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Mould growth in your home is usually caused by a combination of moisture, warmth, and a food source. Here are the main factors:
Humidity and Moisture: Mould thrives in damp environments. High humidity levels, leaks, condensation, or water damage can create the perfect conditions for mould to grow.
Warmth: Mould prefers warm environments, typically between 77°F and 86°F (25°C and 30°C). However, some moulds can grow in cooler temperatures as well.
Poor Ventilation: Poor airflow can cause moisture to build up, particularly in areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and basements.
Organic Materials: Mould feeds on organic materials such as wood, paper, carpet, and food. Any damp, organic material can become a food source for mould.
Darkness: Mould often grows in dark places, as ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun can inhibit its growth.
Spore Presence: Mould spores are naturally present in the air. When they land on a moist surface, they can begin to grow if the conditions are right.
Preventing mould involves controlling these factors, primarily by managing moisture and ensuring good ventilation. Here are some tips:
Use dehumidifiers to keep humidity levels below 60%.
Fix leaks and water damage promptly.
Ensure proper ventilation in high-moisture areas like bathrooms and kitchens.
Use exhaust fans or open windows to improve air circulation.
Clean and dry areas prone to moisture, such as shower stalls and window sills, regularly.
Consider using mould-resistant products in areas prone to moisture.
If you already have mould, it’s essential to clean it up promptly and address the moisture problem to prevent future growth.
Mould itself is not inherently toxic, but some types of mould can produce mycotoxins, which are toxic compounds that can pose health risks to humans and animals. Here’s a breakdown of the potential health effects of mould:
Allergic Reactions: Many people are allergic to mould spores, which can cause symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash. In more severe cases, mould exposure can trigger asthma attacks in people with asthma.
Respiratory Issues: Prolonged exposure to mould, especially in people with pre-existing respiratory conditions, can lead to respiratory problems, such as chronic coughing and wheezing.
Mycotoxin Exposure: Certain types of mould, such as Stachybotrys chartarum (commonly known as “black mould”), can produce mycotoxins. These mycotoxins can lead to more severe health issues, including chronic fatigue, headaches, neurological problems, and immune system suppression. However, the presence of black mould does not always mean mycotoxins are present.
Infections: In rare cases, mould can cause fungal infections, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems. These infections can range from skin infections to more serious conditions like aspergillosis, which affects the lungs.
Irritation: Mould can also cause irritation of the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs, even in individuals who are not allergic to it.
The health effects of mould exposure can vary depending on the type of mould, the extent of exposure, and an individual’s health and sensitivity. To minimize the risks associated with mould, it’s important to maintain a clean and dry environment and address any mould growth promptly. If you suspect significant mould contamination, it may be best to consult a professional for assessment and remediation.
Mould spreads in the home primarily through the release of tiny spores into the air. These spores can travel through the air and settle on various surfaces, where they can begin to grow if the conditions are suitable. Here are the key ways mould spreads:
Airborne Spores
Spore Release: Moulds reproduce by producing spores that are released into the air. These spores are microscopic and can easily become airborne.
Air Currents: Spores can be carried by air currents within the home. This can happen through natural airflow, such as when doors or windows are opened, or through mechanical means, such as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.
Water and Moisture
Leaks and Flooding: Water leaks from plumbing, roofs, or windows can provide the moisture needed for mould to grow. Flooding can create widespread areas of dampness that are ideal for mould growth.
Condensation: Condensation on windows, walls, or pipes can create small, localized areas of moisture where mould can begin to grow.
High Humidity: High indoor humidity levels (above 60%) can create a moist environment conducive to mould growth. This is often a problem in bathrooms, kitchens, basements, and other areas prone to high humidity.
Surface Contact
Contaminated Objects: Spores can be transferred to new areas by contaminated objects. For example, clothing, shoes, bags, or other items that come into contact with mould can carry spores to other parts of the home.
Pets: Pets can carry mould spores on their fur, spreading them as they move around the home.
