With Winter en route, and the cost of living still having an impact on how often and how much we can heat our homes, we’re expecting another ‘Winter of Discontent’, when it comes to mould taking a grip...
We’ve been rolling out our mould surveys and, although understanding about the growth of mould and its causes are increasing, we’re facing another Winter with still-high energy bills.
We expect people will continue to avoid opening windows or heating their homes sufficiently this Winter, so mould will continue to ‘do its thing’, causing damage to property and potential health risks to tenants and homeowners.
Here are five reasons you can share with your clients, landlords and tenants, to mitigate risk to property and health:
1. INEFFECTIVE ON POROUS SURFACES
Bleach may kill surface mould, but doesn’t penetrate porous materials like wood, drywall, or grout.
So, while bleach may ‘fix’ visible mould, the roots remain, which means mould can quickly regrow.
2. ENCOURAGES MOULD GROWTH
Bleach adds moisture to porous surfaces and mould thrives in moist environments.
Using bleach can inadvertently provide the conditions for more mould growth.
3. TOXIC FUMES
Bleach fumes can irritate the eyes, skin, and lungs.
If mixed with other household cleaners, particularly those containing ammonia, it can form dangerous gases which can be harmful or even deadly if inhaled.
4. NOT SUITABLE FOR ALL MATERIALS
Bleach can damage or discolour certain surfaces, especially fabrics, wood, or other sensitive materials, which can lead to unsightly damage and costly repairs or replacements.
5. TEMPORARY SOLUTION
Because bleach only removes surface mould and doesn’t address the underlying cause of mould growth: moisture or humidity, without fixing the source of moisture, mould will return.
BETTER ALTERNATIVES FOR CLEANING UP MOULD
Instead of bleach, consider using:
- Vinegar Kills mould and can also penetrate porous surfaces.
- Hydrogen Peroxide Effective for disinfecting and removing mould spores.
- Commercial Mould Cleaners Specifically designed for this purpose and safer for various surfaces.
- Addressing the root cause of mould through a mould inspection and reducing humidity to ensure proper ventilation, is key to long-term mould prevention.
If a tenant, landlord or homeowner you know is concerned about mould in their property, get them to give us a call on 01254 665 333 so we can help.