Keeping Well This Winter
Be on the lookout for mould
Having a clean, warm and dry home helps keep your family healthy, with fewer germs and less risk of respiratory illnesses; having a clean home, has also been closely linked to improving our mental health, reducing feelings of anxiety stress and fatigue. A well-aired, ventilated house is crucial to prevent mould and
is easier to heat and healthier for you and your family.
Mould is a health hazard that can lead to increased illness in your household, and unfortunately is a very common issue in New Zealand homes, especially during humid or wetter times of the year like autumn and winter.
How to manage mould at home
Open windows and doors whenever you can and open the curtains during the day.
Activities like cooking, bathing or drying clothes create moisture. To remove this from the house, open windows and use any extractor fans.
Other things you can do to prevent mould and damp are:
- keep lids on pots when cooking
- wipe condensation off walls and windows – You can get squeegees for windows but an old towel – regularly washed and dried in the sun – will also do the trick. Open your windows even in winter to allow fresh air in to the house.
- hang washing outside, and make sure everything’s dry before putting it away
- leave wardrobes a bit open and pull beds and furniture away from walls
- keep the shower curtain hanging inside the shower or bath so water doesn’t drip on the floor, and wash the curtain every few weeks
- use an electric heater rather than portable gas heaters (these release water as the gas burns)
- keep only a few plants inside
- Do not leave mattresses on the floor.
How to remove mould
To protect the health of everyone in your home, remove mould as soon as it appears.
Remove surface mould and mildew – White vinegar is a cheap and effective way to clean mould. On painted surfaces, dilute the vinegar with water (half and half) to avoid damaging the paint. Leave it for a few days then wipe off the dead mould with soap and water using a clean cloth.
You can also use diluted household bleach. Mix one part bleach with three parts water in a bucket of water. Use a clean sponge or cloth when washing off mould and rinse it often. This reduces the risk of the mould spreading. Wear gloves, eye protection and a safety mask when dealing with cleaning products and mould.
Mildew on shower curtains occurs when a bathroom isn’t getting enough air and the curtain can’t dry out. Treat the curtain with a 1:4 bleach/water solution and leave it drawn when not in use.
What to do if the mould won’t go away
If you’re doing all the right things, and the house is still damp and mouldy, talk to your Property Manager.
If hidden sources of dampness are left long enough they can cause expensive damage to a house. Checks can be done to see if there is a hidden issue causing the dampness.
Karen Burton 027 606 6012. Toni Cranston 027 606 6013. Chelsea Hayler 027 606 6010.
Dan Lusby AREINZ – REINZ Accredited Property Manager – Principal Officer