Regular maintenance and house mould removal is important because exposure to any type of mould can lead to serious health issues, such as respiratory problems, headaches, fatigue and more. Mould also has the potential to damage the structure of your and therefore reduce its value – sometimes significantly. Regular inspections and timely removal of mould can prevent these problems from occurring and ensure you maintain a happy, healthy living environment at home.
This checklist will help you understand key steps such as how to remove mould from wood and other surfaces.
Why remove mould from your house?
Mould is a type of fungus that can cause serious health problems when inhaled. Being exposed to mould can lead to symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, eye and irritation, as well as other respiratory problems. In extreme cases, it can even lead to neurological and immune-system damage.
House mould removal is essential to protect your health. Because it can spread so quickly, it’s important to identify and address the source of the problem, such as moisture or water leaks, to prevent it from returning. Professional mould removal may also be necessary when it is too difficult to eradicate the problem yourself. Professional mould removal in Auckland is available from Restoration Specialists. We are a team of experts highly experienced with larger mould problems and serious infestations.
Why does mould grow in your house?
Mould usually grows in houses due to high levels of moisture and humidity in the environment, which is common in New Zealand especially. Mould spores are present in most indoor and outdoor environments, and when they come into contact with the right conditions, they can quickly reproduce and spread. These conditions include:
- High humidity
- Heat
- Darkness
- Poor air circulation
In your home, these issues are often exacerbated by poor ventilation, water leaks and excess moisture from cooking, bathing and doing the laundry. Removing black mould from the bathroom, for example, is a common request from customers. The good news is that in many cases mould growth can be prevented by controlling moisture, increasing air circulation and using dehumidifiers in wet areas.
What are the differences between the mould types?
There are several types of mould that can grow in your home that you should be aware of. They include:
- Aspergillus
- Cladosporium
- Penicillium
- Alternaria
- Aureobasidium
- Fusarium
- Stachybotrys (also known as black mould).
All of these various moulds can grow on surfaces in your home, such as the walls, ceiling, carpet, insulation and wood – in which case you may need a specialist who knows how to remove mould from wood. Mould thrives in moist and humid environments, and if unmanaged it can cause health problems such as allergies, respiratory issues and headaches.
Professional vs DIY
Professional mould removal should always be the preferred method for eliminating mould from your home or building. A professional mould removal company like Restoration Specialists has the experience, equipment and capability to properly identify and remove any type of mould. We use protective gear, air filtration devices and specialised cleaning solutions to safely remove mould from your home and prevent it from returning.
By contrast, a DIY mould removal solution can be dangerous and often results in the incomplete removal of mould, which can lead to further spread of mould spores. DIY solutions typically involve using household cleaning products which aren’t designed to effectively remove mould or may cause spores to release into the air, putting you and your family at risk. Additionally, without proper protective gear and air filtration, DIY mould removal can expose you to toxic mould spores.
Mould removal steps
While it’s always a good idea to use a professional mould removal service, especially in instances where you find black mould in your home, you can still take steps to remove other mould and maintain your home by following this checklist:
Identify the areas mould grew
Mould thrives in moist and humid environments, so it’s important to identify areas in your home that are at risk of mould spread and control the moisture levels. The most common areas where mould may be growing in your home include:
- Bathroom
- Kitchen
- Basement
- Attics
- Crawl spaces
Mould can also grow on a variety of surfaces such as walls, ceilings, carpet, insulation and wood that has been exposed to moisture.
Assess the damage
Here are five key steps to assessing areas in your home that have mould:
- Look for visible signs of mould such as discoloration, condensation or a musty odour.
- Check areas that are prone to high levels of moisture, such as bathrooms and kitchens.
- Inspect any areas that have experienced water damage, such as due to leaks or flooding.
- Use a moisture meter – a helpful mould removal solution – to measure the moisture levels in walls and other surfaces.
- For serious mould issues, hire an experienced mould inspector or remediation company like Restoration Specialists. We will assess the extent of your mould problem and provide a plan for removal.
When assessing areas of your home for mould, always wear protective gloves and a mask. Also avoid disturbing the mould, as this can release spores into the air.
Remove the source of moisture
By removing the source of moisture, you can often prevent mould from growing in your home. Here are some tips:
- Fix leaks: Repair any leaks in your home, such as leaky pipes or roof.
- Control humidity: Use a dehumidifier or air conditioning to lower humidity levels inside.
- Ventilate: Install exhaust fans in your bathroom, kitchen and other areas that are prone to moisture.
- Address condensation: Reduce condensation by improving insulation, sealing air leaks and increasing ventilation.
Remove the mould
To remove mould from your home after you have identified and removed the source of moisture, start by using a detergent solution or bleach to clean the area and remove any mould. Make sure the area is thoroughly dried afterwards. Finally, use an air purifier to reduce moisture levels in the room, and take steps to prevent future mould growth by increasing ventilation, fixing leaky pipes using a dehumidifier, or applying a mould-resistant paint to the room.
Does commercial mould remover work?
Unfortunately, commercial mould remover won’t work on every area of your home and especially on more serious mould infestations. That’s why it’s important to speak to a professional like Restoration Specialists.
One of the main reasons why they don’t always effectively remove mould is because they contain weak concentrations of active ingredients, such as bleach, which is not strong enough to penetrate the tough surfaces where mould is found. These removers are also not powerful enough to remove all the mould spores and prevent their regrowth, meaning the mould can quickly reappear.
Another issue is that they may not be able to reach the areas where the mould has spread. Mould can often hide deep within the cracks and crevices of surfaces, and it can be difficult to effectively remove all of it without special equipment from a professional mould remover. This means some areas of mould may still remain and spread further.
What surfaces are hard to remove mould from?
Unlike clothing, many surfaces around your home are hard to remove mould from. These include:
- Porous materials: Carpet, drywall, and upholstery.
- Textured surfaces: Popcorn ceilings, for example, can trap mould and make it difficult to remove.
- Wooden surfaces: Wood can rot when exposed to moisture.
- Masonry surfaces: Mould can penetrate deep into masonry surfaces, such as brick and concrete.
If you find that mould is present on a hard-to-remove surface in your home, it’s best to seek the help of a professional mould removal company like Restoration Specialists.
Conclusion
Regular maintenance and house mould removal is crucial to maintaining a healthy living environment at home and preventing serious health issues. You can stay on top of this by maintaining low levels of moisture and good air circulation to prevent mould growth. However, professional mould removal services may be necessary for more serious infestations.
Remember that DIY mould removal can be dangerous, exposing you to toxic spores, so using a mould removal solution like Restoration Specialists will ensure you get the expertise, equipment and protective gear to safely and effectively remove mould from your home.
Why choose Restoration Specialists?
Restoration Specialists offer a range of market-leading services to help restore your property in the event of mould, flooding or other damage. In addition to being a professional mould removal service in Auckland with high-quality mould removal and restoration expertise, we provide services for flood and water damage, decontamination, sanitation and disinfection, and flooded carpet cleaning and drying services.
If you have found mould in your home and want it managed by a team of experienced professionals, contact Restoration Specialists today. Call us on 0800 332 664 or email info@resspec.co.nz.