What is mould, and why is it an issue?
Mould is a basic organism that feeds off of and breaks down organic material. There are many different types of mould. Just your shower alone you may have seen different varieties that appear different in colour, spread and how easily (or not) they clean off.
Mould are a form of fungi, and grows in moist conditions, which is why people also can be susceptible to bodily forms of fungi such as Tinea, on feet where conditions are favourable. Moisture is the main source of growth of mould fungi, which is why moist areas of the home can be more susceptible, such as bathrooms, showers, vanities and basements.
Mould in a petrie dish under a microscope
Mould can create a lot of structural damage if it progresses, slowly destroying walls and flooring as it progresses. To spread and colonise areas, mould releases spores. Some people can have allergic reactions to these spores including respiratory and skin reactions. In some cases, especially in the immuno-compromised, it can lead to mould infections of the lungs. (http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/factsheets/Pages/mould.aspx)
How to clean
Four ingredients are effective in cleaning and controlling mould growth. These are:
- Water
- Vinegar (White)
- Baking Soda
- Bleach
Vinegar & Baking soda can be mixed, along with water or water with just vinegar or just baking soda. For the more stubborn deposits of mould, a diluted bleach solution of 250mls of bleach in 4 litres of water can be used. Commercial mould sprays are also available with this solution pre-mixed.
Ensure proper contact precautions are used when using bleach or chemicals, as they are irritants, causing skin and breathing irritation. Gloves are recommended at all times, and a face mask should be considered also.
Mould Species:
Here is a list of the most common identified
Moulds commonly found in kitchens and bathrooms
- Cladosporium cladosporioides (hazard class B)
- Cladosporium sphaerospermum (hazard class C)
- Ulocladium botrytis (hazard class C)
- Chaetomium globosum (hazard class C)
- Aspergillus fumigatus (hazard class A)
Moulds commonly found on wallpapers
- Cladosporium sphaerospermum
- Chaetomium spp., particularly Chaetomium globosum
- Doratomyces spp (no information on hazard classification)
- Fusarium spp (hazard class A)
- Stachybotrys chartarum, commonly called ‘black mold‘ (hazard class A)
- Trichoderma spp (hazard class B)
- Scopulariopsis spp (hazard class B)
Moulds commonly found on mattresses and carpets
- Penicillium spp., especially Penicillium chrysogenum (hazard class B) and Penicillium aurantiogriseum (hazard class B)
- Aspergillus versicolor (hazard class A)
- Aureobasidium pullulans (hazard class B)
- Aspergillus repens (no information on hazard classification)
- Wallemia sebi (hazard class C)
- Chaetomium spp., particularly Chaetomium globosum
- Scopulariopsis spp.
Moulds commonly found on window frames
- Aureobasidium pullulans
- Cladosporium sphaerospermum
- Ulocladium spp.
Moulds commonly found in basement (cellars)
- Aspergillus versicolor
- Aspergillus fumigatus
- Fusarium spp.
Moulds commonly found in flower pot soil
- Aspergillus fumigatus
- Aspergillus niger (hazard class A)
- Aspergillus flavus (hazard class A)
https://www.moldbacteria.com/mold-types.html
Vigilance, Action & Prevention
The key to eliminating mould and stopping damage in your property is vigilance, action and prevention.
Vigilance is required, as once mould has become widespread, an expert service may be required.
Action is imperative. In early stages, your cleaner, such as Goddess Cleaning Service can remove and maintain small deposits.
Prevention. Why are you getting mould? Mould grows in humidity and moisture, can these elements be controlled to prevent further growth? Are there issues such as a slow leak in a pipe, inadequate ventilation that can be rectified?
Call Goddess Cleaning Group for all of your cleaning advice today on 03 9755 8360