Floods, heavy rains and humidity create the perfect storm for mould and mildew to grow in our homes. For some, it’s a minor inconvenience that requires a bit of time and effort to fix. For others, it can escalate to levels that call for expert intervention.

Before you reach for the bleach, it pays to assess the source, type and extent of mould growth and look at how you prevent it from becoming a problem in the long term.

While you can see and smell some types of mould, many are invisible to the naked eye even though they’re active within wall cavities and other spaces. Some have known adverse health effects, whereas others may only cause health effects in someone who is sensitive to them. If you’re not sure whether you have an issue, it can pay to get an expert to undertake an assessment of your property.

Whatever the extent of mould exposure, it’s important to identify the source of the problem and eliminate it. While bleach-based products and vinegar are stop-gap measures, they won’t kill mould permanently. Instead, when it comes to cleaning mould, it’s the technique rather than the product that matters most. Once the cause of the moisture has been resolved, materials need to be dried out, and then cleaned or replaced. Simple things like vacuuming with a HEPA filter installed, using a scrubbing brush single use microfibre cloths and soapy water can all help.

Once you’ve got rid of your mould, stop it from returning by...

• Keeping gutters and drains clear of leaf litter and ensuring water drains away to stormwater rather than the ground.
• Maintaining a gap between garden beds and your foundations.
• Using a dehumidifier, setting your air-conditioner to dry mode and/or run ceiling fans to help to move air.
• Decluttering and dusting regularly.
• Installing full-house ventilation systems to reduce internal humidity levels and promote cross ventilation.
• Taking measures to dry out affected carpets, surfaces, walls and ceilings.