THE BASICS OF SORTING YOUR CONTENTS
The two main factors when considering what can be remediated or kept, and what should be discarded are the porosity of the material and the level of contamination.
Understanding Mould in Your Home
Mould is a natural part of our environment, but when it grows indoors it can cause serious health problems and structural damage to your property. In Australia, where humidity levels are often high, mould growth is a common issue affecting homes from Sydney to the Central Coast and beyond.
The most important factor in preventing mould growth is stopping the cause of moisture or water ingress. Without moisture, mould simply cannot grow. This guide covers the fundamentals of preventing, identifying and properly remediating mould in residential properties.
Key Principles of Mould Remediation
- Remove, don’t just kill: Killing mould with bleach or biocides leaves dead spores behind, which can still trigger allergic reactions and immune responses. Proper remediation physically removes mould from surfaces.
- Address the moisture source: Every mould problem has a moisture problem behind it. Whether it’s a leaking pipe, poor ventilation, rising damp or condensation, the water source must be fixed first.
- Assess material porosity: Non-porous materials like glass and metal can usually be cleaned. Semi-porous materials like wood may be salvageable. Porous materials like carpet, plasterboard and soft furnishings often need to be discarded if heavily contaminated.
- Consider contamination levels: Light surface mould on a hard surface is very different from extensive mould growth through wall cavities. The severity determines whether DIY cleaning is appropriate or professional remediation is required.
- Protect yourself during cleaning: Always wear appropriate PPE including an N95 or P2 respirator, gloves and eye protection when dealing with mould. Disturbing mould releases millions of spores into the air.
When to Call a Professional
While minor surface mould on bathroom tiles can be handled with proper cleaning, you should contact a professional mould remediator when:
- The mould covers an area larger than one square metre
- Mould is growing inside wall cavities, ceiling spaces or under flooring
- You can smell mould but cannot see it
- Anyone in the household is experiencing health symptoms
- The property has experienced water damage or flooding
- Mould keeps returning despite repeated cleaning
Professional mould assessors use specialised equipment including moisture meters, thermal imaging cameras and air sampling devices to identify the full extent of contamination and develop an effective remediation plan.
MouldSafe provides comprehensive mould assessments across Sydney and the Central Coast. Contact us to book your assessment today.