Avoid Mould With These 17 Easy Tips

17 Easy Ways To Prevent Mould In Your Home 

Here’s how to keep moisture to a minimum and prevent any dreaded spots of patches of mould from occurring. 

1. Frequently Clean Your Air Conditioner 

Without regular cleaning, a buildup of dust, dirt and moisture creates the perfect conditions for mould to grow in your air conditioner.  

Find out how to safely clean your AC unit in our article here and when it’s best to call in a professional air conditioning cleaning service instead.   

2. Install Exhaust Fans In The Kitchen & Bathroom 

The kitchen and bathroom are two areas prone to excessive moisture and condensation.  

An exhaust fan will help extract steam when cooking, bathing or showering and should be left on for 15 minutes afterwards, especially in bathrooms without windows.  

3. Regularly Clear Gutters & Stormwater Drains 

A build up of dirt, sticks and leaves in gutters and stormwater drains prevents water draining away quickly in the event out a downpour.  

To combat this, clean your gutters and drains regularly and check for any cracks or leaks.   

4. Use Dehumidifiers In Humid Climates 

Even the best efforts to keep the home dry and ventilated can be futile in humid climates. A dehumidifier helps draw excess moisture from the air, significantly reducing the likelihood of mould. 

5. Dry Wet Clothes Outside 

Drying wet or damp clothes inside allows moisture to evaporate and linger in the home, encouraging mould growth on the walls and ceiling.  

When weather permits, dry laundry outside, or if you don’t have an outdoor space, use a fan to encourage airflow throughout the room.  

6. Repair Leaks As Soon As Possible 

If you notice any leaking pipes, taps or appliances, it’s important to address them immediately. This will prevent a hidden mould infestation from growing behind walls, in cabinets or under floorboards.  

7. Install Security Fly Screens 

Do pesky bugs and insects stop you from frequently opening your windows and doors?  

Install security fly screens to allow for maximum airflow throughout the home without the addition of unwanted insects.  

8. Switch Your AC To ‘Dry Mode’ 

Using your AC unit on dry mode helps keep indoor air at an optimum humidity level. Even better, dry mode typically uses less energy, which means lower power bills. It’s a win-win. 

9. Leave Wardrobe Doors Open  

Wardrobes are dark, stuffy and typically full of natural fibres like linen and cotton, making them even more susceptible to mould.  

To prevent mould growing on your beloved clothes, try to leave wardrobe doors open where possible, allowing for plenty of natural light and airflow.  

10. Frequently Clean Mould Prone Areas 

Bathrooms and kitchens are some of the most mould prone areas of the home. Regularly cleaning them of any dust, soap residue and excess moisture will significantly reduce your chances of mould.  

11. Use Mould Inhibiting Paints 

Mould inhibiting paints are specially formulated with anti-microbial properties, giving your painted surfaces that extra layer of protection.  

Disclaimer: You should never paint over existing mould as it will continue to grow behind the paint.  

12. Ensure Your Shower Has A Decent Fall 

To prevent water from pooling in your shower, the floor should have an adequate fall, or gradient, to allow efficient water runoff. This will inhibit mould growing on shower tiles, grout and silicone. 

13. Leave The Washing Machine Door Open 

Every time you finish a load of washing, leave the machine door open. This allows the interior of the machine to dry out properly and inhibits the growth of mould inside the unit. 

14. Trim Overgrown Trees And Vegetation 

Climbing vines and overgrown trees create excess moisture around the home, making it hard for it to dry out properly.  

Not to mention, overgrown trees can easily be uprooted in strong winds, potentially damaging your roof or gutter system.  

15. Act Immediately If Your Home Floods 

Mould begins to grow in a flooded home in as little as 48 hours. So, if you home floods, seek out the services of structural drying or water damage restoration experts as soon as possible to begin the clean up process.  

16. Allow Gaps Between Furniture And Walls 

Maintaining a slight gap between furniture and the wall increases ventilation and allows air to circulate freely throughout the room. This will stop hidden mould from growing behind bedheads, cabinets and shelves. 

17. Vacuum With A HEPA Filter 

HEPA (or High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters help safely remove mould spores lurking in carpet fibres or on the floor. Consider investing in one, especially if you live in a high humidity climate.  

Following these 17 handy tips will set your home up with the best defences against mould.  

However, finding mould in your home is common. If you find yourself in this situation, the safest thing to do is call in a professional mould remediation company like MouldMen. Call us on 1300 60 59 60 to book your free inspection today.