7 Easy Ways To Protect Your Home From Mould And Mildew
If you're wondering why you or your family members are often sneezing, coughing or have breathing difficulties, it could be due to the presence of mould and mildew at home. These fungi appear as unsightly spots or patches and are triggered by a high level of humidity as they thrive in warm, moist and poorly ventilated areas like kitchens and bathrooms.
Singapore homes are therefore especially susceptible to mould and mildew, and if not properly taken care of, can lead to more serious health problems. Get to the root of the problem by checking on these four areas:
LEAKS
Mould and fungi grow in water puddles caused by leaky faucets or ceilings. When they multiply in number, they give off a strong odour.
CARPETS AND RUGS
Pretty much every kind of dirt can be trapped in their fibres. If left uncleaned for a long time, these floor coverings can develop an unpleasant smell.
DAMP WOOD
Watch out for puddles of water on any wood surface, because mould will definitely grow and give off a musty scent.
WARM AND MOIST AREAS
Bathrooms and kitchens are among mould’s favourite havens. When you see yellowish or greenish stains on the surfaces in these areas, expect a smell to follow if these are not cleaned immediately.
Here are seven simple ways to keep your home mould- and mildew-free:
Mould and mildew thrive in moisture-rich environments, so safeguard potential danger spots by wiping the shower walls and kitchen sinks dry after use.
Invest in a dehumidifier and place it in dark or difficult-to-air places to regular humidity levels, neutralise musty smells and effectively prevent the growth of mould and mildew. The novita PuriDry 2-in-1 Dehumidifier ND2000, now $599, does that and more, as it's also an air purifier with a HEPA filter that keeps indoor air clean and fresh at the same time.
Bathroom tip: Taking cooler showers will help in reducing dampness — hot showers increase the humidity in the air.
Eliminate mould and allergens with a powerful combination of heat, pressure and speed with a steam cleaner, like Karcher's SC 2 Deluxe EasyFix Premium, which forces tiny steam particles into crevices to loosen dirt without using chemicals.
Karcher's SC 2 Deluxe EasyFix Premium, now $263.50.
Air your mattresses at least once a month and make sure your clothes are completely dry before you hang them in your closet.
Bathroom items such as mats, towels, shower curtains and liners should also be washed regularly — leaving them uncleaned can create a breeding ground for mould growth.
Install ventilation fans in wet zones like bathrooms, kitchens and laundry areas to reduce the buildup of humidity in the air and keep the surfaces dry. Consider ones like the KDK window- or wall-mounted ventilating fan.
It's also not enough to run the fan while you're showering or bathring. Keep it on for at least half an hour after you're done to prevent leftover moisture.
KDK window-mounted fan, $66.
Let sunlight and fresh breeze in as much as you can. Moving air discourages the development of condensation and mould. Natural light can inhibit mould growth and even kill it.
These will also clean and deodorise things that cannot go into the wash, such as mattresses and books.
Arm your cleaning arsenal with mould-killing products to keep these nasties away. Other you can also make your own. Spray a solution of water and white vinegar, baking soda, tea tree oil or lemon juice on mould spots.
Text: Home & Decor Singapore / Additional Reporting: Elizabeth Liew and Michelle Lee
Photo: Pixabay