Mold removal at home

This information has been prepared to assist with general information on mold removal in the home.

If you’ve decided to remove mold, make sure there is good ventilation and wear protective clothing, such as a shower cap, rubber gloves, eye protection, overalls, suitable footwear and a P1 or P2 face mask (available from your hardware store).

Some people should not remove or be present when mold is removed, including pregnant women, children and people with weakened immune systems or chronic lung diseases, such as chronic obstructive lung disease.

If you are allergic or sensitive to mold, you may develop a stuffy nose, irritated eyes, wheezing or difficulty with breathing or skin irritation. People with weakened immune systems and with chronic lung diseases may be susceptible to infections. People with a pre-existing heart or lung condition should seek medical advice before using a P2 mask as they can make it harder to breathe normally.

If you are asthmatic and intend to do the clean-up work, keep your asthma medication with you at all times.

If you show any signs of asthma, get some fresh air and follow your asthma action plan. Do not dry brush the moldy area, as the brush can flick spores into the air where they may be breathed in.

If you vacuum mold-affected areas, only vacuum using a HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter. A HEPA filter is a type of filter that can trap large amounts of very small particles, which other vacuum cleaners would simply put back into the air.

If you’ve decided to remove mold, make sure there is good ventilation and wear protective clothing, such as a shower cap, rubber gloves, eye protection, overalls, suitable footwear and a P1 or P2 face mask (available from your hardware store).

Before deciding to wear a P2 face mask, consider that: They can be hot and uncomfortable to wear.

If the seal around the face and mouth is poor (for example, people with beards may not get a good seal), the face mask is much less effective. They can make it harder for you to breathe normally, so anyone with a pre-existing heart or lung condition should seek medical advice before using them.

If you are asthmatic and intend to do the clean-up work, keep your asthma medication with you at all times.

If you show any signs of asthma, get some fresh air and follow your asthma action plan. Small to medium sized areas of mold may be removed at home.

The following steps should be followed#

The best way to control mold growth is to control moisture, so it is important to identify the sources of moisture and remove or control them, else the mold problem is likely to reoccur.

Mold will only grow in damp unventilated rooms#

Check for sources of water from roofing and plumbing leaks including damaged pipes and drains, and call a plumber if repairs are required and see on the Better Health Channel website for other sources. Dispose of any moldy items that are unable to be cleaned including cardboard boxes and mattresses which should be disposed of.

Wash clothing, bedding and other soft fabric articles, such as soft toys, in a washing machine on a hot cycle.

Items that have been moldy for several weeks, like bedding may not be able to be cleaned and may need to be disposed of. Wash all the clothes you used for cleaning up separately to other clothes. Other contaminated soft furnishings that cannot be put in a washing machine will have to be cleaned professionally.

If this is not possible, they may need to be thrown out.

Thoroughly clean all affected hard surfaces#

In many cases, household detergent or white vinegar will be sufficient. Use a microfibre cloth and rinse the dirty cloth regularly in a separate container of clean water to prevent spreading the mold.

If using a commercially available product, check the label to see how much to use and on which surfaces it can be used and always read and follow safety instructions.

Do not mix bleach with ammonia, acids or other cleaners – this can release hazardous chlorine or chloramine fumes. Apply the cleaner and give it time to work before you mop or sponge it up. Avoid getting areas too wet, and dry afterwards where possible.

If large areas of mold regrowth occur, consult a mold remediation professional.

To reduce the chance of mold regrowth, it is important to dry the area where the mold grew. The simplest way to dry a room is to open doors and windows to thoroughly air the house.

For further information and advice, contact the Environmental Health section of your local council. For mold removal relating to flooding, including major internal leaks please refer to the Department of Health’s Safety considerations with mold removal Steps for mold removal at home Remove the source of moisture Mold and your health Remove the mold

Where to get help#