Mould ControlAir Quality

Mould: It's a fungus found in nature that shouldn't be ignored. Its spores can settle in your lungs or on your skin where they can cause everything from allergy symptoms such as a skin rashes, runny nose, itchy, watery eyes, scratchy throat to sneezing, wheezing and coughing. It can also lead to serious respiratory problems, such as lung infections and asthma. And in people with compromised immune systems, exposure can lead to death.

Mould and mildew: what's the problem?
Mould reproduces through tiny spores, invisible to the naked eye, that float through the air. When the spores settle on a damp spot, they grow. In your home, that growth can occur on wood, drywall, tiles, insulation, cloth and food.

Mildew is mould that grows on fabric, such as carpets and upholstery. Prime spots for mould are damp basements, shower tiles, windowsills, around pipes, and in the corners of carpets.

A water leak, plumbing leak, condensation from poor ventilation (such as in a bathroom), or from ground moisture, can cause mould. Even just lingering dampness presents a welcoming environment for the fungus. When an area becomes moist and doesn't dry within a day or two, it's an invitation for mould spores to multiply. Once they multiply, you can often see the mould, which varies in colour from white to black and brown. When it lurks in wall cavities, it isn't readily visible except by removing portions of the walls, but can sometimes be detected by its musty odour.

Mould and mildew: the solution: Stop leaks, ventilate attics, crawl spaces and basements, and use exhaust fans while cooking and showering. Use paint and primers with mould inhibitors in humid spaces such as the kitchen and bathroom and keep carpet out of damp spaces such as basements.

Check that your clothes dryer vents outside because the appliance can create enough steam to cause excess humidity and mould. Invest in a dehumidifier to keep the relative humidity levels within your home between 30 and 50 percent. (Hygrometers are inexpensive tools that measure the humidity in your home.) Settled dust contains mould spores too, so invest in a vacuum with a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Arrestor) filter that will trap mould spores, or in a central vac that can exhaust spore-filled air outside.

If you suspect you have mould, you can test it by scrubbing it with water and mild detergent or baking soda, then sponge it clean with a wet rag and dry it quickly. If the colour comes off, it's likely mould.

You can clean small patches yourself. Wear rubber gloves and a filter mask for safety. (A small area is considered three patches no bigger than a square metre.) For small areas on upholstery and carpets, try a wet vacuum or steam cleaner. Call in a professional if a single patch of mould is bigger than a sheet of plywood.