If you’ve come across mould on your latest job and you’re not sure what to do, you’ve come to the right place. In this blog, Thermac explores whether mould goes away on its own and how it works.
So, does mould go away on its own? Unfortunately, mould does not go away on its own. Regardless of whether mould is in the viable or non-viable stage, it is still harmful and must be removed properly using specialist mould removal products and ventilation.
Keep reading to find out more about why mould doesn’t go away on its own and how to deal with it if you come across it during a work project.
Will Mould Go Away On Its Own?
Mould is a living organism, built to be resistant to nature, so the short answer is no, mould will not go away on its own accord. It is also highly unlikely that it would even become ‘extinct’.
There are two different stages of mould, both of which are harmful to us if left alone. The viable stage is when mould is actively feeding and releasing spores into the air. If the mould doesn’t have access to a feeding source however, it will go into the non-viable stage. You would assume that the colonies would die off without access to food or moisture but instead, they simply go dormant. In other words, the mould goes into hibernation and stops releasing spores into the air. At this stage, it’s easy to assume that it is not harmful but in actuality, it doesn’t take much to push the mould into the viable stage once again.
Does Mould Die When It Dries Out?
Whilst it’s common belief that dry mould is safe, this is not the case. Mould spores do not multiply without a source of moisture but they will re-activate and start growing once they come into contact with water again.
Here is everything you need to know about mould:
What Does Mould Need To Grow?
The truth is that mould doesn’t actually need much to grow out of control. Ideal conditions include lots of moisture and food. In particular, indoor mould growth is fuelled by moisture. On top of moisture, mould also needs nutrients to survive. This includes materials like paper, wood, drywall or any organic material.
Do Mould Spores Die Without Moisture?
Without a constant supply of water, mould will ‘go to sleep’ but the spores never actually die. Depending on the type of mould, some spores can remain dormant for hundreds of years under the right conditions.
That’s why it’s not enough to simply eliminate humidity if you have an active mould problem. The mould spores and contaminated materials need to be eradicated fully if you don’t want the mould to grow back.
Remember – mould can start to develop between 24 and 48 hours of a material getting wet. To prevent mould growing in the first place, make sure that you dry any wet materials within 24 hours.
What Happens To Mould When It Dries Out?
Once mould spores dry out, they become temporarily inactive. However, they can still cause uncomfortable symptoms and allergic reactions in humans such as itchy eyes, runny nose, skin rashes and coughing/sneezing.
What’s more, dry mould spores are very light and can become airborne easily. This can quickly lead to spreading and the contamination of other areas of your home. As a result, simply letting mould spores dry out without cleaning or wiping them away properly is not a good solution to any mould problem.
Are Dry Mould Spores Harmful?
Most people think that mould is harmless unless you touch or eat it. However, because mould spores are microscopic in size, they can easily be inhaled, get trapped in the lungs and cause a number of health problems.
Inhaling spores can cause:
- Allergic reactions
- Respiratory problems like asthma and wheezing
- Irritation of eyes, nose or skin
- Mental confusion
- Neurological problems
- Fatigue
- Headaches
To reiterate our running message, it is not enough to kill the mould, you must also remove it totally.
Should You Remove Dry Mould?
Yes. Because mould spores are quite ubiquitous, it’s important that you do a thorough job when cleaning.
Signs Of Mould
Here are some of the telltale signs of mould:
- Visible discoloration or staining – grey, black, green or bluish specks are a clear indicator of mould.
- Musty odour – musty, earthy or sour smells are signs of mould.
- Damp walls, upholstery and floors – if surfaces are damp, the level of humidity is too high. High humidity encourages mould growth.
- Moisture condensation – if you see droplets of water on walls or windows, mould is sure to follow.
How To Remove Mould Permanently
If you’re struggling with mould on a job, it’s important to understand that bleach, domestic cleaning products and homemade solutions are not effective mould removal treatments. This is because mould doesn’t just appear on the surface, it goes deep into your internal walls. Even after you have soaked the mould in bleach, the mould continues to spread within the brickwork.
The best way to remove mould permanently is by reducing the build-up of moisture. This can only be achieved through better ventilation. A dehumidifier can remove some moisture but it is not as effective at controlling high levels of water vapour in the air and can increase energy consumption.
Can Opening Windows Reduce Mould?
Yes. Ventilation is absolutely crucial to preventing mould growth. Some recommend that you ventilate a building for a minimum of 30 minutes daily by opening the windows.
Mould Remediation With Thermac
If you’ve found mould on your job, there’s no need to panic. At Thermac, we provide the highest quality equipment and consumables to help with mould removal for walls, ceilings, floors and furniture.
We supply disinfectant products which are anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal, h-class air movers that filter air containing mould spores and low pressure sprayers and foggers that sanitise building interiors of mould, odour bacteria and viruses.
On top of these mould removal products, we also offer fit2fit accredited face fit testing and servicing of your masks. We’re your one-stop shop for mould remediation.
Get in touch today with our friendly team to find out more about our mould removal products.