How to prevent mould in your house

If you live in a storm or flood-affected area like Queensland, chances are you’ve battled mould. But it’s not just those affected by extreme damp after a storm or flood that can get mould — it can sneak into anyone’s walls, bathrooms, and ceilings, given the right conditions.

So, we’ve compiled our best strategies for preventing and killing mould.

What is mould?

Mould is a type of fungi that can occur in environments where there’s water and limited sunlight. Far from just being a nuisance, it can pose health risks and cause damage to your home and contents.

Some causes of mould include:

• poor ventilation in bathrooms and laundries
• leaks in the roof
• low levels of natural light
• condensation, and
• flooding in the home.

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How to prevent mould in your house

Identify problem areas

If you can spot mould in its early stages, or areas where mould is likely to grow, you can try to nip it in the bud. It’s usually recognisable by spores and a yellow, blue, black, grey, or greenish colour. It sometimes has a musty scent. Another sign that there may be mould in your house is if you have a runny nose, a sore throat, or other allergy-like symptoms.   

Dry and ventilate wet areas

Ensure that you dry areas that are often wet, such as laundries, kitchens, and bathrooms. Try and keep these areas well ventilated by switching on ceiling fans and opening windows when you can.

Monitor humidity

If you live somewhere with high humidity levels, like tropical Queensland, a dehumidifier — which takes moisture out of the air — might be a good buy. They can also help relieve asthma symptoms, which is great if there are any sufferers in your family.

Use waterproof paint

Waterproof paint can help prevent mould by creating a seal and stopping moisture from seeping in through the walls. So next time you’re thinking of putting on a fresh coat, do a bit of research into interior and exterior waterproof paints, or speak to a consultant at a paint store.   

Clean gutters

Cleaning dirty gutters is important. Gutters full of debris can cause leaks, which can lead to mould.

How to control mould

If mould has already set in, there’s a few ways you can try and get it under control.

Anti-mould sprays can help kill mould, as can regular spot wiping with soapy water. Or, a water and vinegar solution, a cloth, and some muscle should give it a good scare! 

If you have a Suncorp Home Insurance policy, it will cover loss or damage caused by the escape of liquid from things like refrigerators, swimming pools, baths, toilets, basins, and more. But loss or damage caused by wear, tear, rust, fading, rising damp, mould, mildew, corrosion, or rot isn’t covered by Home and Contents Insurance. So, it’s important to do what you can to prevent mould from causing damage to your property before it’s too late. See the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) for more information.

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Read more:

• Avoiding underinsurance: What to consider when buying home insurance
• Does home insurance cover water damage?
• Flood resilience: Building flood resistant homes after the 2011 Brisbane floods

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Insurance is issued by AAI Limited ABN 48 005 297 807 trading as Suncorp Insurance. Consider the Product Disclosure Statement before making a decision about this insurance. This advice has been prepared without taking into account your particular objectives, financial situations or needs, so you should consider whether it is appropriate for you before acting on it. AAI Insurance shall not be held liable for any loss or damage caused by any reliance on or use of the contents of this article.

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