Mould spores exist both indoors and outdoors but they can’t be seen. Spores can get into the home in different ways: through open windows, ventilation and doorways or by attaching to objects people or even your pets.
Given the perfect conditions, mould can flourish and grow where it lands.
Mould can often appear in areas where:
- Flooding or water leakage has occurred
- Windows with condensation build up
- Places where air cannot circulate – i.e. Wardrobes
Such as:
- Paper or cardboard products (wallpaper)
- Ceiling tiles
- Wood
- Insulation material
- Upholstery and other fabric
You’ll usually be able to see and smell mould. It can damage items in your home and can have a serious effect on your health, especially if you have an allergy, existing respiratory problems such as asthma or a weak immune system.
Keeping the amount of moisture down in your home is the main way to stop mould from developing as well as keeping your home clean and ventilated.
Protection, prevention and reduction
Ways to help:
- Clean up leaks or spills quickly
- Use an in house ventilation system to reduce indoor moisture
- Leave windows open to circulate air
- Avoid indoor activities that produce moisture – Drying clothes or using kerosene heaters
- Make sure clothes are dry before putting them away
- Airing wardrobes and drawers that are empty
- Keeping surfaces clean so mould can’t build up on them
- Use mould killing products when cleaning the bathroom
- Maintaining your home, gutters, roofs and drains to reduce the risk of leaks
