There’s nothing quite like the feeling of dread that settles in your stomach upon opening a cupboard or door and finding that an unwanted guest has taken up residence. An unwanted guest who not only looks awful but can have an impact on the health of your entire family. We’re talking about mould and as your plumber North Shore way, we see a lot of it during the cooler months.
Mould just loves damp, dark areas and thrives where ventilation is poor. Walls, ceilings, cupboards, bathroom tiles, wood and even carpet isn’t immune from an outbreak. Wherever moisture can accumulate, mould will eventually find its way there and once it moves in, it can be very difficult to remove mould. As it multiples, mould produces particles called spores. Spores float around in the air and can cause health problems for those who are sensitive to them, like young children, the elderly or those with a compromised immune system. The solution? Preventing this unwanted house guest from arriving or showing it the door if it’s already decided it likes your walls and floors!
Here’s how to remove mould at home:
1. Ensure good ventilation throughout your house, even in winter
Ventilation is key to preventing mould. While some areas are easy to ventilate, others like bathrooms and laundries can be slightly trickier. Keeping doors wide open as much as possible and opening windows to increase cross ventilation are all simple strategies that can be very effective, even in winter. Investing in exhaust fans for areas prone to damp may also be necessary if ventilation is difficult. As experienced and licensed plumbers, Wild Water can assess your home for ventilation ‘black spots’ and discuss possible solutions to prevent and remove mould before it gets out of hand.
2. Repair leaks immediately
There’s nothing mould likes better than a leak. Whether it’s from a burst pipe, blocked gutter or failed waterproofing, a leak that’s left to be repaired almost guarantees a mould infestation. At the first sign of trouble, be it a shockingly high water bill, bubbles in your paint work or a weird smell that just won’t go away, call an experienced plumber like us at Wild Water. As your plumber Northern Beaches way, water leak detector service is one of our specialities. Our home health check uses modern technology to locate and repair even the sneakiest leaks meaning no damp spots and definitely no mould. Give us a call today to find out more.
3. Eradicate rising damp
While rising damp can be a problem all year round, it usually gets worse during winter due to increased rainfall. It occurs as moisture from the ground rises up your walls, creating the perfect environment for rapidly multiplying mould. The best solution in cases like this it consulting an expert for removal and repair. A new waterproof barrier will usually need to be installed by a qualified professional, like us here at Wild Water plumbing.
4. Remove mould as soon as you notice it
If mould has arrived, it needs to be removed as soon as possible. You’ll also need to work out what the actual cause of the problem is (often one the issues mentioned above) and rectify that at the same time. To remove mould off surfaces, use a mild detergent or vinegar diluted in water. 4 parts vinegar to 1 part water is usually effective. You’ll need to actually kill the mould first as using as bleach will appear to solve the problem, but really just changes the colour of the mould. When using cleaning solutions, make sure to wear protective equipment including gloves, safety glasses and proper footwear. It’s also important to let the area you’ve cleaned dry completely before replacing any furniture or minimising ventilation. Of course the best course of action is to have your local plumber Northern Beaches tend to any water leaks as a preventative measure.
For a free, no obligation quote or to discuss an issue with mould in your home, give your plumber North Shore, Wild Water, a call today. With 11 years experience in the local area, we can advise you quickly on the best course of action to remove mould help keep your home and family in tip top shape. You can contact us on 0405 692 151.