7 Biggest Mistakes When Dealing With Mould in the Home

If you are like me, you get OVERWHELMED by all differing advice on how to deal with mould.

Bleach? Vinegar? Special paints? OMG!

Let's clear up a few common mistakes.

HINT: mould 'solutions' are not okay!

Dealing with mold in your home can be a complex and challenging process, and making the wrong decisions can lead to further health problems and financial costs.

Here are 7 of the biggest mistakes to avoid when dealing with mold in your home:

1. Ignoring the mould problem

The first mistake is simply ignoring the problem. Mold can cause serious health problems and should not be taken lightly. If you suspect that you have mold in your home, it's important to take action as soon as possible to address the issue.

2. Attempting to clean the mould yourself

While it may be tempting to try to clean mold yourself, it's not recommended. Mold can release harmful particles into the air when disturbed, making the problem worse and potentially putting your health at risk. Instead, it's best to hire a professional mold remediation company to handle the job.

3. Not finding the source of the moisture problem

Mold grows in moist environments, so it's important to identify the source of the moisture before cleaning. If the source of moisture is not addressed, the mold will simply return. A professional mold assessor can help you identify the source of the problem and come up with a plan to remediate it.

4. Using bleach or a 'solution' to clean mold

Bleaching mold may seem like a quick and easy solution, but it's NOT effective and can actually make the problem worse. Bleaching mold will not kill it and will simply lighten its color, making it harder to see.  It also introduces more moisture, increasing the risk of more mould growth. Mould spores left behind after bleaching  in your home will still release mycotoxins into the air, risking your health. 

Instead of reaching for the bleach or 'mould buster', remember that the contaminated materials must be removed from the building, or cleaned using IICRC guidelines for remediation. Your certified mould professional will help determine the condition of the materials and thus, the remediation method required.

5. Not wearing protective gear

When dealing with mold, it's important to wear protective gear, such as a mask (P2 or P3), gloves, and goggles.  Mould spores can be inhaled, and can also enter your body through your eyes! Wearing the right protective equipment will help protect you from mold spores and prevent the spread of mold particles to other areas of your home.

6. Not containing the mouldy area

Mold should be contained to prevent its spread to other areas of your home. This involves sealing off the area with plastic sheeting and using negative air pressure  in the right manner to keep mold particles from spreading. Failure to contain the area, or poor containment techniques can lead to the mold spreading and making the problem worse. A certified professional mould remediator is trained to set up the right containment for the job.

7. Not getting a post-remediation assessment

Finally, it's important to get a post-remediation assessment to ensure that the mold has been completely removed and that the air quality in your home has returned to normal. This will give you peace of mind that you and your family are safe and that the mold problem has been completely resolved. It is recommended to use an independent Mould Testing Technician to get your PRV (post remediation verification) done - this removed any biases of the remediator who did the clean up.

So what IS the right approach for you to tackle your mould issue at home?

Every building and space has unique conditions, unique water issues, and unique mould issues. If you have identified moisture ingress ormoisture in your home, the first step is to call in a professional. The area will need to be assessed, dried out, and a plan made for remediation. A certified Mould Testing Technician will help identify the source of the moisture, the extent of the fungal particulate spread, and help direct you with next steps for remediation.

Dealing with mold in your home requires careful attention to detail and a professional approach. By avoiding these 7 mistakes, you can ensure that your home is free from mold and that your family is protected from potential health problems.

If you are in Tasmania, book your free 15 minute call with Bronwyn to discuss your mould challenge.