How To Prevent Mould And Mildew In Your Home

Mould and mildew infestation at home can pose serious problems for people with respiratory disorders and weak immune systems. Exposure to this type of fungus can cause coughing and breathing problems and even trigger allergies. Thus, ensure you prevent the spread using proper methods.

Household fungi like mould and mildew often grow in dark, damp and humid areas, such as bathroom walls, shower curtains, window tracks, stained or damp carpets, ceiling walls, kitchen surfaces, etc. So, it is good to check for water leakage issues in your home and fix them to prevent further damage or other issues. This becomes even more crucial when running at the end of your tenancy. Making necessary repairs (except for fair wear and tear) can help protect your hard-earned bond money.

If you want to maintain a clean, healthy and hygienic indoor environment, consider the following tips to prevent mould and mildew growth. It is good to remove the nasty stains using natural cleaning products before the final inspection of your rental property.

1. Address the Problem Areas in Your Home & Fix Them

There is no way to mould-proof the entire home. However, you can prevent mould growth or reduce the chances by considering problematic areas. For instance, if there is a water staining problem in the basement, fix the issue immediately.

Check all your damp or dark spots in the home and leaky pipes because wet areas can breed mould spores quickly. You can repair the damaged gutter, change the corroded or damaged water pipes, fix the leakage problem on the ceiling, etc. It might cost some upfront expenses, but it will boost the property’s value in the long run.

It is good to fix potential issues before calling experts for a budget end of lease cleaning Canberra. This will help you streamline the process without a hint of stress.

2. Dry Wet Areas Right Away

Mould spores thrive in moist areas. Therefore, you should dry wet areas immediately. Make sure you clean and dry your home during monsoon or after heavy rainfall. Also, wipe down your shower walls and doors after each bath. This will also prevent mould infestation.

In fact, leaving carpet spills untreated can breed mould spores and a musty smell. So, proactively blot the carpet stains with a damp cloth and keep your floors and walls completely dry.

Tip: Never leave wet clothes in your washing machine. This can quickly spread mildew and linger unpleasant odours.

3. Get Rid of Clutter

Thoroughly inspect your home and pare down household items you no longer need. Clutter stops airflow and prevents the HVAC system from circulating air, which can lead to condensation and other serious problems. De-cluttering and cleaning basement can make a huge difference in maintaining a clean home environment.

So, toss unwanted items, such as expired items, broken electronics, outdated furniture etc. Also, push furniture away from grills and vents for smooth air circulation. It is always good to leave the room empty for a professional end of lease cleaning Canberra.

4. Monitor Humidity in Your Home

Preventing mould and mildew depends on indoor humidity. According to experts, keep the humidity level inside your home between 30 and 60 %. You can monitor it with a moisture meter and keep a close eye on it.

The humidity level may be higher in bathrooms, basements, and other damp areas. So, fix the problems and prevent condensation.

5. Proper Ventilation to Prevent Moisture

Poor ventilation in the home can cause mould and mildew infestation. If you want to prevent bathroom condensation or keep the areas dry, ensure proper ventilation in your home, especially in the bathroom, laundry room, and kitchen.

Clean your air vents or replace the filters once every three months to prevent dirt buildup. In humid climates, use dehumidifiers to ensure ventilation. Letting fresh air inside the home can make a huge difference and promote a healthy indoor environment.

Tip: Open windows or run an exhaust fan when washing dishes, cooking food and showering to prevent moisture buildup.

6. Invest in Mould-Resistant Products For Your Home

Are you renovating your current home or constructing a new one? If yes, use mould-resistant products to keep mould and mildew at bay. You can use mould-proof drywall or sheetrock. It is basically paperless, and the gypsum core is covered in fibreglass, making it perfect for preventing moisture buildup.

Moisture-resistant drywall is perfect for bathrooms, basements, laundry rooms, and kitchens. Making small changes can make a huge difference and help you maintain a clean and hygienic indoor environment.

7. Clean and Maintain Roof Gutters

Damaged or full gutters can lead to serious problems, including mould infestation. So, ensure you regularly clean roof gutters and inspect for damage, especially before the final rental inspection. Repairing them on time can help prevent leakage and water stains after heavy rainfall.

8. Keep A Close Eye on Houseplants

Houseplants promote positivity, quality indoor air, and greenery. Unfortunately, mould also loves house plants. The moisture in the soil allows them to grow and spread to other parts of your home.

Instead of throwing your mould-ridden plants out, add a teaspoon of Taheebo tea to the water and give it to them. This antibacterial oil can kill mould from the soil and nurture your plant.

9. Naturally, Treat Mould and Mildew Stains

If you see mould spores on your bathroom walls, shower curtains, carpets or basement, remove them right away. Here are a ways to remove mould and mildew using eco-friendly practices and products:

• Baking Soda: It can help remove mild to moderate mould stains from almost all surfaces.
• Diluted White Vinegar: This acidic acid works wonder in killing black spores, pink mould and other type of fungus with ease. Spray and scrub the surface with a brush for sparkling results.
• Tea Tree Oil: Add 20 drops of tea tree oil to hot water and spray onto the affected areas. Its antibacterial properties effectively fight fungus and germs.
• Hydrogen Peroxide: Pour 3 percent hydrogen peroxide into a spray bottle and apply it to the mouldy areas. This natural cleaning product can banish spores and stains without damaging the surface.

You can also hire experts for a budget end of lease cleaning Canberra for the rest of the property and secure your hard-earned bond money.

Tips to Prevent Mould and Mildew in Your Home

Wrapping Up

These are some of the best ways to prevent mould and mildew in your home. Make sure you regularly clean your home, check for damp areas, clean air vents and filters, use mould-resistant products, and maintain airflow to promote a healthy, hygienic, and mould-free indoor environment.