If you live in an area that was lashed by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, chances are your home is feeling a little damp right now.
And with damp comes the unwelcome likelihood of mould appearing on your walls, furniture and belongings.
While it can be a headache to keep at bay, it can also be toxic and a risk to your health.
Here’s what you need to know about containing mould before it breaks out.
What causes mould?
Mould is a type of fungi that grows in poorly ventilated spaces such as kitchens, bathrooms and laundries.
It’s most attracted to areas where there has been flooding or dampness, but dust and dirt can also encourage its growth.
It can grow on a variety of surfaces, including paper, cardboard, wood, wallpaper, carpet, fabric and upholstery.
How long does it take for mould to grow?
It really depends on factors such as your home’s exposure to water and the humidity.
In the right conditions, mould can start showing up in as little as 48 hours.
How can you stop mould growing?
Mould thrives in damp and humid settings, so reducing these conditions is key.
When it’s a sunny day, allow as much sunlight and fresh air into your home as possible.
But if your area continues to stay wet and humid, try using a dehumidifier, or running your air conditioner on a dry cycle.
Make sure your furniture isn’t pushed up against walls to allow for airflow.
Absorbent beads can help soak up moisture in wardrobes and other areas.
Moving your indoor plants outside until the weather dries up can also help lower your home’s air moisture.
How do you remove mould?
If mould has already sprung up at your house, avoid using a broom or brush to remove it.
Instead, wipe down affected surfaces with a mix of three parts vinegar and two parts water.
Clove oil can also be a useful tool in your arsenal, but it can discolour some surfaces and trigger allergies.
If the mould is a bit more stubborn, you can use a diluted bleach solution.
But make sure the room is well-ventilated and you wear protective clothing.
You should also ensure any vinegar from previous attempts has been cleaned away, as vinegar and bleach are unsafe to mix.
Any cloths you use to clean mould should be thrown away to avoid the spread of spores through your house.
If you find you have a widespread mould issue, it’s worth tackling the root cause first.
Consider whether factors such as a lack of ventilation, a leaky tap or high humidity are causing mould to thrive in your home.
Can you claim mould on insurance?
Some insurance providers will assist with removing mould, improving home ventilation and replacing damaged items.
While most insurance policies do not cover mould as a primary cause of damage, they may if it’s secondary to an insured event such as a cyclone or flooding.
