How to Manage Mould

It’s a perfect storm. Chilly winter weather, heavy rain, and heating costs that are making us all a bit nervous. The result? Mould. It’s not pleasant, it can damage the property and your possessions, and in worst-case scenarios, it could be harmful to your health. Here’s the best way to be a mould ninja.

The team here at Clarity Property Management has put together this blog, “How to Manage Mould” at what we hope is a good time for you.

‘Tis the season for mould.

If you’re experiencing problems, here’s all you need to know, and some top tips on keeping it at bay. Mould is unsightly at best, and certain types are awful for your lungs, so let’s go into battle, and keep the mould away.

Firstly, the Science Bit

And yes, we know this blog is about how to manage mould, but you really should read this.

What is mould?

In a nutshell, it’s a fungus. You would not want to see what it looks like under a microscope. It’s not pretty. Mould spores are found in most indoor environments, but it’s not until they find a home and start to grow that they start to cause problems. Equally, once an infestation takes root, it’s exceedingly difficult to eliminate.

To thrive, mould needs warmth, moisture and food; its favourites are wood, and dust and it’s particularly fond of your carpets.

Common types of mould include:

• Mildew; head to your bathroom to look for black spots on walls, ceilings, and around window sills, and there it will be.
• You’ll also find blue mould around shower cubicles, as it loves hot steamy conditions. White mould lives on damp masonry and you may also spot it in a dark, dank cellar. The big baddie is:
• Toxic black mould. Unfortunately, this type of mould is hard to distinguish from its other mouldy buddies, but safe to say that it likes a LOT of moisture, and is usually found in areas where there is “serious” damp – perhaps if a pipe has leaked, or in a room that has an unfixed hole. Why is it dangerous? Because it releases mycotoxins, which can trigger reactions in people with allergies, and affect people with weakened immune systems.

Your Landlord’s Responsibilities

Your landlord must act if mould has been caused by elements outside of your control. For example, a repair that hasn’t been fixed properly, or issues with water coming through external walls, or the roof. Equally, if there’s a leak or plumbing problem, or rising damp – where groundwater soaks into bricks.

In this case, he or she must organise an inspection, and carry out repairs within a reasonable time.

Over To You

However, MOST mould is caused by condensation.

And, condensation can be managed, and must be dealt with by tenants. Landlords can only do so much in the “how to manage mould” conversation.

It’s important to know that your Tenancy Agreement confirms that you (and the people who live in the property with you) are responsible for looking after the property. For instance, keeping it clean and tidy, and in good order. Keeping on top of condensation can be done. It’s a pain, and it’s not the most enjoyable thing you will ever do, but – not to over-egg the pudding here, you will have to do it.

It makes for a much more pleasant domestic environment after all, and ultimately, that’s what life is about.

Common Causes of Condensation that Can Lead to Mould

• Drying clothes. Everyone likes to dry their newly washed, damp clothes on radiators. You’re keeping warm and completing laundry day at the same time, yes? Double duty. Sorry, no. You’ll reduce the effectiveness of radiators, and unwittingly cause a significant amount of moisture to be thrown into the air – ideal conditions for those pesky spores to develop into mould.

  We know that using the launderette to dry things is a bit pricier, but do think about taking this idea on board if you can.

  Also, ensure that the room is well-ventilated and heated, to ensure that there’s no damp damage to walls or furniture.

• Turning off the extractor fan. Yes, they’re a bit noisy and annoying in kitchens and bathrooms, but they’re there for reason. Do use them.
• Steamy rooms. After showering, bathing or cooking, remember to open a window, as it will allow steam to escape. Rooms with trapped steam are catnip for mould. And yes, it’s cold outside, but the alternative is more unpleasant in the longer term.
• Not putting the heating on, or using it minimally. A cold room will lead to moisture building up on windows, and this will stay put, causing problems. Please use adequate heating daily, even for a brief time.
• Not opening bedroom windows. When you sleep, you exhale warm air. Together with your body heat, moisture will form in the air. Let the moisture out, and the fresh air in when you can.
• Not ventilating cupboards. Show some cupboard love by opening cupboard doors regularly. Mould on bags, shoes and clothing is horrible, and hard to shift – and it can develop easily in closed spaces.
• Keeping furniture directly touching walls. Mould thrives in close proximity to other objects, trapping condensation. Move your wardrobes and other household items slightly away from the wall to manage the mould problem.

How to Deal With Mould – in a Jiffy

As well as the above tips, we’d recommend that you get hold of a bottle of mould spray from the supermarket, or your local hardware store. They really do work, and they’re easy to use: spray on, leave for a few minutes, and then wipe off the residue. A weekly mould spray habit keeps the nasty black, green or blue stuff away. Or at least, at bay.

Even better, mix one part bleach with four parts water, and use from a plastic bottle with a spray nozzle for an affordable alternative.

In Summary – How to Manage Mould. You CAN do it.

The above issues are just a few of the causes.

Mould is a determined little blighter, and you may be unable to eliminate it completely. It just happens, but it can be reduced and kept at a minimum with a little effort. If you’ve noticed mould in your home that you think may have causes outside the ones we’ve listed above, do get in touch with our property management team, and we’ll be pleased to help.

Also, If you believe that mould in the property could be a maintenance or structural issue – such as a leak, or something else beyond your control, do get in touch with us, and we will contact your landlord.

Let’s tackle the mould problem now, and come the warmer months, you’ll have everything sorted.