If you’re living in rented accommodation or you’ve recently moved house, problems with mould can be a real issue. Sometimes you can inherit mould when you move in, and it may already be very comfortable in your home! But what is mould? And what can you do about it?

What is mould?

Mould is a fungus that essentially only requires moisture and some form of material for it to grow on. Bathrooms are inherently damp, and there’s also a vast array of materials prime for mould growth. For example soggy sponges and wooden surfaces are heaven for mould! As the mould grows it begins to release spores into the air. At this point the mould develops from being a nasty addition to your interior design to a serious health issue.

Why is mould dangerous?

Mould can have a negative impact on your health, as when it begins to release airborne spores into the atmosphere these spores can affect your eyes and airways, leading to irritation, allergic reactions and symptoms of asthma.

How can you identify mould in your house?

As noted above, the only requirements mould needs to survive is moisture and a surface to live on. Use this information to identify the areas of your home that are likely to provide this environment, usually bathrooms! When it comes to actually identifying the mould itself, keep in mind that mould can be any colour but it normally looks like a dirty smudge.

Now you’ve found mould, how do you remove it?

There are tons of products on the market to help to kill and remove mould from your home. Here’s a quick guide to some of the products you can use to remove mould. Before using any of these products, make sure you vacuum the area thoroughly to reduce the amount of spores that are present in the air.

Bleach – Efficient on non-porous surfaces such as tiles, but unsuccessful on porous surfaces, like painted walls and wood. Bleach can also have a damaging or corrosive effect, and gives off harmful fumes. Vinegar is a much safer bet, especially if the problem is quite extensive!

Borax – Mix the borax with water to a ratio of one cup borax to one gallon of water and use a scrubbing brush on the surface where the mould is growing. Once the process is complete, do not rinse the surface, as the solution will prevent more mould from growing in its place. Dry the area thoroughly.

Vinegar – Use white distilled vinegar in a spray bottle to defeat mould in your home. Spray the vinegar onto the mould and wipe wipe a dry cloth. Leave the vinegar to dry.

Ammonia – Ammonia is a very harsh chemical, use caution if you plan to use this in your home. Also beware never to mix bleach and ammonia, as chlorine and ammonia can be extremely hazardous!

How can I avoid mould in future?

Make sure that the room is well ventilated. Condensation on the walls and ceiling is one of the most common causes of mould growth in bathrooms, as the steam from the bath or shower rises and once condensation has formed it can stay there for hours allowing mould to fester. If your bathroom isn’t equipped with an extractor fan, keep the window open in order to try and clear as much steam as possible before it has a chance to condense.

When you finish showering, use a dry cloth or a squeegee to dry the tiles. This will prevent mould from forming in the grouting. It is also worth using a sealant to protect the grouting, which should be reapplied annually.