By Ben Knight, founder of Aurala Naturals
As much of eastern Australia heads into summer, household mould is easy to treat as a cleaning problem. It is also a materials problem, and a more sustainable response is to deal with the moisture before anything is torn out and replaced.
When mould appears, the quick answer can be to cut out a ceiling sheet, throw out a rug or bag up a wardrobe of clothes. Sometimes that is necessary. But replacement uses new materials, and if the damp is still there, the new ones face the same conditions.
NSW Health advises that mould can grow indoors in wet or moist areas without adequate ventilation, including walls, ceilings, bathroom tiles, carpets and wood. The US Environmental Protection Agency’s guide to mould, moisture and the home makes the connection to waste clear: mould gradually destroys the things it grows on.
Why replacement isn’t always the answer
Whether something can be kept depends largely on the material and on how quickly it dries. Hard surfaces such as tiles and glass can be scrubbed with detergent and water and dried completely, although the EPA notes that mould can leave staining that may not come out.
Soft and porous materials are harder to save. NSW Health advises that water-damaged carpet and building materials should be cleaned and dried completely, and that anything which cannot be should be discarded. Mouldy carpet may need professional cleaning or replacement.
Porous materials such as ceiling tiles are the most difficult, because mould can work into the material itself, and the EPA notes they may need to be thrown away. Furniture and keepsakes of high value or sentimental value can be assessed by a specialist before a decision is made.
Timing makes a real difference. According to the EPA, in most cases mould will not grow if wet materials are dried within 24 to 48 hours of a leak or spill. A carpet dried the same day is a very different proposition from one left damp for weeks.
Painting is not a shortcut. The EPA advises against painting over mouldy surfaces, as the paint is likely to peel.
Moisture care as everyday maintenance
If the source of the moisture is not addressed, a clean or a replacement may not last. For that reason, moisture control has more in common with routine home maintenance than with cleaning.
Much of it is simple. NSW Health recommends exhaust fans when showering, cooking, doing laundry and drying clothes, and opening windows for cross-ventilation when the weather permits. A patch of mould directly above the shower can be a sign that steam has nowhere to go.
Other signs point to repairs. A stain that spreads after heavy rain may indicate a roof or gutter leak, and a damp band low on an outside brick wall may be rising damp. Condensation on the inside of windows can be a sign of high indoor humidity. These patterns are clues, not diagnoses, but they show where to look first.
NSW Health notes that poor sub-floor ventilation makes rising damp worse, that a new damp course or waterproof barrier can fix it, and that weep holes and air vents at the base of the home should be kept uncovered.
Cleaning carefully, and knowing the limits
Both guides favour a mild approach for routine clean-up: detergent and water, with NSW Health also listing diluted vinegar. A stubborn patch may need more than one clean, and the surface should be dried completely afterwards.
The EPA does not recommend bleach or other biocides as a routine part of mould clean-up, and notes that dead mould may still cause allergic reactions in some people, so it needs to be removed. If bleach is used, follow the label, ventilate the room and never mix it with other cleaners, especially those containing ammonia.
The EPA suggests gloves, goggles without ventilation holes and a properly fitted N95 respirator during clean-up. Anyone with health concerns should speak to a health professional first. NSW Health notes that people with asthma, allergies, other breathing conditions, chronic lung disease or a weakened immune system may be more sensitive to mould or more at risk. The EPA suggests that, in most cases, households can manage an area smaller than about 10 square feet, or just under one square metre.
For larger areas or a lot of water damage, the EPA points to its more detailed remediation guidance. It advises calling in a professional after sewage or other contaminated water. A musty smell with no visible source can be a sign of hidden mould, which the EPA says needs caution to investigate. Where the source cannot be found, NSW Health notes that an occupational hygienist can test and advise for a fee.
Renters should report persistent mould or a suspected leak to the owner or agent promptly. Responsibility for repairs depends on the cause and on state rules, so the relevant state tenancy authority is the best place to check.
Sustainable homes are often discussed in terms of solar panels, insulation and design. Keeping a home dry belongs in the same conversation, because it keeps ceilings, carpets, furniture and clothing in use for longer, and reduces the need to replace them.
About Aurala Naturals
Aurala Naturals is an Australian business founded by Ben Knight, selling essential-oil diffuser blends for the home.
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