We often get asked what is the most effective and safest way is to remove mould from homes and offices. In this article we will show you how to effectively and safely remove mould and the best products to use for the job. There does come a point in the process where you will need to make the decision to remove and replace materials in affected areas.
Be mindful of using essential oils as they can leave brown stains.
According to the NSW Health Website mould spores carried in the air can cause sneezing, allergies, blocked and runny nose and irritation to the eyes and skin. It can also cause asthmatics to have an attack and people with allergies, weakened immune systems, chronic lung disease or emphysema are more at risk of mould infection particularly in their lungs.
So let’s take a look at how you can treat mould in your home or office to ensure the air is clean, healthy and fresh.
Firstly you will need to identify whether the affected area is porous or non-porous.
- Non-Porous surfaces are plasterboard, gyprock or timber paneling and have been painted or professionally coated. These surfaces are usually easier to treat as they have a protective coating keeping the mould mostly on the surface.
- Porous surfaces are basically un-sealed materials such as brickwork, stucco, stonework, acrylic foam ceiling paneling, un-sealed timber, concrete, or un-sealed materials. These surfaces are generally more difficult to treat as the mould can penetrate deep into the material.
Non-Porous/Sealed Surfaces:
- Get your products ready and ensure you have plenty of clean water to wash up any spills or exposure to the skin or eyes.
- Get dressed in your protective safety wear on and ensure all your equipment is ready
- Cover items in and around the treating area with drop sheets
- Fill a standard household spray bottle with disinfectant solution
Now you’re ready to get treating!
Step 1.
Start by spraying a brush with your disinfectant solution and then brush the solution onto the affected area, making sure you cover the entire area thoroughly. Using a brush will ensure you can get right into all the cracks and crevices.
Note: You may need to apply more than once depending on the severity of the mould growth and concentration of the solution.
Step 2:
Now leave the room for at least 30 minutes to allow for the solution to work. Then remove excess solution by wiping away with the dry rags.
Step 3:
Clean up the area, remove equipment and the drop sheets. Allow plenty of time for the area to be well ventilated and completely DRY after the treatment. Do not enter without a mask until the vapors can no longer be detected.
Porous Areas
- Get your products ready, ensuring you have plenty of clean water to wash up any spills or exposure to the skin or eyes.
- Get dressed in your protective safety wear on and ensure all your equipment is ready
- Cover items in and around the treating area with drop sheets
- Fill a standard household spray bottle with a disinfectant
Treatment
Step 1:
Wearing gloves apply some disinfectant to the affected area, you then may need to vigorously scrub deep into the surface to ensure you get right into the materials crack and crevices.
Step 2:
Wipe off any excess with your dry rags
Step 3:
Clean up the area and collect all equipment and remove drop sheets.
Allow the area to be well ventilated and allow several days for the treatment to work in killing all the mould.
Note: for badly affected areas you may need to apply the solution more than once.
If you find that after 2 weeks there is no sign of improvement, repeat the process. If after a further 2 weeks and still no result you may need to remove and replace the affected materials. It is best to consult a professional in this instance to gain advice.
If your property has a mould problem, excessive condensation issues, ongoing damp musty odors or what you think is rising damp and you are located in the Sydney, Central Coast or Newcastle areas then contact the professionals at Mould Removal today on 0408 681034 or email info@mouldremoval.net.au for an obligation free quote or a report (see testimonials) to help you understand the real issues and the best ways to rid your property of potential health problems. Beware of band aide mechanical devices it’s far more beneficial to understand the cause/s and actually fix the problem/s, you may be surprised as to how simple the problem is to resolve.
