If you have discovered mould, then you have or have had an escape of liquids (water leak of some description).
The most important rule in mould cleaning and control is NO WATER, THEN NO MOULD.
You need to determine where the water is coming from and remove the source as well as dry the wet material.
To understand mould remediation you need to understand how water moves around your property and is impacted by the changing temperature of the building surfaces.
Because you have discovered mould in a particular room this doesn’t necessarily mean the water source is in that room, for example a leak in your ensuite bathroom may be causing mould on the cornice in your bedroom or windowsill because the water is evaporating out of the wet material and moving from warm to cold areas in the property.
Blistering paint, swelling skirting boards and musty smells are all indicators of water ingress and can help to locate a potential problem.
For mould to be visible to the human eye you need approximately 20,000 plants which gives you an idea of the numbers of plants associated with a patch the size of your hand.
Also remember it’s not the mould causing people to be unwell, it is the mycotoxins that coat every part of the plant, its mould spores and food it is consuming. The mould produces mycotoxins to protect itself and to prevent other mould varieties from stealing its food source, this is why the varieties you see are in distinct patches.
One of the key considerations when it comes to mould removal is the potential release of spores and other microscopic plant material, known as hyphae, into the air. Disturbing or killing mould can cause a significant increase in the number of spores and hyphae released, which can dramatically increase exposure to mycotoxins and other harmful substances. This is why it is important to use a hot cycle when washing clothes and bedding, as well as microfibre cloths for cleaning surfaces.
Adequate ventilation is also crucial for preventing and getting rid of mould. This includes opening windows and doors to allow fresh air to circulate throughout the space, as well as ensuring that bathroom grout and other areas where moisture is present are properly sealed and maintained.
In addition to these basic steps, there are a number of other techniques that can be used for preventing mould and addressing musty smells. This includes using sugar soap to clean surfaces, as well as paying special attention to soft toys and other items that may be harbouring mould spores.
Ultimately, the key to effectively addressing and preventing mould is a combination of proper cleaning, maintenance, and ventilation, as well as a thorough understanding of the specific mould species present and the underlying factors that have contributed to its growth.