Mould: Everything You Need to Know

Mould is a common yet unpleasant problem that can affect any home. Several species of these microscopic fungi can have a negative impact on your health. In this article, we’ll look at why mould forms, what it can do to you, and how to get rid of it.

How does mould form?

Mould develops from microscopic spores that are carried through the air. When these spores land in a favourable environment, they begin to multiply and form colonies. Mould needs moisture and organic material — such as wood, paper, fabric or food — to grow. Combine these materials with dampness and you’ve created the perfect conditions for mould to thrive.

Mould can appear both indoors and outdoors. Inside your home, it tends to grow in areas with excessive moisture where temperatures hover around 25 °C. The most common hotspots are bathrooms, kitchens, cellars and anywhere water is seeping in. Outdoors, mould can affect plants, trees and building facades.

Read more about how to reduce humidity in your home.

Types of mould you may encounter

Some of the most widespread types of mould include:

• Yeast mould – A white or cream-coloured mould commonly found on food such as bread, fruit or dairy products. It can also appear on bathroom walls and in other damp areas.
• Black mould – One of the most well-known types, black mould has a dark to black colour and frequently grows in damp or musty places (bathrooms, kitchens, cellars). Black mould can negatively affect both air quality and the health of everyone living in the home.
• Green mould – This type typically appears on walls or grass. It has a light green colour and develops due to high humidity, excessive rain or lack of sunlight.
• Penicillium mould – Also known as intestinal mould, Penicillium is used in medicine to produce antibiotics. It’s found in agricultural soil, on food and on plants.

You might also like: Types of allergens: What allergens might you encounter?

What does mould cause?

The presence of mould in your home or workplace can have a serious effect on your health. Mould produces microscopic particles that can be inhaled into the lungs. This may lead to respiratory problems and worsen existing breathing conditions such as asthma. Certain types of mould also produce toxins that can be highly harmful.

Symptoms of mould exposure

If you’re exposed to mould, you may experience a range of symptoms. The most common is an allergic reaction, which often involves sneezing, itchy eyes and nose, a runny nose or a skin rash. Some people may even develop more serious issues.

These problems are often triggered by the distinctive musty smell that, combined with elevated humidity, degrades the air quality in the affected room. So it’s important to pay attention not only to stains on the walls but also to how you’re feeling — and to tackle mould as soon as possible.

TIP: Mould allergy

How to prevent mould

Prevention is the key to keeping mould at bay. Here are 6 tips to help you stop mould from forming and spreading:

1. Keep humidity levels in your home under control. Use dehumidifiers that draw moisture from the air, creating conditions where mould simply can’t thrive.
2. Ventilate your bathroom and kitchen regularly. After every bath, shower or cooking session, open a window and air the room out thoroughly.
3. Fix any leaks in windows, doors and the roof that could be letting moisture into your home.
4. Apply a photocatalytic coating to your façade. It prevents mould from settling and growing.
5. Clean your home on a regular basis. Pay special attention to all the spots prone to mould growth (shower enclosures, kitchens and cellars).
6. Don’t hesitate to call in a professional if you’re dealing with a serious mould problem. They can identify all the places where mould is hiding and advise you on the best solution.

You might also like: 5 tips to get rid of mould allergy

How to remove mould

If you’ve spotted mould in your home, it’s important to remove it as quickly as possible. Here are the steps you should take:

1. Identify the source – Find out where the mould is growing and what’s causing it to spread. Common culprits include excess moisture, leaking windows or a damaged roof.
2. Reduce humidity – Make sure rooms are well ventilated and keep humidity at the right level. Consider using dehumidifiers, which not only help eliminate mould but also get rid of musty odours, protect your furniture and reduce pest activity.
3. Remove affected materials – If mould has taken hold on surfaces such as wallpaper or floor coverings, the best course of action is to remove and replace them. This is the only way to stop mould from spreading further.
4. Use dedicated mould removal products – There are plenty of products on the market designed specifically for mould removal. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. When applying them to affected areas, make sure the space is well ventilated and wear protective equipment such as gloves and a respirator.
5. Get an ozone air purifier – Once the mould has been removed, it’s important to thoroughly clean the air. An ozone generator will take care of that, and you should use it regularly from then on.
6. Watch out for recurring mould – If mould keeps coming back in the same spot, it could be a sign of a bigger underlying issue. In that case, contact a professional who can determine the cause and recommend an appropriate solution.

Read more: 5 tips for getting rid of mould in your home

Key takeaways

Mould can make life genuinely miserable. Whether it appears in your home, at work or on the exterior of a building, it’s a problem you shouldn’t ignore. Focus on prevention — and if mould has already appeared, deal with it as soon as you can to minimise its negative impact on your health and that of your loved ones.

Frequently asked questions