Don't Be Controlled By the Mould: Complete Prevention & Removal Guide

Don't be controlled by the mould. We've all been a victim of mould, which is usually the result of condensation. Enough is enough! St Anne's Housekeeping believes that everyone deserves to feel at home. Here are our top tips to help you.

Understanding Mold and Its Causes

Mold is a type of fungus that thrives in warm, damp, and poorly ventilated environments. It's not just unsightly - it can pose serious health risks to you and your family. The most common cause of mold in homes is condensation, which occurs when warm, moist air meets cold surfaces.

Health Risks of Mold Exposure

According to NHS Choices, damp and mould may cause:

• Respiratory problems
• Infections and allergies
• Asthma attacks
• Immune system effects
• Skin irritation
• Eye irritation

Top Tips to Prevent and Control Mold

Dry Your Washing Outside

As you may already know, condensation is probably the most common cause of mould. Mould grows in warm and damp conditions, where there isn't much airflow. Drying your laundry indoors will produce condensation. This will have a negative impact on your central heating. If drying your clothes outside isn't possible, we would recommend you dedicate a room to dry them, leaving a minimum of one window open. This will help reduce condensation. You can prevent mould by drying the affected area.

Indoor Drying Tips:

• Use a dedicated drying room with good ventilation
• Keep windows open while drying
• Use a dehumidifier in the drying area
• Ensure adequate air circulation
• Consider using a tumble dryer with proper ventilation

Outdoor Drying Benefits:

• Natural air circulation
• No indoor moisture production
• Energy savings
• Fresh air scent
• Reduced condensation

Open a Window and Shut the Door

Whilst carrying out your usual duties in the bathroom or kitchen, it's recommended that you close the door and open the window after use. This will prevent condensation from settling on walls, windows and ceilings. This will allow any excess moisture to disperse naturally without affecting the temperature of the air in the house. To make life easier, you could buy an extractor fan to help reduce condensation.

Ventilation Strategy:

• Open windows during and after cooking
• Use bathroom fans during showers
• Keep doors closed to contain moisture
• Install extractor fans where needed
• Create cross-ventilation when possible

Extractor Fan Benefits:

• Removes moisture at source
• Prevents condensation buildup
• Improves air quality
• Reduces mold growth
• Energy efficient operation

Ban the Smoke

Smoking cigarettes indoors highly reduce the quality of the air in your home. Take great care in maintaining the hygiene on your fireplace, if you own one. Removing the harmful dust, prevent soot and smoke from contaminating the air. Your home environment might be more polluted than outdoors. Chemicals from household cleaners, spray-on-deodorants, hair sprays and other chemicals affect the quality of air. A wise idea would be to open a window every so often.

Indoor Air Quality Improvements:

• Avoid smoking indoors
• Clean fireplaces regularly
• Use natural cleaning products
• Ventilate when using chemicals
• Open windows regularly

Chemical-Free Alternatives:

• Natural cleaning solutions
• Essential oil diffusers
• Houseplants for air purification
• Natural air fresheners
• Eco-friendly products

Destroy the Dust Mites

Dust Mites enjoy damp and mouldy conditions. You'll find dust mites in bedding, carpets and other soft furniture. If you've had your pillow or duvet for more than two years, approximately 10% of the weight is made up of dust mites and their droppings. Beddings, cushions and carpets should be cleaned or hovered on a regular basis.

Dust Mite Control:

• Wash bedding weekly in hot water (60°C+)
• Replace pillows every 2-3 years
• Vacuum carpets and upholstery regularly
• Use dust mite covers on mattresses
• Reduce humidity levels

Regular Cleaning Schedule:

• Daily: Vacuum high-traffic areas
• Weekly: Wash bedding and vacuum all carpets
• Monthly: Deep clean upholstery
• Seasonally: Professional carpet cleaning

Don't Overload

Overfilling your bedroom wardrobe and kitchen cupboards limit the air from circulating inside. Make sure your furniture is at least 50mm away from the walls so that the air can move around freely. Also, it will make conditions warmer if you place furniture against internal walls inside the house.

