Back To Mackay Cleaning Supplies

Dealing with Mould Issues

We live in the tropics and mould issues are largely unavoidable for most of us. As mould treatments invariably involve the use of chemicals, the first step is always to look at prevention and the conditions for mould growth.

 

The single largest limiting factor is available moisture. Where the humidity remains below 60% mould is rarely an issue, however in summer with the atmospheric humidity above this range for weeks on end it becomes largely unavoidable.

 

The evidence for this is the presence of mould on exterior, usually weather facing surfaces.

 

Inside the home, some steps can be taken, including making sure there is adequate ventilation, a ceiling fan ticking away on low speed certainly helps, but few of us have fans in the bathroom, and even in rooms with fans there are dead spots with little air movement at all.

 

It is impractical, not to say expensive to leave air conditioners running 24 hours a day, but this effectively is the only engineering solution that will keep the relative humidity in the no-mould zone.

 

What exactly is the issue?

 

The presence of mould is firstly unsightly, but a far more pressing issue is called “sick building syndrome”, where the presence of large amounts of mould spores can make occupants feel unwell, or trigger an allergic reaction in some people. This can also lead to mould spores on the lungs leading to extremely difficult to treat conditions with sinister names like:

 

· Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA)

· Aspergilloma and chronic pulmonary aspergillosis

· Aspergillus sinusitis

· Invasive aspergillosis

 

Google any of these terms to find out more about them.

 

Fortunately most moulds are not the types that trigger these reactions, but unless you are an expert, it’s hard to know.  The most common suspects are Aspergillus fumigates, Aspergillus flavus, and Stachybotrys to name just a few.

 

The common black mould found in bathrooms may well be harmless, but the conventional wisdom is that if the conditions are right for one type of mould, maybe they are right for all.

 

If you encounter large colonies in crawl spaces or other areas, firstly don’t touch it, this will release millions of spores into the air. Wear a dust mask or respirator before proceeding any further.

 

In general, our advice is that if you can see or smell mould it requires attention.

 

Other mould issues:

 

Moulds growing on fabrics are generally mildew types, and are easily treatable, moulds growing on timber may be merely cosmetic, or may be timber decay moulds. If you find these under the house or in other ceiling or cavities you may need to call for advice, a particular local timber decay mould is evident as orange spots not unlike measles, but there are others.

 

Treatment Regime:

 

Unsightly Moulds in Bathrooms and on Walls:

 

Spray with “Exodus” a sodium hypochlorite based product with a wetting agent to ensure maximum penetration, these types of modified bleach are far more effective than commercial or supermarket type bleaches, and will remove the mould stain within usually less than a minute, however the underlying spores may still survive and repeat treatment may be required.

This product has no residual effect, but is a good first strike response. Make sure you read the label on the bottle or call us if unsure.

 

Residual Treatments:

 

Spraybac is a bioflavonoid product which exhibits mould retardant properties. May be sprayed on following bleach treatment to delay further infestation considerably, or walls may be washed down using Spraybac if there is a danger of bleach altering the underlying colour.

Spraybac does not give that immediate bleaching effect on grout moulds.

 

Fabrics:

 

Treat with the spraybac alone, follow the directions on the bottle or feel free to call us.

 

 

Both products are very effective and economical, costing less than $20.00 for 5 litres

 

If you believe you have a problem beyond merely cosmetic, would like a quote to treat mould or simply would like a second opinion, just email us here.. Or call David on 07 49522833 or 0424 785349

Stachybotrys in a wall cavity

Aspergillus growing on timber

Cosmetic mould growing on timber

Severe “do not touch” infestation

Pricing:

 

Spraybac 5 litre                $18.00

Exodus 5 litre                    $25.05

Also Available in 20 litre drums