About Mold & Mildew Allergies: Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
If you’re allergic to moulds, try and remove it. Inhaling mould spores can cause symptoms such as sneezing or a runny nose. Mould can even affect non-allergic people.
What is Mould?
Mould reproduces through tiny, airborne spores. Indoor moulds grow in damp areas
What Causes Mould to Form?
Any wet surfaces in the home will attract mould and aid in reproduction. Areas to look out for include: bathrooms, showers, refrigerators, house plants, humidifiers and garbage bins.
What to do if You Find Mould in Your Home
The key to reducing mould is to keep your home dry:
Fix leaky taps and pipes
Make sure rooms are properly ventilated
Use a vented exhaust fan to remove excess moisture
Keep humidity levels low with air conditioners and dehumidifiers
Use cleaning solutions designed to kill mould and mildew
Dehumidify Your Home
Tackle this problem at the base(ment) level with a dehumidifier. These handy devices will help you to keep humidity below 50%. Change the filter and clean it regularly as instructed.
Sort Out Any Soil
Indoor plants are really pretty, but they can be a haven for fungal spores. Make sure your plant containers don’t develop mould, and cover the soil with aquarium gravel or small pebbles.
Wash And Fully Dry Towels Regularly
Hitting the beach and water sports are most popular in the summer months, which means wet towels. Wash them immediately or hang them out to dry. Aim to switch your bath towel out at least once a week too.
Air Out The Washing Machine
Mould tends to develop in front loading washing machines. Avoid this issue by leaving the door open for at least an hour after each wash and wiping the seal area down with a solution of water and bleach every couple of weeks.
Clean The Cabinets
The smallest plumbing leak can lead to a whole lot of mould growth. Keep the area under your sink mould-free by checking for leaks, puddles and other damp areas.
Aim For The Air Conditioning
With the strong Australian sun, the air conditioner can be a house favourite during the summer months. But the downside is air conditioning units trap dust and pollen while absorbing moisture from the air – a sure fire recipe for mould growth when you don’t run your unit as often. To keep it mould-free, clean your unit regularly and run it every now and again for at least 10 minutes at a time.