Household mould is a common problem. Asthma Australia’s 2022 housing survey (PDF, 944 KB) found one-third of homes had visible mould or a musty smell, a sign of mould.
Appearing as a black, sooty-like substance on surfaces, mould isn’t just unsightly; it can be bad for your health. Breathing in mould spores may trigger allergic reactions, asthma attacks, and other health conditions.
So, getting rid of mould isn’t only good for your home, but also for you and your family.
Mould thrives in damp, humid conditions where there’s little ventilation. Bathrooms can easily become mouldy due to steam and limited fresh air. If you spot mould in grouting and around tiles, it may be a sign of a leak somewhere.According to the Australian Government’s 2023 Biotoxins Clinical Pathway report (PDF, 2.9 MB), leaks may create damp areas where mould can thrive.
Kitchens and even living rooms can also create the right conditions for mould. Unflued gas heaters, for instance, produce water vapour which can lead to mould growing in an enclosed space.
Rising damp is moisture from underneath the house filtering up through the brickwork. It’s often revealed by patches of mould growing on the walls. If there’s mould on the ceiling, it might be caused by a leak in the roof or blocked gutters.
Not all mould is obvious though – it may hide behind furniture or underneath cabinets. If there’s a persistent musty smell in a particular spot, chances are there’s mould.
To tackle mould, there are many cleaning products on the market. However, always read the instructions and follow safety advice.
If you want to use a homemade solution, try undiluted vinegar or baking soda mixed with water. Spray it onto the affected area, scrub, rinse, and then allow it to dry completely.
Whatever product you use, test it on a small inconspicuous area first in case it affects the paintwork or finish. You might also need more than one application before you can remove the mould completely.
Soft furnishings, such as carpets and curtains, can be hard to treat, so consider hiring a professional cleaner. If that doesn’t work, you may need to replace the furnishings completely.
If you don’t tackle the root cause of the mould outbreak, it’s likely to reappear. That usually means removing the damp conditions that mould needs to thrive. It may be as simple as opening a window or installing an extractor fan to ventilate and dry the problem space.
A portable dehumidifier may help by reducing the moisture content of the air, especially if you can’t easily ventilate the space. Some models also include filters to remove dust particles from the air to help allergy sufferers. You can also use chemical moisture absorbers, which are handy for small, enclosed spaces such as cupboards.
To fix any leaks or damp problems in the bathroom, see our guide to keeping your bathroom in good shape. If there’s mould on the ceiling from a leaky roof or blocked gutters, contact a professional to help fix the issue. Check out preventing roofing disasters in the Allianz Blue Eagle maintenance hub.
Installing wall vents should improve subfloor ventilation by increasing the flow of air beneath the house. This can help fix rising damp problems. However, if it’s caused by a structural defect, such as a broken damp course, you may need professional advice.
Mould can often seem like a stubborn, frustrating problem that simply won’t go away. However, persistence is key. Follow the two-step process of cleaning and fixing the source to overcome the worst of it and breathe easy.
For useful links and handy resources on caring for your home, check out Allianz Blue Eagle.
This article has been prepared by Allianz Australia Insurance Limited ABN 15 000 122 850 AFSL234708 ("Allianz"). It is a summary of key concepts and not meant to represent the complete picture on any given matter. It is not meant to be legal advice. The information should be read in conjunction with the relevant legislation and regulations. In some cases, information has been provided to us by third parties and while that information is believed to be accurate and reliable, its accuracy is not guaranteed in any way.
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