Preventing mould in your public housing home

Mould thrives in warm, damp, and poorly ventilated areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and storage spaces. Mould is a type of fungus that lives in warm, moist conditions. It grows in damp, dark and poorly ventilated areas at home like bathrooms and kitchens, or cluttered storage or basement areas.

What encourages mould

Moisture encourages mould. Help prevent it using these tips:

• Indoor plants like ferns need moist air, so choose low-water plants like succulents for around the house.
• Fish tanks add moisture to the air, especially tropical fish tanks.
• Portable heaters (kerosene or unfluted gas heater) give off moisture and gas. Always ventilate the area.
• Leaking taps and pipes encourage mould, especially in closed areas like cabinets.

Things that help to stop mould growth

There are several things you can do to help stop mould growth:

• Open windows and doors to let fresh air in and reduce humidity.
• Open blinds and curtains during the day to let sunlight in.
• Turn on the exhaust fan or open a window in the bathroom, laundry and kitchen to get rid of steam.
• Wipe down tiles to clean off soap scum that mould feeds on.
• Wipe away any moisture on your windows and walls to keep the inside of your home dry.
• Dry your clothes and shoes before you put them away.
• Air out wardrobes and cupboards regularly.
• Use moisture absorbers in basements, wardrobes and closed-off rooms.

Removing mould from your home

Once mould is present, here are some tips for removing it from your home:

• Never dry brush a mouldy area or item of clothing. This can release spores into the air that spread the mould further and can cause an allergic reaction in some people.
• High-priced specialty mould removers can contain chlorines and bleaches, which are hazardous if not used the right way. They may also only bleach the mould instead of killing it, which means the problem will keep coming back.
• Use a mild detergent like sugar soap and a microfibre cloth to clean mould off walls, floors and tiles. Make sure to dry the area thoroughly after wiping mould off surfaces. Regular vacuuming, dusting and cleaning in kitchens and bathrooms helps prevent mould. The earlier you find and remove mould, the easier it is to keep it under control. It’s much harder to remove mould once it takes hold.
• If cleaning with detergent doesn’t work, it’s possible to remove mould using  diluted vinegar and a microfibre cloth.