Benefits of mould remediation (and why mould is so harmful in the home)
What actually is mould?
Moulds are a form of fungus. There are many different types, and they can occur both indoors and outdoors.
They produce spores which spread by floating around in the air.
Mould spores are present in all indoor environments.
There is no way to prevent spores, and they can persist in conditions where mould itself cannot grow.
Mould spores thrive in environments that are moist and warm, so when they land on a damp spot, they begin to grow.
Moulds can grow on a variety of different surfaces, including fabric, paper, wood, glass, and plastic. As they grow, they may digest the material they are growing on.
How does mould get into a house?
Mould spores are everywhere, both indoors and outdoors, but they are not visible to the naked eye. Spores can enter the home through the air (via open windows, doorways and ventilation systems) and by attaching to objects and people (this includes clothes, shoes and even pets!).
Mould will only flourish if spores land somewhere that has the ideal conditions for growing, such as moisture and a supply of suitable nutrients. If the environment is unsuitable for the spores, they do not usually develop or cause a problem. Places where mould often appears include:
areas where leakages and flooding have occurred
windows where condensation builds up
places where the air does not circulate, for example, behind a closet
Why is mould so harmful in the home?
Mould growth is usually visible and often produces a musty odour. It can damage household items, and it can also have an impact on health.
Mould can pose serious health problems, especially for people with an allergy, an existing respiratory problem, or a weakened immune system.
As mould grows, spores, cells, fragments, and unstable organic compounds can enter the air. They can produce allergens, irritants, and mycotoxins. Some of these can be toxic, especially to individuals who have a sensitivity to them.
Mould particles can irritate the lungs, nose, and throat, especially in a person who already has a breathing problem, asthma, or a chronic lung condition.
How to protect yourself and your family against mould
Controlling moisture is the key to preventing mould from growing indoors, however sometimes mould in the home is unavoidable - particularly after the amount of wet weather we have been experiencing in the first half of this year!
We recommend having mould in the home professionally treated and removed. We are excited to be able to offer this service to our clients through our partnership with Seeding Wizards.
Seeding Wizards uses a method for mould remediation called ‘fogging’. Find out more about this method of mould remediation in our FAQ section below.
Frequently Asked Questions about Mould Remediation (fogging)
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The Mould Killer + Protector solution from Forcefield Kills 99.99% of bacteria, mould, and germs.
One treatment offers up to 12 months 24/7 protection.
Water-based.
Non-flammable.
Suitable for all surfaces (except medical devices)
A simple and cost-effective test can be used as a guide to when to reapply Forcefield.
Environmentally responsible.
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Forcefield is environmentally responsible because it is a water-based solution. It does not contain any volatile organic compounds and decays in landfills to commonly occurring materials like silicon dioxide (sand), carbon and nitrogen oxides and water. The product does not harm surfaces eg. timbers, gyprock, paintings nor any material eg. wood, silk, leather or synthetic fabrics.
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1.0 % w/w 3-(Trimethoxysily) proppyl dimethyl octadecyl, ammonium chlorine, 1.75 % w/w Quantanary ammonium Chloride blend, and >96 % water.
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Following the mould treatment, dead mould spores, together with any dust and bacteria in the room, will settle downwards onto your floor and surfaces – and become sticky with residue.
We recommend having the treatment done followed directly by cleaning floors and wiping down all surfaces immediately upon returning to your home. We also highly recommend that the first vacuum of the area is with a ‘HEPA’ filter vacuum to ensure as many particles as possible are removed. We can provide an after-fogging surface clean but we do not remove any moulding staining. It is safe following our treatment to clean surfaces on your own as all the mould is now dead. DO NOT in any circumstances use bleach as this affects the longevity of our product.
If walls are stained from the mould we recommend wiping clean the surface and then repainting with mould retardant paint.
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For the best results, please thoroughly vacuum your home and wipe down all surfaces. It is important that you put all food, pet food bowls and pet water into the fridge or pantry.
All windows are to be closed, with fans and air conditioning units powered off.
All pets are to be either taken off-site with you or left outside.
Our fogging technician will cover your electronic devices, computer, TVs etc. However, please pack your smaller electrical appliances into cupboards.
Optional, but highly recommended, is to strip your bedding and cover with old sheets – and remove your towels, tea towels etc.
You are safe to return to your home 2 hours following treatment.
