We’ve all encountered mould on our walls at least once in our lives. Not only are these stains unsightly, but their spores can also silently harm our health. Mould can form in various parts of our homes for different reasons, and the way we tackle it—or even prevent it—depends on its origin. That’s why we’ve put together a comprehensive guide on everything you need to know about mould!
How Does Mould Form?
If you’ve dealt with mould in your home, you know it can feel like a never-ending battle. You might have tried countless “guaranteed remedies” that promise the world but fail to deliver long-term results. So, let’s start at the beginning: why does mould form in the first place? And why does it keep coming back to the same spots?
It all comes down to humidity and air circulation. Poor air circulation can lead to air that’s either too dry or too humid, and neither is ideal. Dry air can make us feel unwell and sometimes make it hard to breathe, while overly humid air creates the perfect environment for mould to thrive. The optimal indoor humidity level should be between 40-60%. If your home’s humidity falls outside this range, you can use humidifiers or dehumidifiers to adjust it. Mould becomes a real risk when humidity levels exceed 60%, as the excess moisture in the air has nowhere to go and begins to gather in the coldest spots—like your walls. This is where mould starts to form.
Risk Areas in Your Home
Humidity doesn’t just appear out of nowhere. Often, we contribute to it through our daily activities. For example, if you have mould in your kitchen, it’s likely caused by cooking or baking. Installing a good-quality range hood that vents steam outside can help solve this problem. Similarly, the bathroom is one of the most susceptible areas in the home due to the steam from showers or even drying laundry. Regular ventilation is key to preventing moisture buildup in these spaces.
In other parts of your home, dampness can be caused by poor furniture placement. If there’s no gap between your furniture and the walls, air can’t circulate, leading to moisture buildup in those hidden spots. The same applies to houseplants. If your home is filled with greenery, make sure to ventilate regularly and consider using a dehumidifier if necessary.
Another common culprit is the construction of your home itself. With the rise of double-glazed windows and airtight seals, homes can become too well-insulated, trapping moisture inside. If you’re renovating or building, opt for high-quality uPVC windows that allow for some airflow.
How can we prevent mould?
How Can We Prevent Mould?
The key to preventing mould is airflow. The most effective way to achieve this is by regularly ventilating all rooms. Keep in mind that ventilation should be brief but thorough—leaving a window open all day isn’t necessary. In some cases, using a fan can help speed up air circulation.
It’s also important to remove sources of excess moisture. For example:
Use a range hood when cooking to extract steam.
Dry laundry outside whenever possible to avoid indoor moisture buildup.
Be mindful of home aquariums, especially in smaller rooms, as they can contribute to humidity.
Pay attention to furniture placement. Avoid creating tight spaces where air can’t circulate, as these areas are prone to mould growth.
What Can We Do About Existing Mould in our home?
Dealing with existing mould requires a two-phase approach. First, you need to remove the mould itself. The method you choose will depend on the extent of the infestation. For smaller patches, you can use anti-mould products available at your local hardware store. Alternatively, you can try traditional remedies like lime or blue lime, though these are usually short-term solutions.
For more severe cases, you’ll need to take more drastic measures. This involves scraping the affected walls down to the plaster, treating the area with a disinfectant, and applying a primer before repainting. The primer is crucial, as it helps prevent future mould growth.
The second phase is addressing the root cause of the mould. Without tackling the source of the moisture, the mould is likely to return. This might involve improving ventilation, fixing leaks, or using a dehumidifier.
If you’re not confident handling mould removal on your own, it’s best to call in a professional. At MyAdam, we have a network of experienced painters and mould remediation experts across Australia who can help you tackle even the most stubborn mould problems. Whether you need advice or a full-scale solution, we’re here to help.