A Brief Guide to Mould in the Home

Mould is part of the natural environment. Outdoors, mould plays a part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees, but indoors, mould growth should be avoided. Mould reproduces by means of tiny spores, these spores are invisible to the naked eye and float through the air. Mould begins growing indoors when mould spores land on surfaces that are wet.

There are many types of mould, none of them will grow without water or moisture.
Mould gradually destroys the substrates that it grows on. You can prevent damage to your home and furnishings, save money, and avoid potential health problems by controlling moisture and eliminating mould growth.

Can mould cause health problems?

Moulds is not usually a problem indoors, unless spores land on a wet or damp spot and begin to grow. At this stage it does have the potential to cause health problems. Mould produces allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions), irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances called mycotoxins. Inhaling or touching mould or mould spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash (dermatitis). Allergic reactions can be immediate or delayed. Mould can also cause asthma attacks in people with asthma.

Mould Basics

• The key to mould control is moisture control.
• If mould is a problem in your home, you should clean it up promptly and eliminate the moisture problem
• It is important to dry water-damaged areas and items within 24 hours to prevent mould growth.

How do I get rid of Mould?

It is impossible to get rid of all mould spores indoors as they are present in the air and in general house dust. However spores will not grow unless moisture is present. Indoor mould growth can and should be prevented by controlling moisture levels indoors. If there is mould growth in your home, you must clean up the mould and fix the moisture problem. If you clean up the mould, but don't fix the water problem, then the mould problem will eventually come back.

• Fix plumbing leaks and other water problems as soon as possible. Dry all items completely.
• Scrub mould off hard surfaces with MOGO and dry completely.
• Absorbent or porous materials, such as carpet, may have to be thrown away if they become mouldy.
• Do not paint or caulk mouldy surfaces. Clean up the mould and dry the surfaces before painting. Paint applied over mouldy surfaces is likely to peel. Add Anti Mould Paint Additive to the paint.