MAINTAINING A HOME
How to minimise mould
24 March 2025
After a major weather event like a cyclone or flood, preventing the growth of mould should be high on your priority list. Here are some tips to help you keep mould at bay.
Have the affected area cleaned
There are many home remedies circulating online about effective mould removal – such as using clove oil and vinegar. They may clean the mould affected area, but they won’t do a sufficient job or kill all the mould particles. Instead, for effective long-term results, you could consider hiring a professional mould remover service to do the job.
Remove wet items
Any wet carpets, rugs, or upholstered furniture should be removed from the home as soon as possible. These materials can retain moisture and become breeding grounds for mould. If items are too large to move, use fans and dehumidifiers to dry them quickly.
Use your air conditioner in dry mode
Set your air conditioner to ‘Dry’ mode. This is usually marked by a water droplet or teardrop symbol. Ideally, set the temperature to 23 degrees. If you see visible mould, running the air conditioner may circulate mould particles, but air filters typically capture environmental mould. Just ensure the filter is clean.
Use dehumidifiers
Running a dehumidifier can significantly reduce moisture levels in the air, making it harder for mould to grow. Place dehumidifiers in rooms that are most susceptible to dampness, such as bathrooms, and empty the water reservoir every week.
Allow airflow
If you don’t have an air conditioner, open your windows and doors to allow airflow. Just avoid opening the manhole to your ceiling. Opening your manhole has minimal impact on reducing humidity and may push unwanted insulation or dust particles into living areas.
Use moisture absorbing kits
These kits can help in small spaces like cupboards but also work well in smaller rooms. Just know they’re not as effective in larger areas like roof spaces. It’s normal for these kits to fill with water as they absorb humidity from the air – that’s their job! You can find these at most supermarkets and hardware stores. Keep in mind that there may be limited stock after a major event.
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AAI Limited ABN 48 005 297 807 trading as Suncorp Insurance. The information is intended to be of a general nature only. Subject to any rights you may have under any law, we do not accept any legal responsibility for any loss or damage, including loss of business or profits or any other indirect loss, incurred as a result of reliance upon it – please make your own enquiries.
