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Monday, July 28, 2008

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Control of Moulds

In the home the first step is to control condensation:

· Keep an adequate level of dry heating. Calor gas and paraffin heaters create moisture

· Keep kitchen and bathroom doors closed when cooking, washing or bathing to reduce spread of vapour throughout the house

· Do not allow kettles and pans to boil for longer than necessary

· Do not dry clothes on radiators without adequate ventilation

· Tumble driers should be ventilated outside

· Consider fitting extractor fans in the steamiest areas if the above do not seem enough

· Do not overfill cupboards and wardrobes(especially built-in ones) so that there is air circulation. Ventilators are a good idea as is leaving a space at the back of the shelf.

· Cavity wall insulation may help. Allergic people should avoid urea-formaldehyde foam as the smell may be a problem. Before the system is fitted arrange for the firm to leave an open box of the material in your home for a month to see if the smell irritates you. The best recommendation is a “dry fill” system , blown in mineral wool or expanded polystyrene beads.


After controlling the source, existing mould may be killed using ordinary household bleach ( sodium hypochlorite), diluted in plain water, one part of bleach to four of water to which should be added one part in 100 of Benzalkonium Chloride, available as Benzalkonium Chloride BP or Gloquat C from chemists or manufacturers. Wipe after use with plain water, and repeat the bleach wash. Allow to dry for a week, and repeat if there is any recurrence of mould growth.