Mould looks terrible and can be really bad for your health. That’s why getting rid of mould properly is so important. Some types of mould produce “mycotoxins”, which are very toxic to humans and can result in hay-fever like symptoms, respiratory illness and in the worst cases, inhibit the body’s immune system.
For generations, bleach has been the go-to product for cleaning mould. Whilst the mould might look like it’s been removed, all that’s been achieved is to take the colour out of the fuzzy stuff on top, so we can no longer see it. The mould membrane underneath is still alive and strong, spurting out mould spores and mycotoxins making people sick, but now it can’t be seen.
THE BEST WAY TO KILL MOULD!
Small patches of mould can be effectively treated with one of these two safe and readily available solutions:
Vinegar Solution
Vinegar kills up to 82% of all mound species and is an ideal “first use” solution to treat any mould problem. A solution of 80% white fermented vinegar (available in supermarkets) and 20% water.
Mix the solution in an atomising spray bottle and liberally apply it to the affected area. In 20 minutes, lightly sponge off the mould with warm water.
Tea Tree Oil Solution
Tea tree oil has amazing anti-fungal properties and it will effectively kill the mould, however it’s not such a great cleaner. We recommend using a 3% tea tree oil solution consisting of 1 teaspoon of tea tree oil and 2 cups of warm water. Shake well before use.
Mix the solution in an atomising spray bottle and liberally apply it to the affected area. In 20 minutes, lightly sponge off the mould with warm water. If the stain mould remains, treat it with ammonia or vinegar.
Commonly Asked Question
What if there is a still a mark after I kill the mould?
The tea tree oil or vinegar will kill the mould but the mould may discolour porous material such as gyprock. To remove the discolouration you may need to use more aggressive cleaning methods or paint over the remaining stain.
What if I have a major mould issue?
If the mould affected area is bigger than 1 square metre, then it’s probable the mould is also growing in hard to reach places like wall cavities.
When you come across a major mould issue, we recommend calling a professional mould remediator. Electrodry offers a safe, quickly and highly effective service that’s perfect for cases of significant mould contamination.
Mould Can Be A Killer
Mould spores are microscopic particles released by mould into the atmosphere. While most people have no reaction at all to most types of mould, some types of mould produce mycotoxins that can trigger adverse health effects and/or allergic reactions or respiratory problems in some people. Because mould can have such harmful effects on our health, it’s important to take safety precautions when cleaning mould, including using a respirator mask and safety goggles. Larger areas of mould contamination pose greater health risks, so we suggest consulting a professional in these cases.
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER
Sign up for email promotions, tips and special offers.