HVAC Systems
Ductwork: Spores can settle and grow in the ductwork of HVAC systems. When the system is running, it can distribute spores throughout the home.
Filters and Vents: Mould can grow on HVAC filters and vents, further spreading spores when the system operates.
Food Sources
Organic Materials: Mould can grow on a variety of organic materials, such as wood, paper, fabric, and food. Spores can settle on these materials and begin to grow if there is sufficient moisture.
Preventing Mould Spread
To minimize the spread of mould in your home, you can take several preventative measures:
Control Humidity: Use dehumidifiers and air conditioners to maintain indoor humidity levels below 60%.
Fix Leaks Promptly: Address any leaks in roofs, walls, or plumbing immediately to prevent moisture buildup.
Ensure Proper Ventilation: Use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens, and ensure proper ventilation in attics and basements.
Clean and Dry: Clean and dry any areas affected by water damage within 24-48 hours.
Use Mould-Resistant Products: Consider using mould-resistant paints, drywall, and insulation in areas prone to moisture.
Regular Maintenance: Regularly inspect and maintain HVAC systems, including cleaning ducts and changing filters.
By managing moisture and ensuring proper ventilation, you can significantly reduce the risk of mould growth and spread in your home.
Exposure to mould can cause a range of symptoms, depending on the individual’s sensitivity, the type of mould, and the extent of exposure. Common symptoms of mould exposure include:
Allergic Reactions
Sneezing
Runny or stuffy nose
Red, itchy, or watery eyes
Skin rash or hives
Coughing
Wheezing
Respiratory Issues
Chronic cough
Wheezing or difficulty breathing
Throat irritation
Sinus congestion or sinusitis
Asthma attacks (in individuals with asthma)
Eye, Skin, and Throat Irritation
Red, itchy eyes
Skin irritation or rash
Sore or itchy throat
Neurological Symptoms
Headaches
Difficulty concentrating or memory problems
Fatigue
General Symptoms
Nausea
Dizziness
Fever (in rare cases, if there is an associated infection)
Severe Reactions and Mycotoxin Exposure
For individuals exposed to moulds that produce mycotoxins, such as Stachybotrys chartarum (black mould), symptoms can be more severe and may include:
Chronic fatigue
Persistent headaches
Neurological problems (e.g., tremors)
Suppression of the immune system
Infections
In rare cases, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems, exposure to mould can lead to fungal infections, such as:
Aspergillosis (affecting the lungs)
Skin infections
Who Is at Higher Risk?
Certain groups of people are more susceptible to the health effects of mould, including:
Infants and children
Elderly individuals
People with compromised immune systems (e.g., due to HIV, chemotherapy, or organ transplants)
Individuals with chronic respiratory conditions (e.g., asthma, chronic bronchitis)
If you experience any of these symptoms and suspect mould exposure, it is important to take steps to identify and remove the source of mould in your environment. If symptoms persist or are severe, seek medical advice.
Mould spreads in the home primarily through the release of tiny spores into the air. These spores can travel through the air and settle on various surfaces, where they can begin to grow if the conditions are suitable. Here are the key ways mould spreads:
Airborne Spores
Spore Release: Moulds reproduce by producing spores that are released into the air. These spores are microscopic and can easily become airborne.
Air Currents: Spores can be carried by air currents within the home. This can happen through natural airflow, such as when doors or windows are opened, or through mechanical means, such as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.
Water and Moisture
Leaks and Flooding: Water leaks from plumbing, roofs, or windows can provide the moisture needed for mould to grow. Flooding can create widespread areas of dampness that are ideal for mould growth.
Condensation: Condensation on windows, walls, or pipes can create small, localized areas of moisture where mould can begin to grow.
High Humidity: High indoor humidity levels (above 60%) can create a moist environment conducive to mould growth. This is often a problem in bathrooms, kitchens, basements, and other areas prone to high humidity.
Surface Contact
Contaminated Objects: Spores can be transferred to new areas by contaminated objects. For example, clothing, shoes, bags, or other items that come into contact with mould can carry spores to other parts of the home.
