An unpleasant odour is not the only thing that mould brings – it can damage your health. This growth thrives in damp environments and, if left unchecked, could turn your home into a new breeding ground for its colony.
ICE Cleaning specialises in providing effective solutions for eliminating both small and large-scale mould infestations. With a highly skilled team of professional technicians, ICE Cleaning ensures that their experts reach your doorstep in a few hours to prevent further growth.
Read on to learn some practical strategies for mould prevention and effective cleaning techniques.
Understanding the mould threat
The dangers of mould come with structural damage and health risks. It naturally eats away at organic materials like wood, plasterboard, or textiles, leading to costly repairs if left unchecked.
Beyond physical damage, mould spores also have adverse effects on our health. Some people may experience allergic reactions or respiratory issues when exposed to certain types of mould.
You must be vigilant about recognising early signs of hidden mould growth in our homes before they become bigger problems. Maintaining optimal conditions against this unwanted houseguest involves understanding its common causes first:
- Poor ventilation traps
- Leaky pipes and roofs
- Condensation on windows
- Damp due to weather changes
Proactive measures for mould prevention
Maintaining the right conditions in your home can help keep mould away. Start by keeping humidity levels low. A hygrometer, a device to measure humidity levels, can help you maintain the right conditions for preventing mould.
Aim to keep indoor humidity below 60%: this reduces damp and limits mould growth opportunities. Dehumidifiers are great tools that can reduce excess moisture in your home.
Ensure there is enough ventilation throughout your property, especially in areas prone to damp, like bathrooms and kitchens.
Opening windows or using extractor fans will let fresh air circulate and stop condensation from building up on walls or ceilings, which could lead to mould. Some easy steps to follow include:
- Regularly check for leaks: Damp patches caused by leaking pipes create breeding grounds for mould spores.
- Dry wet areas immediately: Whether it is after showering or doing laundry, always dry off surfaces where water has gathered.
- Increase surface temperature: Raising room temperatures slightly can lower relative humidity levels inside – fewer cold surfaces mean fewer places where dew point (and therefore condensation) occurs easily.
Effective cleaning and remediation techniques
Although you cannot kill or remove mould yourself, you can clean mildew before it becomes a mould infestation. Firstly, you must clean it with proper protection like gloves and a mask.
You should avoid using chemical cleaners like bleach as exposure to hazardous fumes may cause sickness. Instead, use more natural ingredients like citrus-based cleaners or white vinegar solutions. These are an effective alternative that is safe around children and pets.
To begin cleaning, apply your chosen solution to the affected area using a sponge or cloth. Let it sit for about 10 minutes before gently wiping the mildew away with warm water.
If mould has spread over large areas in your home – more than three feet across – professional help might be needed from mould specialists like ICE Cleaning.
ICE Cleaning is a mould remediation company that offers expert solutions to small and large mould infestations. Its technicians can be on-site within a few hours of your first call and work around the clock to protect your home from mould growth.
To learn more, visit their website today and book a free site survey.
