FAQ

Prevention is Better Than Cure

  • Ensure clothes and shoes are dry before storing them away, and keep a space between clothes for air circulation
  • Wipe away and dry areas affected by condensation e.g. windows and walls
  • Ensure ventilation is adequate throughout the home, open windows and internal doors when possible
  • Clean the wet areas of the home regularly
  • Ensure steam is extracted from the bathroom while showering or bathing by opening a window and using an exhaust fan with a 15 minute extended timer when turned off.
  • RiteFlo self-propelled ventilators in windows and walls provide a constant natural air flow.
  • Ensure steam is extracted when cooking by opening a window or using the exhaust fan
  • Let the sun into the home by opening curtains
  • Dispose of any wet, musty smelling items
  • If a water spill occurs it is important to dry the area quickly, preferably within 24-48 hours after the spill
  • Do not stack items up against walls mould will not grow if dry air is circulating throughout the room.
  • RiteFlo damp rods will assist in stopping mould growth behind furniture and in wardrobes.

Condensation

  • When water vapour is present in the air, it travels throughout the house and may come in contact with cooler surfaces and condense. Common places for condensation to occur are windows, un-insulated exterior walls and bedrooms. Comers of rooms where air movement is less and the air is cooler tend to also be prone to condensation. It usually occurs when rooms are heated and the stale air is not ventilated.
  • Atmosphere heavily laden with water vapour is referred to as being of high humidity. When highly humidified air comes in contact with any cold surfaces such as a wall or ceiling, it cools down; water vapour is extracted from the air and remains in the form of condensation on the cold surfaces.
  • Condensation would not occur if humid, moist air could be removed and replaced by drier air. This can be achieved usually very simply by better ventilation of the home.
  • Indoor condensation can cause damage to fabrics, discolour paint and wallpaper but more importantly it promotes conditions suitable for mould growth.

FACT: Mould spores are in the air; they are everywhere and there is nothing we can do about it. Your house CAN be free of growing mould; it requires 3 things to grow: Warmth, a food source and water. There is 6% of water in the air we breathe.

Fact: Mould EATS organic material like wood or cotton, but it can GROW anywhere – any place dust can settle, mould can grow, ceramic tiles and other non-porous surfaces included.

Fact: If you can’t see mould or smell mould, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you don’t have it. Mould grows in-between cracks and walls and under anything. You may not be aware of mould and you may not associate any health issues with the mould in your home. It’s not what you see, it’s what you don’t see!

Fact: Bleach or chlorine will work on non-porous surfaces like tiles, but it will not work on porous surfaces because there is no penetrating capability. However, the water in the bleach or chlorine will penetrate and feed the mould that is underneath the surface. It looks like you have removed the mould – but in fact you have just removed the colour. Bleach and chlorine is not your answer. Clean with products high in natural bio-flavonoids or contain propanetricarboxylic (citric acid).

Fact: You can’t tell toxic mould by looking at it. Mould needs to be tested.

Fact: Even non-viable moulds are toxic and allergenic. Even if you think the mould in your home is not affecting your health it will still be affecting your home – it will be eating the porous materials.

Fact: Mould can always come back given the right conditions – so remember ‘Prevention is better than cure’.