Home renovation is an exciting thing that has its own set of challenges. While it improves your living space and improves its value, it can also lead to unwanted consequences. The most prominent one is the mould. After getting your home renovated, you should check out for the signs of mould, especially if you had to tackle moisture or water exposure while renovating your surroundings. In this blog, you will learn about the best ways to deal with mould after renovating your home for a healthy environment.
What Do You Need to Know About Mould Growth?
Mould always grows in damp, warm conditions. It is commonly found in areas with high humidity or water leakage. During renovations, people unknowingly end up disturbing existing mould spores or creating conditions that are perfect for mould growth. It can happen if building materials like drywall, insulation, or flooring end up absorbing moisture. You can contact the mould removal professionals if you find mould growing in your surroundings.
Sources of Mould Growth
Mould can grow from various sources, which include:
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Plumbing Leaks:
As you remove and replace fixtures, leaks can happen. These leaks can cause moisture into walls or ceilings, thus promoting mould growth.
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Condensation:
Temperature changes that happen according to seasons can lead to condensation in areas that are poorly ventilated.
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Wet Materials:
If you have used wet materials like wooden products, gypsum board, and paper products during renovation, mould can rapidly develop in those areas.
After recognizing these conditions, you should take instant action that could prevent further mould growth.
How to Get Rid of Mould on Walls?
Here is a step-by-step guide you need to follow to get rid of mould present on your walls, given below:
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Assessing the Damage:
Before you start implementing any mould removal strategy, conduct a deep inspection. You need to look for the following things:
- Visible Mould: You should check for black or green patches on walls, ceilings, or hidden areas behind the furnishings.
- Odours: You can find a damp or mouldy smell that indicates mould, even if it is invisible.
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Have all the Necessary Equipment and Tools:
If you are going to remove mould effectively, you need to have the following items important for the process:
- Personal Protective Equipment: You should wear N95 masks, gloves and goggles that will protect you from mould spores.
- Cleaning Supplies: You need to use a mix of water, detergent, and white vinegar. Or else, you can use mould removal cleaners. However, you need to be careful while doing so.
- Tools: You can include brushes, scrubbing pads, sponges and a bucket for cleaning up the mould-infested areas.
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Ensure Proper Ventilation in the Areas:
It is important to get your areas properly ventilated. For that, you can keep the windows open and use fans to circulate air. This step is important as it will prevent further spread and growth of mould in your areas.
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Removing Mould on Walls and Surfaces:
If you find mould on the walls, you need to follow the steps given below to remove it effectively:
- Mix and Prepare the Cleaning Solution: You should mix equal amounts of water and vinegar in a spray bottle. You can also use a commercial mould removal product but with utmost care. Many people also use vinegar, which is a natural anti-fungal solution and is significantly effective.
- Spray the solution on the affected area: Spray the solution on the mould-infested surface generously. Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes and kill mould spores present on the surface.
- Rinse and Dry: After scrubbing, you should rinse the area and dry it thoroughly to avoid further growth of mould. You can even use a dehumidifier to lower the moisture levels in your surroundings.
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Fix the Source of Moisture:
The most important thing to prevent mould growth is to control the moisture in the areas. You can take steps to identify and address any sources of water intrusion, such as fixing leaks and improving the ventilation.
When Should You Seek Professional Help?
If the mould growth is more than 10 square feet, or you suspect the presence of toxic mould species, you need to consult the professionals as soon as possible. Professionals specializing in mould remediation use the tools with the utmost expertise and safety to deal with larger infestations. They can also implement more safety protocols to avoid cross contamination.
Conclusion
Dealing with mould after renovating your house can be really challenging. However, with the right approach, you can effectively eliminate it and prevent its regrowth. You just need to understand the conditions that promote mould growth, prepare properly and implement the steps mentioned above to protect your newly renovated home. Furthermore, you can use mould-resistant building materials, conduct regular maintenance checks, and get yourself air purifiers to keep mould away from your home. You should also take action immediately to eliminate the threat of mould inside your newly renovated space. This will ensure a healthy and safe environment for you and your loved ones.
Tags: home renovation
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