What is mould?
Mould spores are tiny living things that are always in the air, even inside your home. You can’t see them, and we breathe them in without knowing. But when they land on things and get the right conditions to grow, this is when it can become a problem.
Mould needs four things to live and grow:
- something to eat (nutrients)
- moisture (water)
- the right temperature
Out of these, moisture is the biggest cause.
To stop mould from growing in your home, you need to make sure it’s not too damp. You can do this by keeping things dry and making sure there’s enough fresh air and heat in your home.
Why is it a problem?
Moulds creates allergens (substances that can cause an allergic reaction), irritants and, sometimes, toxic substances.
Inhaling or touching mould spores may cause an allergic reaction, such as sneezing, a runny nose, red eyes and skin rash. Moulds can also cause asthma attacks and increase your risk of respiratory illness which affect the lungs and airways, often causing breathing difficulties and discomfort.
Mould is a bigger risk for some people, this includes:
- babies and children
- older people
- those with existing skin problems, such as atopic eczema
- those with respiratory problems, such as allergies and asthma
- those with a weakened immune system, such as those having chemotherapy
If you or anyone in your home falls into these categories and you are experiencing damp or mould, please get in touch straight away and let us know.
What do I do if I find mould?
You should treat any mould you may already have in your home then do what you can to reduce condensation to prevent it from re-forming or spreading.
To treat existing mould follow these 4 steps:
Clean it up: Mould won’t go away by itself. Wipe it away with soapy water and make sure it’s completely dry.
Use mould remover: Get a special cleaner for mould from a store. Pick one with a safety number. Follow the instructions. Don’t use bleach.
Be gentle: Don’t brush or vacuum dry mould. This can help spread the tiny mould spores.
Report it: Let us know there is a problem and we will work with you to resolve it and prevent further issues.
Download our mould information sheet here.