Mould in Perth Homes: Causes, Safe Removal and Prevention

Perth has dry summers, but winter brings cool, damp nights, and many homes close up tight against the cold. That mix of moisture and still air is exactly what mould likes. Bathrooms, bedroom corners, window frames and behind furniture are the usual places it starts.

Common causes

• Steam from showers and cooking with no extra ventilation.
• Condensation on windows that drips onto sills and curtains.
• Drying washing indoors without airflow.
• Furniture pushed hard against external walls.
• Small leaks from roofs, pipes or window seals.

How to remove light mould safely

1. Open windows and wear gloves, safety glasses and a mask.
2. Vacuum loose spores with a HEPA vacuum if you have one, rather than brushing them into the air.
3. Spray white vinegar or a mould cleaner onto hard surfaces and leave it for an hour.
4. Scrub with a brush, then wipe with a damp cloth.
5. Dry the area completely with a towel, and run a fan or open windows.
6. Wash affected fabrics at the hottest temperature the care label allows.

How to prevent it coming back

• Run the bathroom fan during and for 20 minutes after showers.
• Wipe down shower screens and tiles, and squeegee glass.
• Open windows for 10 to 15 minutes a day to move the air.
• Keep furniture a hand's width from walls.
• Fix leaks as soon as you spot them.
• Clean grout and silicone regularly before mould takes hold.

When to call a professional

If mould covers more than a small patch, returns quickly after cleaning, smells musty with no visible source, or affects someone with asthma or allergies, get help. A professional can treat the surface and help you find the cause. Renters should tell their landlord or agent in writing, because persistent mould can point to a repair issue.

Our crews treat mould on grout and silicone as part of a deep clean or an end of lease clean.