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How to keep your property free of mould

Tips and tricks to prevent costly damage to your home

Mould or mildew is a type of fungal growth that can be found on any organic material after prolonged exposure to moisture with no direct sunlight.

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At home, it’s common for mould to appear in bathrooms and kitchens where water is frequently used, steam gets trapped and condensation accumulates. Outdoor storage spaces can also be affected as they tend to be more heavily exposed to the elements than indoor spaces. Basements also tend to attract more moisture due to proximity to underground pipes & general humidity, lack of sunlight, etc.

In the event of hidden moisture in the walls due to a pipe leakage or crack, other areas may be affected as well. Which walls do the pipes go through? Is the paint on either side of them all puffy like this?

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What else is on either side of them? Is it a closed closet with the wall exposed that smells a little musty when you open it?

Then bad news, my friend :’-(

External environmental conditions can play an important role too. Is the property located near a large body of water? What’s the humidity like where you live? Is your home properly insulated for these conditions?

Removing mold can range in difficulty and cost, between deep cleaning affected areas with powerful cleaning agents and hiring a professional to treat - or even replace - parts or entire pieces of furniture. This depends on a variety of factors such as the condition of the surface material, the level of moisture and the duration of exposure.

‘Can’t I just leave it alone?’

NO! Indoor fungi pose a health hazard that can cause or trigger respiratory conditions and autoimmune responses. If left unchecked for long enough, they can also cause serious damage to furniture and even your property’s infrastructure.

To keep your home safe and avoid costly solutions, here’s a few tips you can follow to make sure you stay mold-free:

Ventilate regularly to avoid concentration of moisture from steam.

If you see droplets of moisture, wipe them with a dry cloth or rag.

If you use a humidifier in a room, make sure to set humidity levels between 30 and 50%, which is acceptable for closed spaces.

Consider not using carpets or mats in the kitchen or bathroom to avoid moisture retention

Clean surfaces regularly with a common anti-bacterial agent - this will sanitize your space and prevent mold from building up for a short time.

If you see mold, try to deep clean with anti-fungal spray - we have tried and tested

this particular easy-to-find brand⁠

. The spray can be effective for hard-to-reach places such as the divides between tiles, edges of bathroom and kitchen furniture like bathtubs, sinks and cupboards, as well as poorly insulated ceilings, etc. Once mold accumulates, it can become more resilient to cleaning agents and harder to remove, so it’s best to act quickly upon detection.

Make sure your property is well insulated for adverse environmental conditions. Invest in proper aluminum casings and make sure any roof leaks are repaired.

Remember: proper insulation is a good investment, as it will increase the value of your property and keep your energy costs down!

If you find mold in your rented property, you should notify the owner and/or property manager - they may cover all or most of the cost to thoroughly investigate the root issue and prevent damage to their asset. It’s part of being a good tenant!

This article comes from common situations we have encountered in over 100 properties during the last 5+ years. We have frequently advised tenants and assisted owners on all the above points, from limited to extensive damages, ensuring that our properties make good homes for tenants, provide a healthy return for investors and appreciate in value for sellers.

To learn more about

Apollo Home⁠

and what we can do for you, please feel free to get in touch.

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