Mould can be a big problem in Australian homes - especially during the wetter months. Not only is it unsightly, but it causes all sorts of respiratory problems and can be really difficult to get rid of.

But never fear, because we're here to help! In this article, we'll be sharing some top tips on how you can mould-proof your home using only natural methods. So if you're sick of dealing with this pesky problem, read on!

Mould exposure causes allergies like hay fever and runny nose in most people. Credit: Facebook/Elements Disaster Recovery.

1. Find the source

One of the first things you should do is ask a building inspector to look for sources of water ingress - that is, places where water is coming into your home from outside.

According to Dr Cameron Jones, a microbiologist and an expert on the subject, around 90 per cent of homes he sees have a mould issue due to the roof. Yikes!

2. Ventilate your home

Marianne Zander from Endeavour College of Natural Health says it's important to ventilate your home well by opening windows and using fans or a dehumidifier. This will help to reduce condensation and stop mould from taking hold.

Other things you can do include plugging any airway leaks from sources such as pipes or a leaking roof, decluttering your belongings so there's more airflow, and always using a fan in the bathroom when having a shower (and for 10 minutes afterwards). Good ventilation is key!

Opening the windows can reduce condensation and prevent mould formation. Credit: Pexels/Elena Golovchenko.

3. Clean the air

Investing in a portable air purifier may also be worth your while. According to Geoff Hannaford from Philips Domestic Appliances, 'On average, people spend 90 per cent of their time indoors with indoor pollutants and air-quality levels [that are] frequently two to five times – sometimes even 100 times – higher than outdoor levels'.

One study found that air purifiers (like this one from Amazon) can reduce the number of particles in the air by up to 43 per cent, so it's definitely worth considering if you haven't already got one.

4. Run a hot wash

If some of your clothes are starting to show signs of mould, don't panic! Dr Jones says you can put them in a hot cycle with detergent and, if possible, dry them outdoors.

You should also make sure your washing machine and dryer have been inspected for signs of mould. To prevent mould from growing in these appliances in the future, he recommends running an empty machine with a cup of bleach or vinegar or adding bicarbonate of soda or baking soda to the wash cycle.

You should make it a habit to dry and disinfect wet areas frequently. Credit: Pexels/Gustavo Fring.

5. Prioritise bathroom maintenance

Rachel Gilding from Beaumont Tiles advises against using bleach to remove mould from grout, as it erodes and corrodes surfaces, making them more porous and vulnerable to further fungi growth.

Mould prevention is much better than removal, so she suggests using epoxy grout instead of cement-based grout because the former is a waterproof polymer that will repel water, mould, and mildew.

6. Remove dust regularly

Mould needs organic matter to thrive, such as dust or dead skin cells, so it's important to regularly vacuum and dust. This will help to stop dirt from building up and getting trodden into your floor. Muzaffar Izamuddin from Dyson says that frequent vacuuming will also help to keep your floors looking in tip-top condition.

Key Takeaways

• Mould can thrive in hostile environments and can cause serious health problems.
• To avoid mould growth in your home, ensure that your house is well-ventilated and that any water leaks are plugged in.
• You can also clean the air in your home with a portable air purifier and run a hot wash on any clothing that shows signs of mould.
• Finally, remember to regularly vacuum and dust to remove any dirt or dust that could provide mould with the organic matter it needs to thrive.

We hope these tips help you to get your mould problem under control. If you have any other natural methods that have worked for you, be sure to let us know in the comments below!

 

[RTS]

Number one should have been to remove existing mould.

 

[GabrielaPeterson]

Dude, your post is right on the money! Mould is a sneaky little bugger, isn't it? It's like that unwelcome guest who crashes the party and then refuses to leave. And it's not just an eyesore, it can mess with our health too. Your advice about finding the source is spot on. Gotta nip it in the bud, right? Bringing in a pro to check for water ingress is a smart move. And speaking of pros, if anyone is looking for help with property cleaning related issues, they might wanna check out https://aidens.property. They've got a solid rep in the cleaning game. Anyways, thanks for sharing your tips, mate!