What is mould? Our top mould prevention tips

Many of us suffer from mould in our bathrooms and kitchens. Far from being just an eyesore, mould can trigger a number of health concerns; particularly amongst children, the elderly, and those with suppressed immune systems. Learning what causes mould and how to prevent mould building up and spreading in your house is vital in the fight against this nasty fungus. 

Don’t let mould fester in your home and cause health problems, combat it as soon as it starts to grow with a multi-usage bleach product like .

What is mould and what causes mould?

Moulds are microscopic fungal organisms that come in a variety of forms. It sometimes grows indoors due to moisture and wet surfaces. If it doesn’t remain hidden (behind wallpaper, for instance), it can often appear as unsightly marks on walls, window frames and other susceptible surfaces.

How to prevent mould

On the surface, mould prevention seems impossible. If you’ve ever simply painted over your mould and seen it grow back within days, you’ll know that it takes more than a splash of paint to reduce mould growth. Rather than merely trying to cover it up, what you need to do is get right down to the source and stop mould growth before it starts.

Here are some changes you can make to help prevent mould growth in your home:

Remove mould spores from surfaces with bleach

Bleach is good for killing mould spores and preventing mould growth. Use it to treat mould with these 3 steps:

1. Spray a product such as Domestos Bleach Spray over the affected area. Protect your eyes, skin, and mouth while doing so.

2. Wipe the area you have sprayed with a clean cloth.

3. Assess whether you need to go over any areas again. Look for any residual marks or discolouration.

Don't dry clothes in enclosed spaces

For some, drying clothes indoors is unavoidable. If that's you, then follow these 3 steps to make sure you dry clothes without creating mould:

1. Open windows (and doors) while drying clothes to allow good ventilation.

2. Place furniture a few centimeters from walls to promote airflow. This is particularly important where you're drying clothes.

3. Heat rooms gently. Using low-level heating while drying your clothes can help reduce condensation. This also works in the bathroom when taking a shower.

Use biocides safely. Always read the label and product information before use.

How to remove existing mould

While it’s important to know how to prevent mould growth, you also need to know how to remove any mould that’s already in your home. 

1. Make a water and bleach solution with 1-part bleach and 3-parts water.

2. Use a hard bristled brush to scrub at the mould using the bleach solution. This may damage your paint so work carefully.

3. Wipe clean afterwards and allow to dry fully.

Always be careful when using bleach. Read the directions on the label carefully, wear gloves and protective eyewear, and keep the windows open. Make sure children stay well away and never mix bleach with other cleaning chemicals as this may produce toxic gases.

Want more information on how to remove mould from walls? What about  floors and carpets? Browse our other articles for more useful cleaning tips or learn more about our recomended products at What’s in Wiki Tips English Products.