House mould is a common type of fungi often found in human settlements. This fungus is recognised by its muddy appearance which may seem like dust particles. Finding these moulds in the home is a nightmare for homeowners. This is because moulds are capable of causing multiple health issues including skin allergies. Although they are not lethal, getting rid of them is necessary to maintain a healthy home. If you also find house mould in your home, no need to worry about it.
Here we have listed potential causes and different tips on how to get rid of mould in the house.
Causes of Mould in the House
House mould is commonly found and can grow on different surfaces. Any property can get affected by this, whether you have purchased a newly built property or are living in an old one. However, their development can be prevented if you are aware of the core reasons that cause house mould.
Here we have listed some of the most common reasons that lead to house mould development.
Humidity
Humidity is considered the core reason for mould development because it serves as an ideal breeding ground for them. This is why moulds are generally found in kitchens, bathrooms, or in areas where water leaks like sewage or drain pipes.
Condensation
The process of condensation occurs when hot air mixes with cold air. This mixture traps moisture in the air and results in mould growth. Therefore, moulds are most commonly found on hard surfaces like tiles and around windows.
Improper Ventilation
A poorly ventilated house is more prone to mould development. This is because the air kept on circulating within the house carrying the moisture and providing ideal conditions for the mould to grow.
Therefore, poor ventilation tops the list of potential causes of mould in the house. Read our blog on how to improve indoor air quality for increasing ventilation in your home.
Signs of Mould in your House
The development of dark patches that seem like dust particles is a clear indication of mould growth. Apart from visual recognition, there are multiple other signs that indicate mould development in the house.
Here we have listed some of the common symptoms that indicate that your house is infested by mould development.
- Mould growth can be recognised by its earthy smell in the house. This smell is permanent and can get accumulated in your AC and air filters.
- Mould growth on walls causes paint or wallpaper to chip. In some cases, paint blisters also appear on the affected area.
- Generally, moulds do not cause serious harm to humans. However, excessive mould exposure can cause colds, skin allergies and worsen asthma or other respiratory diseases.
- Moulds can also intensify seasonal allergies and in rare cases can also cause muscle fatigue and tiredness.
- Sink flooding and water leaks can also be related to mould development in the house.
How to Get Rid of Mould in House
Here we have listed some of the most effective and convenient home remedies for mould removal.
Removing Mould from Fabric
Moulds can be found in any damp and humid place even on fabrics. The process of removing mould from fabric starts with brushing off the mould from the fabric. Take a bristle brush (hard or soft depending upon the type of fabric) and rub off the mould from the fabric. Make sure to brush the mould from fabric in an open space to avoid mould contamination on other items in the house.
Now, wash the fabric with detergent in lukewarm water. Sun dry the fabric and use it again as regular.
Removing Mould from Leather
To remove mould from leather you need to be more precautious, as leather can get damaged from vigorous rubbing. Prepare a 60:40 solution of water and vinegar or rubbing alcohol and dip the leather in it.
Wipe the leather with a dry cloth and wash it again with soap and lukewarm water. After washing, treat the leather with a leather conditioner and air dry it.
Removing Mould from Tiles
The most common places where you can find house mould on the damp bathroom and kitchen surfaces. To get rid of moulds from tiles, prepare a solution of one cup of beach mixed with one gallon of water.
Pour the picture over the affected area and let it sit for 15 minutes. Now, rub the surface with the help of a brush, rinse with water and wipe it with a dry cloth. Repeat the process if the moulds are still visible on the surface.
Removing Mould from Walls
The process of removing moulds from walls should be included in your home maintenance checklist. Removing moulds from walls is different from removing them from tiles. The core reason is because of the paint damage, rubbing or applying harsh chemicals can cause severe paint damage. Therefore, to get rid of moulds from the walls you need a dishwashing detergent.
In a bucket, mix the dishwasher, bleach and water in a 1:10:20 ratio. Now, soak a sponge in the solution and rub the wall with the sponge. Leave the mixture to air dry after rubbing and wipe it off with a clean piece of cloth.
Tips to Prevent Mould Development
Despite all the aforementioned processes, moulds can regrow in the affected areas. Therefore, it is better to prevent mould development in the first place to avoid any discomfort.
See the following tips on how to prevent mould development in the house.
- Maintain Humidity Level: Maintain the humidity level of your house between 30% to 50% for avoiding house mould growth. To maintain the accurate level you can use a dehumidifier. If you do not have one, browse through these used dehumidifiers for sale in the UAE and purchase it to maintain humidity level.
- Increase Ventilation: Increase ventilation in your house by letting the fresh air circulate in the house. If you are living in a compact apartment, installing an exhaust fan is a better option for increasing ventilation.
- Anti-Mould Cleaner: Regularly deep clean your house with the anti-mould cleaner. These cleaners have certain chemicals that prevent the growth of house mould.
- Fix Leaks: As mentioned above, humidity and dampness attract the moulds. Therefore, fix any water leakage in the house at the earliest.
- Built Storage Space: Dark storage spaces can also serve as a breeding ground for house mould. Therefore, a proper storage space with fresh air access is necessary for a mould-free home.
These were all the ways and tips on how to get rid of moulds in the house. There are multiple ways to get rid of moulds; however, the majority of these moulds have the tendency to regrow. Therefore, if you commonly face mould growth issues in your home, it’s time to move out. Browse through these apartments for rent in the UAE and move into a new apartment with no mould growth.
Stay tuned to UAE’s top property blog for more tips on how to control mould and mildew in your home.