Furniture Placement Tips:

• Leave 50mm gap between furniture and walls
• Avoid blocking air vents
• Don't overfill cupboards and wardrobes
• Allow air circulation around furniture
• Position furniture against internal walls

Storage Organization:

• Use breathable storage containers
• Don't pack items too tightly
• Rotate stored items regularly
• Clean storage areas frequently
• Consider moisture-absorbing products

Clean Carpets Regularly

Having carpets inside your house can come with dust mites, dirt, hair and fungus if it's not maintained correctly. This can potentially cause asthma and bronchial attacks, which can cause bad smells and decrease the air quality inside your home. Have you got carpet fitted in your kitchen and bathroom? It may be a good idea to change the flooring to tiles or laminate. This can prevent mould, fungi and dust mites. If you enjoy having carpet in your bathroom and kitchen, rooms need to be well ventilated and carpets need to be cleaned on a regular basis.

Carpet Maintenance:

• Vacuum regularly with HEPA filter
• Professional deep cleaning annually
• Address spills immediately
• Use appropriate cleaning products
• Consider carpet replacement in wet areas

Alternative Flooring Options:

• Tiles for bathrooms and kitchens
• Laminate flooring
• Vinyl flooring
• Hardwood floors
• Easy-to-clean surfaces

Safe Mold Removal Techniques

Remove the Mould

Prevent the condition from escalating by removing the mould. Furthermore, it's recommended you don't remove any mould yourself, knowing condensation is NOT the culprit. Also, if the mould covers an area more than one metre squared. Protect yourself from the mould by wearing goggles, long rubber gloves and a mask which covers your mouth and nose. Keep your doors closed and windows open whilst cleaning to prevent spores spreading to other areas in the house.

Safety Precautions:

• Wear protective gear (goggles, gloves, mask)
• Keep doors closed during cleaning
• Open windows for ventilation
• Don't disturb mold unnecessarily
• Consider professional help for large areas

What You Will Need:

Essential Cleaning Supplies:

• Wet Cloth - Use a cloth dipped in soapy water to carefully wipe the mould off the wall
• Dry Cloth - Once the mould is removed, use a dry cloth to remove the moisture from the wall
• Plastic Bag - To take away any clothes and soft toys that are mouldy. Put the rags in a plastic bag and throw them away

Additional Supplies:

• Protective clothing and equipment
• Appropriate cleaning solutions
• Disposable materials
• Ventilation equipment
• Moisture meters

Professional Mold Removal Process

When to Call Professionals

Call Professionals If:

• Mold covers more than 1 square meter
• Mold is in HVAC systems
• You have health concerns
• Previous removal attempts failed
• Structural damage is present

Professional Mold Removal Benefits

Expert Services:

• Proper assessment and testing
• Safe removal techniques
• Prevention strategies
• Health and safety compliance
• Guaranteed results

Long-term Mold Prevention

Humidity Control

Maintain Optimal Humidity:

• Keep humidity below 60%
• Use dehumidifiers in damp areas
• Monitor humidity levels
• Address moisture sources
• Improve ventilation

Regular Maintenance

Preventive Measures:

• Inspect for leaks regularly
• Clean gutters and downspouts
• Maintain proper drainage
• Check for water damage
• Address issues promptly

Home Improvements

Structural Solutions:

• Improve insulation
• Install proper ventilation
• Use mold-resistant materials
• Address structural issues
• Consider professional assessment

Health and Safety Considerations

Protecting Your Family

Health Precautions:

• Monitor family health
• Address symptoms promptly
• Maintain clean air quality
• Use appropriate cleaning products
• Consider air purifiers

Emergency Situations

When to Seek Help:

• Severe allergic reactions
• Persistent health symptoms
• Extensive mold growth
• Structural damage
• Unsafe conditions

Related Health and Cleaning Guides

• Everyday Items Dirtier Than Your Toilet Seat - Hygiene and bacteria guide
• How Often Should You Wash? - Laundry hygiene tips
• 7 Cleaning Secrets from Housekeeping Agency London - Professional cleaning techniques
• The Ultimate Guide to Luxury Home Cleaning - Comprehensive home care

---

If you require further cleaning help or enquiries regarding our services, don't hesitate to contact St. Anne's Housekeeping on:

Email: [email protected]

Telephone: 020 3670 9997

We will be happy to answer any questions you may have!

Don't let mold control your home and health. Our professional cleaning services specialize in mold prevention and removal, ensuring your family lives in a safe, healthy environment.