Pets: Pets can carry mould spores on their fur, spreading them as they move around the home.
HVAC Systems
Ductwork: Spores can settle and grow in the ductwork of HVAC systems. When the system is running, it can distribute spores throughout the home.
Filters and Vents: Mould can grow on HVAC filters and vents, further spreading spores when the system operates.
Food Sources
Organic Materials: Mould can grow on a variety of organic materials, such as wood, paper, fabric, and food. Spores can settle on these materials and begin to grow if there is sufficient moisture.
Preventing Mould Spread
To minimize the spread of mould in your home, you can take several preventative measures:
Control Humidity: Use dehumidifiers and air conditioners to maintain indoor humidity levels below 60%.
Fix Leaks Promptly: Address any leaks in roofs, walls, or plumbing immediately to prevent moisture buildup.
Ensure Proper Ventilation: Use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens, and ensure proper ventilation in attics and basements.
Clean and Dry: Clean and dry any areas affected by water damage within 24-48 hours.
Use Mould-Resistant Products: Consider using mould-resistant paints, drywall, and insulation in areas prone to moisture.
Regular Maintenance: Regularly inspect and maintain HVAC systems, including cleaning ducts and changing filters.
By managing moisture and ensuring proper ventilation, you can significantly reduce the risk of mould growth and spread in your home.
Natural Mould Removal utilizes a potent blend of five therapeutic-grade essential oils to effectively combat mould and mildew naturally. Derived from coconut, the cleaning component of the product leaves a residual coating on surfaces that acts as a moisture barrier, helping to prevent the recurrence of mould
No. It just bleaches it so it cannot be seen.
Yes, clove oil affects only about 10% of mould species. With over 8,500 known mould species, we use a blend of five therapeutic-grade essential oils to effectively address this wide spectrum of mould types.
A vital part of our service is to carefully assess and advise you as to what is actually causing the mould infestation. As part of our on-site service, we provide advice as to the appropriate measures that should be taken, outside the scope of our service capacities to remedy the causes of mould.
We strive to keep our service fees as affordable as possible for our clients. For a quick cost estimate, please call us. Once we understand your specific needs, we can promptly provide you with an accurate cost estimate. We offer free, no-obligation quotations.
You may already know that essential oils are typically diffused using burners and diffusers. When we apply our essential oil-powered mould treatments to surfaces in your home, these surfaces act as diffusers themselves. This vapor helps combat airborne toxic mould and serves as an excellent deodorizer, eliminating the unpleasant musty odour of mould and mildew
Our services cover internal ceilings, walls, fixtures, fittings and furniture.
We also treat external building surfaces such as eaves and patios.
Mould found on ceilings is often due to water ingress into the roof void, typically caused by failures in guttering, roofing, or pipe leaks. Sometimes, internal roof voids condense during the evening, and as the day progresses, this condensation drips onto ceiling surfaces. A clear sign of this issue is mould growth around the edges of ceiling surfaces.
In such cases, we usually recommend fogging the internal roof void with the Essential Shield treatment. This process addresses both mould on roof void surfaces and airborne mould. We can tailor our services to meet almost any mould treatment, removal, and ongoing defence needs you may have.
In most cases, our treatments pose no risks to you or your family. Our application methods typically do not involve spraying products inside the home, so there is usually no need to cover furniture or relocate. This approach ensures minimal disruption in both homes and offices!
The natural Mould Removal surface treatment applies a completely natural, coconut-based, micro-fine, invisible, moisture-retardant coating to treated surfaces. This microfine protective layer helps to prevent the return of mould. The duration of the effectiveness of Natural Mould Removal treatments varies widely, depending on the diversity of properties, their environments, and their current and ongoing state of repair.
In summary, we have properties that were treated over 12 months ago with no return of mould. We fully stand behind our work and products. If a “reasonably based” issue arises with our work within the first 12 months, we will return and address it.
Our warranty does not cover future flooding or water ingress into the property caused by severe weather events or structural faults. Additionally, it does not cover curtains, soft furnishings, carpets, or personal possessions.