Keeping on top of mould in your property

Winter is coming. Time to put away your shorts & shirts and throw on the long-sleeves. Given that the weather is cooling and the rainy season is well underway, we want to take this opportunity to teach you (or remind you) about the infamous wardrobe killer… household mould.

As the weather cools and winter begins, there is a gradual increase in moisture around your household. Moisture can become a breeding ground for mould and mildew. Luckily, there are plenty of precautions you can take to make sure your home is mould-free this winter. Kitchens and bathrooms are at the highest risk of developing mould, so when cooking or having a shower, open a window or two to help the moisture flow our of the house instead of building up.

Here are some tips we have put together on how to prevent mould throughout the months:

1. Open all external doors and windows as much as possible for fresh air-circulation.
   
2. Clean carpets – If you notice a musty, unpleasant odour in carpeted rooms. Make sure to vacuum carpets regularly, and get them professionally cleaned once a year to eliminate odours, mould free and get rid of allergens.
   
3. Check for leaks – While the use of household appliances can cause moisture build-up, it’s worth checking your house thoroughly for any leaks that could be bringing excess moisture into the home. Common spots that should be checked include under sinks, behind toilets, around your washing machine and dishwasher. If you find a leak, notify your Property Manager.
   
4. Clear the clutter – We’ve all heard of doing a ‘spring clean’, but winter is probably a better time to throw away or recycle old bric-a-brac and clothes. The more belongings we have, particularly stuffed in cupboards and wardrobes, the less space air has to circulate – and air circulation is vital for controlling mould growth. As the colder months start to creep in, spend a day clearing your house of unwanted clutter. You won’t regret it!
   
5. Don’t dry clothes indoors – It may be tempting to put your clothes on a clothes horse or radiator to dry them indoors, but without ventilation, the moisture will evaporate from the clothes and settle on the ceiling and walls, contributing to your mould problem.
   
6. Turn on your exhaust fans when showering or completing laundry and keep them running for at least 15 minutes after you’ve finished using the room to fully air out the room. Ensure to clean these fans regularly to avoid build-up of dust. A fan covered in dust doesn’t work efficiently and are essential for filtering humidity.
   
7. Use a dehumidifier – Dehumidifiers drastically reduce humidity levels, making your home less hospitable to mould, mildew and dust mites. They can be hugely beneficial for allergy sufferers, as they reduce dust build-up too. If you have an air conditioner, use this on dry mode as this works as a dehumidifier.

In addition, here is some helpful information about mould and mould prevention that will help you fully understand what you could be dealing with:

Still having issues?

If you are still having issues, please contact your property manager for assistance.