How to minimise mould
After a major weather event like a cyclone or flood, mould can become a significant issue, especially if nothing’s done to try and prevent it spreading. Here are some practical steps to minimise the growth of mould.
Have the affected area cleaned
There are many home remedies circulating online about effective mould removal – such as using clove oil and vinegar. They may clean the mould affected area, but they won’t do a sufficient job nor kill all the mould particles. Instead, for effective long-term results, you could consider hiring a professional mould remover service to do the job.
Remove wet items
Any wet carpets, rugs, or upholstered furniture should be removed from the home as soon as possible. These materials can retain moisture and become breeding grounds for mould. If items are too large to move, use fans and dehumidifiers to dry them quickly.
Use your air conditioner in dry mode
Put your air conditioner on ‘Dry’ mode and let it run from 30 minutes to several hours in the day, depending on the size of your rooms and home. Dry mode is indicated by a water droplet or teardrop symbol. If adjustable, set the temperature to 23 degrees. Running the air conditioner with visible mould may circulate particles, but air filters usually capture them. Clean the filter if needed.
Use dehumidifiers
Running a dehumidifier can significantly reduce moisture levels in the air, making it harder for mould to grow. Place dehumidifiers in rooms that are most susceptible to dampness, such as bathrooms, and empty the water reservoir every week.
Allow airflow
If you don’t have an air conditioner, open your windows and doors to allow the flow of natural air. Just avoid opening the manhole to your ceiling. Opening your manhole has minimal impact on reducing humidity and may push unwanted insulation or dust particles into your living areas.
Use moisture absorbing kits
These kits can help in small spaces like cupboards, but also work well in smaller rooms. Just know they’re not as effective in larger areas like roof spaces. These kits will absorb the humidity from the air and will fill with water. These are available for purchase from most supermarkets and hardware stores. Keep in mind there may be limited stock after a major event.
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Australian Pensioners Insurance Agency Pty Ltd (Apia) ABN 14 099 650 996 AR 239591 is an authorised representative of AAI Limited ABN 48 005 297 807 AFSL 230859 (AAI), the issuer of Home, Landlord, Car, Caravan, Motorhome, Boat, Travel & Compulsory Third Party Personal Injury (CTP) Insurance.
This advice has been prepared without taking into account your particular objectives, financial situation or needs, so you should consider whether it is appropriate for you before acting on it. The information is intended to be of general nature only. We do not accept any legal responsibility for any loss incurred as a result of reliance upon it – please make your own enquiries.
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