What is Mould?
Mould is a type of fungus that lives in warm, moist conditions. It grows in damp, dark and poorly ventilated areas at home like bathrooms and kitchens, or cluttered storage or basement areas.
Mould can be black, grey, green or white. Mould often looks like a stain or smudge and may smell musty.
Mould can grow in and on materials such as food, furniture, fabrics, carpets, walls, paper, timber and plumbing. Mould can also grow in decaying leaves, stale damp soil and compost.
How do I remove mould?
Mould should be removed as soon as it appears. Completely eliminating mould and its causes can take some persistence.
Small areas of mould can be cleaned by using a bleach mixture (1 part bleach to 3 parts water) or a suitable commercial product (follow the manufacturer’s instructions).
Wear rubber gloves, take care not to splash the cleaning solution and make sure the area is well ventilated.
Don’t dry-brush mouldy areas as this can flick mould spores into the air which may cause health problems.
If mould returns, there may be an underlying problem. If mould contamination is extensive then a professional cleaner should be consulted.
Ways to reduce mould growth
Keep windows and walls dry inside the home by:
- ventilating rooms with open windows or doors or using extractor fans
- wiping away condensation
- heating rooms with dry heat
Family/Lounge room
Reduce air moisture by:
- opening curtains and blinds during the day
- opening windows and doors when possible
- switching to an electric or flued gas heater
Kitchen
Reduce moisture/humidity levels by:
- using an exhaust fan or opening a window when cooking
- using lids on pots and saucepans
- checking plumbing for leaks
Bathroom
- open a window or door or use an exhaust fan when having a shower or bath to
control air moisture - clean and dry surfaces that get wet regularly
Laundry
Reduce air moisture by:
- hanging wet clothes outdoors
- opening a window when using a clothes drier or venting the drier outside
- opening a window or door when using hot water
Cupboards and bedrooms
- open blinds and curtains to warm rooms with sunlight
- ensure clothes and shoes are dry before being put away
- keep cupboards and bedrooms uncluttered and well ventilated
Storage space
- dispose of any wet, badly damaged or musty smelling items
- store dry items in sealed plastic containers
- maintain good air movement in storage areas
Ventilation
Moisture and humidity levels are required to support mould growth.
The cheapest and easiest way of reducing moisture and humidity levels is by ventilating a room by opening a window or door. All areas of the house should be continuously ventilated where possible.
The most effective method of reducing moisture is to use exhaust fans in areas where water vapour is created. There must be enough ventilation for an adequate intake of fresh air to replace the moist air.
Reporting to Maintenance
To assist in reducing mould, contact Maintenance when:
- an exhaust fan stops working
- an unexplained water leak is found
Contact SA Housing Trust
SA Housing Trust Maintenance
Phone: 131 288
Umuwa office: 8954 8188
SA Housing Trust
Phone: 131 299
Email: housingcustomers@sa.gov.au
www.sa.gov.au/housing