Have you noticed mould growing in your bathroom, bedroom or living area? If you have, it’s incredibly important to treat the mould immediately as it can be damaging to your and your family’s health.

If you suspect mould growth in your home, it's crucial to address the issue promptly.

In this article, we look at the signs of mould, the health implications of mould, treating mould naturally and 3 easy steps to prevent mould.

Signs of Mould

Mould can spread quickly and cause damage to your property and potentially impact your health. Here are 3 common signs that suggest you may have mould:

1. Visible growth
   The most apparent sign of mould is seeing it on walls, ceilings, bathrooms or other surfaces. Mould may appear fuzzy, slimy, or powdery in various colours such as black, green, white, or grey.
2. Musty odour
   Mould often emits a distinctive musty, earthy smell. If you notice an unusual odour, especially in enclosed spaces like bathrooms and bedrooms, it may be an indication of mould growth.
3. Water damage
   Areas that have experienced water damage such as leaks, floods, or excessive moisture, are susceptible to mould growth. Check walls and surrounding areas for hidden mould behind surfaces, in particular, look for:

• Discolouration
• Peeling or cracked paint
• Stains or dark patches
• Bubbling wallpaper
• Warped or bulging surfaces.

Health Implications from Mould

Mould produces allergens, irritants and potentially toxic substances called mycotoxins. When mould spores are present in the air and when inhaled they can trigger various health problems, especially for individuals with existing respiratory conditions. Additionally, mould can trigger:

• Allergic reactions such as sneezing, runny nose and skin rashes.
• Respiratory issues such as asthma, coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath.
• Respiratory infections for those who have compromised immune systems.
• Gastrointestinal problems and sensitivities.

The severity of health effects is dependent on the type of mould, individual sensitivity and extent of exposure. To protect yourself and your family from any potential health implications, eliminate the mould and prevent it from reoccurring.

Treating Mould Naturally

Most of the mould cleaners you buy from supermarkets and cleaning supply stores are laden with toxic chemicals. Essentially, you are treating toxicity while exposing yourself to more toxicity from chemicals. We highly recommend taking a natural approach, which is just as effective.

All cleaning products used by Bliss Home Care have bio-bacterial and enzyme technology which keeps on working even after you have finished cleaning. These natural cleaning products are made up of “good” living bacteria to break down and liquefy soils such as fat, proteins, carbohydrates and grease while eliminating odours. These products keep on working even after you have finished cleaning.

In particular, for bathrooms, we use Shower Blitz^TM. This product can be used all over your walls, shower, tiles, sink and toilet. It contains cultured bacteria that eat away and decompose hard to remove soap scum and prevent the growth of mould. The bacteria bio-degrades matter rather than mask or bleach the problem.

For more information on safe and natural cleaning products you may like to read our article, An Insight to Natural Cleaning Products which breaks down the facts on these Australian made natural cleaning products. The range has been certified by Good Environmental Choice Australia (GECA), an independent body that assesses the products to ensure they meet environmental, human health, and ethical impact criteria.

3 Steps to Prevent Mould

Preventing mould growth in your home involves keeping moisture levels under control and creating an environment where mould cannot grow and thrive. Here are the 3 most important steps to prevent mould growth in your home:

1. Open doors and windows regularly
   This helps you control humidity levels in your home, especially in the bathroom, kitchen, laundry and bedroom. By simply opening doors and windows on a daily basis and using exhaust fans will enable moisture to escape.
2. Address leaks immediately
   Inspect your home regularly for leaks in the roof, plumbing or walls. If you identify any leaks have them addressed immediately to prevent water build up and mould growth.
3. Regularly clean your home
   This helps eliminate the build up of mould spores from settling on surfaces. Use natural cleaning products and focus on wet areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry. We recommend drying these areas on a regular basis for best results.

By taking these preventive measures you can significantly reduce the likelihood of mould growth in your home. This will result in a healthier living environment for you and your family. Our approach is all about being eco-friendly, local, and thoroughly professional. For you, that means house cleaning that is better value, more reliable and healthier for your family and your community. Click here to enquire about regular house cleaning, vacate cleaning or one-off/spring cleaning.