How to avoid mould and condensation and tips on how to control it

Canberra Winters are notoriously cold, resulting in issues with condensation and mould growth within our homes. Condensation and mould will occur in any type of construction if left untreated and allowed to grow. Condensation and mould do not discriminate between brick veneer, solid brick, and masonry veneer or concrete type dwellings. The secret to the alleviation is early detection, prevention of condensation and mould before the issue gets out of hand.

The prevention and/or cleaning of mould, is the responsibility of the tenant/s of the property.

Mould and condensation: what you need to know

• When using the laundry, the fan should be on.
• If drying clothes on a rack, this should be in the bathroom with the fan on.
• If cooking (e.g. boiling water for long periods), the windows should be open slightly.
• Condensation on the windows is a natural phenomenon. It can be controlled by leaving windows open slightly or keeping the heating on.
• Condensation will occur when it’s particularly cold outside and/or when there is moisture put into the air (e.g. cooking). If lots of condensation is observed on the windows, it should be wiped off. It is also a good idea to leave something absorbent on windowsills (e.g. a towel) and replace when the towel is wet. It’s also likely to only occur when people are in the rooms as water vapour from breathing causes condensation – therefore no need for windows to be left open when the rooms are unoccupied.
• Ensure clothes and shoes are dry before storing them away
• Clean the wet areas of the home regularly
• Ensure steam is extracted from the bathroom while showering or bathing by opening a window and using an exhaust fan
• Let the sun into the home by opening curtains
• Do not stack items up against walls mould will not grow if dry air is circulating throughout the room
• Eradicate mould as soon as it occurs as it is much harder to remove if left to grow.Wipe down condensation/mould as soon as it develops.
• Areas infested with mould should be washed down with a solution of 20% water and 80% white vinegar (best used from a spray bottle)
• Avoid using bleach as it has a high pH which is ineffective in killing mould (bleach only whitens the mould spores instead of killing them)
• Exhaust fans should be kept clear and cleaned regularly.
• If water leaks or spills occur indoors it is important to clean and dry the area immediately or preferably within 24-48 hours to prevent mould from growing.
• Ventilate your home regularly.

Conclusion

Being aware of condensation and how to control it as it will assist in making your home a safe and healthy environment to live in.