Fight mould and mildew

The crazy weather Australia has been experiencing lately – flooding storms alternating with warm sunny days – is unfortunately ideal for encouraging the growth of mould in our homes.

Mould and mildew can appear on any surface, given the right conditions – it usually just needs excessive moisture and a lack of light. Fortunately, however, it is easily detected.

Any area of your home that has a distinctive musty smell or is covered with a white, black or grey colouring is more than likely being attacked by mould or mildew. This is most common in areas that are subject to consistent moisture and little natural air or light, such as the shower recess or curtain, or inside wardrobes.

Mould and mildew are not merely unsightly, but also a common cause of allergies and asthma. If allowed to progress, mildew may also cause walls and floorboards to rot.

The best way to combat the problem is by cutting off, or at least restricting, its access to moisture and darkness. Homes with poor ventilation are most subject to the development of mould and mildew. The two best ways to prevent build up is with dehumidification above floor level and ventilation under your home.

Dehumidification can be achieved either by using a "dehumidifier" or simply by opening windows to let air naturally circulate around your home. If your walls develop mildew, open windows to allow as much air as possible through the house. If the room gets little sunlight, leave artificial lights on during the day.

Dehumidifiers are devices that draw the moisture from the air, preventing it from condensing on a surface and keeping the space free of mould. These can be mounted on skirting boards or free-standing so you can move them from room to room.

Perhaps the most efficient way of preventing dampness in the home is to ensure that air can circulate adequately underneath its floorboards and that moisture rising from the earth below can't penetrate your house.

If you do have excessive mould and mildew in your home, it might be a good idea to call in a professional to inspect the subfloor ventilation. The result of an inspection may be to install additional air vents or a fan that will circulate a consistent stream of air under your home.

Superficial mould and mildew inside the home can be cleaned with a mild solution of bleach on a damp sponge.

If you prefer natural solutions, tea tree oil is the most effective. An essential oil which is harmless to people and pets, tea tree oil is both antibacterial and antifungal, capable of killing all types of moulds.

Baking soda is a another, mild (pH of 8.1) alternative, that is harmless to your family and any pets. Besides killing mould, baking soda also deodorises, so using it can get rid of the smell mould leaves in your home. It also absorbs moisture to help keep mould away.

Vinegar is often used along with baking soda when cleaning up a mould problem since vinegar kills different species of mould to baking soda. Vinegar is a mild acid which can kill 82 per cent of mould species. However, it also has the advantages of being natural and safe. Vinegar is non-toxic and doesn't emit dangerous fumes like bleach does.

The most successful approach to preventing mildew is to control moisture, so either remove the source of moisture or ventilate the area adequately, and use products that prevent further growth.