quickly, it’s a good idea to get rid of it as soon as you’ve spotted it.

Health hazards: Alternaria can cause asthma-like symptoms affecting the upper respiratory tract, nose and mouth.

Aureobasidium

Aureobasidium begins as pink, brown, or black colour and usually turns a darker brown as it ages. It is one of the most common types of mould on walls and can often grow behind wallpaper or on painted or wooden surfaces.

Health hazards: Aureobasidium can cause eye, skin and nail infections and should never be touched with bare skin.

Cladosporium

Cladosporium is a greenish-brown coloured mould with a suede-like texture.

It can grow in both cold and warm climates. It is often found in indoor materials, such as upholsteries, fabrics, and carpets, and can grow inside cupboards and under floorboards.

Health hazards: Cladosporium can cause allergic reactions to the eyes, nose, throat and skin and exacerbate asthma symptoms and sinusitis. Due to its potential for causing skin and lung irritation, Cladosporium should never be handled directly.

Penicillium

Penicillium is blue or green with a velvety texture. It can be found on spoiled food and common materials like wood, carpets, wallpapers, and mattresses. It can be found throughout the year, with growth peaking between January and February.

Health hazards: Penicillium spores can become airborne and be inhaled by home occupants, leading to asthma and sinusitis. It can harm those with weakened immune systems as it can worsen their symptoms and result in further health problems.

Black mould (Stachybotrys)

What causes black mould? Usually, dark green or black and has a slimy texture that’s easy to mistake for dirt. Humidity and damp conditions are the main culprits of black mould. This type is among the most common type of mould on windowsills as it grows in damp areas with high humidity levels, such as bathroom windows. You will also spot black mould on natural materials such as wood, aluminium wicker, and paper. 

Health hazards: Black mould is generally harmless, but those exposed to a specific strain called Stachybotrys may experience burning sensations in the airways, nose bleeds, fatigue, sinusitis, fever, headaches, and a persistent cough. Stachybotrys are especially dangerous to children, so ensure you remove them from your home when seeking professional help.

How to deal with mould and how to treat it

Your home is somewhere you should feel safe so make sure you know how to keep it free of unpleasant and harmful mould.

Luckily an array of mould and mildew sprays are available. Alternatively, you can also use a natural homemade spray with vinegar and borax 

It is essential to wear protective clothing while dealing with mould, so make sure you’ve got your rubber gloves on, safety goggles ready, and a dusk mask at hand before you start the process.

How to treat mould in specific areas

Whether you’re looking for how to get rid of mould in your bedroom or how to clean mould off your walls, here are some common areas mould is found and how you can treat it. 

Bathroom

Want to know how to get rid of mould in a bathroom? A cleaning solution is an excellent option for smooth bathroom surfaces such as sinks, tiles and bathtubs. Whilst wearing protective gloves, spray a cleaning solution onto the area affected with mould and use a sponge to wipe the mould away. For tighter spaces you can also use a toothbrush for trapped mould.

Kitchen

Mould on kitchen cabinets can be cleaned using a homemade solution with equal parts water and detergent in a spray bottle. Next, use a toothbrush or kitchen scrubbing brush to remove the mould.

Walls and Ceilings

To get rid of mould on walls and ceilings, you will usually need a paint scraper to remove the paint barrier and access the mould to remove it. Once paint or wallpaper is scrapped off, use mould removal spray and a firm sponge to remove the mould.

How to prevent mould from occurring

To stop mould and mildew from ever coming back, it’s essential to get to the root of the cause of the damp in your house and take proper precautions.