Mould is a type of fungus that thrives in damp, moist conditions and, according to Asthma Australia, 50% of Australians have had mould or dampness in their home in the last 12 months, with one third (34%) reporting mould.
“Mould associated with damp buildings can trigger nasal congestion, sneezing, coughing, wheezing, respiratory infections and worsen asthma and allergic conditions,” according to Better Health Channel from Department of Health, Victoria.
The good news is you can stop mould from taking over your home.
This is where IXL Innovative Dehumidifier Systems (IDS) come into play – they’re wall-mounted, tankless units designed to control and maintain humidity at a comfortable level, prevent mould and improve indoor air quality.
“The IDS IW25-5 Wall Mounted Dehumidifier with combined Bi-polar Ionisation Technology controls excessive moisture that contributes to poor indoor air quality, property damage, mould, comfort complaints, and possible liability risks,” says the Senior Brand Manager of IXL Innovative Dehumidifier Systems.
And the best part? An IDS drains directly to your existing plumbing and can remove up to 31.5 litres of condensation per day to reduce relative humidity in spaces up to 140 square metres – perfect for the northern states who have been dealing with La Nina for the last few years.
Here are some simple tips to rid your home of mould. But first…
As well as being an eyesore, mould can be harmful to our health if it’s not controlled.
Mould can also cause structural damage to your home, leading to decay and corrosion which can result in collapsing ceilings, or rotting window frames or floorboards – and these can cost a fortune to fix.
Mould tends to grow in places without a lot of air circulation and where warm, moist air meets a cold surface.
Bathrooms and kitchens are highly susceptible to mould, as well as the spaces around windows, curtains, and doors due to the constant release of steam and condensation.
This is especially true in regions with high humidity such as northern New South Wales, Queensland and Northern Territory, where warm weather, high rainfall and high humidity over the last few years have meant homes have endured constant exposure to moisture in the air, creating an environment where mould can flourish.
It can also occur because of water intrusion – whether from a leaky roof or plumbing issue, or flood damage.
The tricky part is just because you can’t see mould, it doesn’t mean it’s not there.
“Mould is not always easy to recognise as it may be growing behind walls, under flooring, tiles or wallpaper.”
“You may be able to identify it from musty odours and stain, or discolouration of affected surfaces.”
The most common moulds are black, green or white, but it can also range in colour from grey to orange to brown and may change depending on age or life-stage.
From natural remedies to chemical solutions, you may be able to remove visible mould with some old-fashioned elbow-grease – although unless you’ve identified and controlled the cause, this is just a temporary fix and likely only effective for minor outbreaks.
The Senior Brand Manager says only a specialist mould removal company and proper ventilation equipment can completely eliminate the underlying cause of the mould problem.
“As a guide, you can expect to pay between $500 and $2000 for the removal of mould in a residential home – though depending on the scale and location of the mould, this can sometimes be higher according to Choice.”
The best way to handle mould is to prevent it.
“Maintaining good indoor air quality with adequate light, regularly opening doors and windows to improve air on days where relative humidity is low and reducing it with a humidifier are key to preventing mould growth.”
An IDS helps maintain indoor relative humidity level under 60% to prevent mould growth, maintain a healthier and more comfortable living environment, protect your home from damage, and reduce dust in your home.
So with all these tips under your belt, you’ll be able to keep your home mould free this summer, and subsequently enjoy a healthier home.
This article was originally published on realestate.com.au on 28 Nov 2024 at 2:58pm but has been regularly updated to keep the information current.
There are so many things to remember when moving into a new home. Unsurprisingly, when the to-do list seems to just keep on growing, it’s easy for things to slip off the schedule. Just make sure it’s not these! 1. Get insurance Remember, you may need to start looking into … Read more
Moving into your dream home has to be up there with one of the most exciting things in life, which means doing all the right checks on your potential new asset could not be more important. Joshua Kelland, Head of AAMI, says it is worth doing your due diligence on … Read more