This
information was taken from the Canada Mortgage & Housing Corporation (CMHC)
publication entitled "The Homeowners' Guide To Mold."
Q. The air in my home feels dry - can I humidify?
A. Before you add moisture to the air, you should measure the
relative humidity. Air that feels dry may not be really dry. It may be
mouldy. High relative humidity (over 50%) promotes the growth of moulds
and dust mites. The moisture in the air may condense on colder exterior
walls where moulds start to grow. Symptoms of a reaction to mould are
similar to what people blame on dry air (e.g. itchy skin, sore throat).
Q. What advantages do vacuum cleaners with a High Efficiency
Particulate Air (HEPA) filter provide?
A. Ordinary vacuums capture large particles only; small mould
spores pass through the vacuum into the air. Vacuum cleaners with a HEPA
filter enable you to capture smaller particles. Vacuuming regularly with a
HEPA or externally exhausted vacuum cleaner will prevent the ongoing
accumulation of dust and moulds.
Q. Does painting over a mouldy surface take care of the mould
problem?
A. Painting over mould only masks the problem. Paint does not kill
the mould nor stop if from growing. Surfaces that are washable should be
cleaned with a detergent and bleach solution, and then allowed to dry. If
you are going to paint, remove any mould first. Then ask yourself why is
the mould growing here? Until you fix the problem, it will keep coming
back.
Q. Does cleaning stop the mould growth?
A. Mould will reappear until its' source of moisture is removed.
High moisture levels that are not corrected can cause the mould to grow
back quickly. Cleaning is only a temporary, but essential, measure. You
can help by making a conscious effort to keep your home dry. The most
obvious way to accomplish this is to prevent water from entering your
home.
Q. How does one clean clothes that are mouldy?
A. Non-washable clothing can be dry-cleaned. For washable clothing
use a detergent solution to which a cup of bleach is added. Make sure the
detergent you use does not contain ammonia, because mixing ammonia and
bleach can produce harmful fumes. Repeat washing as necessary until the
mouldy odour is gone. If you have a damp storage area, clothes and other
items should be stored in sealed plastic containers or bags to prevent
re-contamination.
