Green Mould On A Rocky Surface

How to Clean Mould in Tropical Climate?

If you own a home in Singapore, you likely face the issue of mould often because of the hot and humid weather. Singapore has high humidity and lots of rain, which makes it a perfect place for mould to grow. Mould isn’t just ugly; it can also harm your home and your health. It’s important to know how to deal with mould on walls, how to get rid of it for good, and how to clean mildew.

This guide will help you with practical advice on how to clean mould and mildew off your property, and how to keep your place mould-free in Singapore’s special climate.

Why do tropical climates like Singapore's encourage mould growth?

Tropical climates like Singapore’s are perfect for mould because they are very humid and warm. With humidity often over 80%, there’s a lot of moisture for mould to grow. The warm weather also helps mould spread quickly.

Why does mould grow more in humid and warm places?

Mould seeds are always in the air and can land on different surfaces if the conditions are good. In hot and wet areas, the mix of moisture and heat speeds up the growth of mould, causing it to spread faster and more. High humidity stops surfaces from drying, which is important to stop mould. Because of this, mould can grow and spread quickly on wet surfaces.

Places where mould often grows

Dark Green Mould Slowly Forming On A White Wall

Understanding where mould is likely to grow in your home can help you stop it. Here are some of the most common spots for mould in homes with warm, humid weather:

  • Bathrooms, because of all the water from showers and baths.
  • Kitchens, mostly near sinks and places with not enough airflow.
  • Basements and storage rooms are usually damp and not well-ventilated.
  • Walls and ceilings, especially in spots with poor insulation or water leaks.
  • Wood furniture. Mould can get into wood, so it’s important to deal with it quickly.

Checking regularly, having good airflow, and quickly dealing with dampness are important ways to keep your home free of mould.

Easy Guide to Removing Mould

Getting rid of mould can seem tough but if you’re using the correct methods and tools, you can clean it up (and even stop it from coming back!).

Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you deal with mould in your home.

Things you need to clean mould

Before you start cleaning, check your list off these items:

  • Safety equipment like gloves, mask, and goggles to keep you safe from mould particles.
  • Scrubbing tools like a brush or sponge to scrub mould off surfaces.
  • Gentle soap or mould remover to clean the mouldy areas.
  • White vinegar, a natural cleaner that kills mould.
  • Baking soda. It cleans and removes odours from surfaces.
  • Hydrogen peroxide, a strong cleaner that kills mould.
  • Spray bottle.

Dehumidifier or fan to lower the humidity level and dry the cleaned areas.

How to permanently remove mould from walls?

  1. Find and fix the cause of dampness. Mould grows in wet places, so look for any signs of water, like leaks or dampness, in the area with mould. Fix any broken pipes, roofs, or windows and make sure the area is well-insulated to stop dampness.

  2. Make a cleaning mix. Combine the same amount of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Vinegar can kill most types of mould.

  3. Spray the vinegar mix onto the mouldy spot, leave it for an hour to work, then scrub the area with a brush to get rid of the mould.

  4. Wash the cleaned area with water. Then, use a dehumidifier or a fan to dry the area completely. Keeping the area dry helps stop mould from coming back.

How to remove mildew from walls?

  1. Improve air circulation. Open windows and use a fan to increase air movement, which helps lower humidity and speeds up drying.

  2. Make a cleaning mix. Combine baking soda with water to form a paste. Baking soda cleans and removes odours.

  3. Spread the baking soda paste on the mouldy part of the wall and leave it for 15 minutes. Then, scrub the area with a brush to get rid of the mould.

  4. Wash off any leftover paste with water and ensure the area is completely dry using a fan or a dehumidifier.

How to remove mould from wooden furniture?

  1. Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to suck up any loose mould spores from the wood. This helps stop the spores from spreading.

  2. Make a cleaning mix by adding a little bit of dishwashing liquid to water. Dish soap is good for wood and can clean mould well.

  3. Use a soft brush to gently scrub the mould off the wood. Be careful not to hurt the wood’s surface.

  4. Wipe the area with a wet cloth to get rid of any soap left behind. Dry the area really well with a clean, dry cloth and put the furniture in a place with good air flow to make sure it dries fully.

How to stop mould from growing again?

A Hand Holding A Transparent Bottle Of Cleaning Solution While Cleaning The Mould On The Wall Of A Kitchen Counter Top

Keeping mould away is as important as getting rid of it. Here are some simple easy steps to keep your home free of mould:

  • Manage moisture. Use devices like dehumidifiers and air conditioners to keep the inside of your home less humid, below 50%. Check the humidity often, especially when it’s wet outside.
  • Improve the air ventilation. Make sure there’s good air flow in all parts of your home, especially in places where there’s a lot of moisture, like bathrooms and kitchens. Use fans to push the moist air outside.
  • Keep the area clean. Clean and dry surfaces regularly, especially in spots where moisture likes to gather, like bathrooms, kitchens, and basements, to stop mould from growing.
  • Stop leaks fast. Fix any water leaks or condensation problems right away. Check your pipes, roof, and windows often for any signs of leaks.

When the season shifts, conduct a thorough inspection of your home, particularly during and after the rainy season. Look out for mould in places like basements, attics, and other seldom-used areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does bleach really clean mould?

Bleach can eliminate mould on smooth surfaces like tiles and glass, but it’s not as effective on materials with small holes, such as wood or drywall. For these surfaces, using vinegar or hydrogen peroxide is better for removing mould.

2. What is white mould on walls and how do you handle it?

White mould is a common problem that can show up on walls and other surfaces, often because of too much moisture or water damage. To get rid of white mould, clean the area with a mix of vinegar and water, and improve air flow to stop it from returning.

Conclusion

Mould can be a persistent issue in places like Singapore with tropical climates, but using the right methods, you can control and stop it from growing. Knowing how mould develops and keeping up with regular cleaning and upkeep can help keep your house free of mould and ensure a healthy living space.

Although do-it-yourself solutions can be useful, hiring professional cleaners is usually better for completely removing mould. If you have a mould problem, think about contacting specialists like Tyche for professional mould removal services in Singapore.

Acting now can help you safeguard your home and your health from the risks of mould.

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