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Keep your home safe from mould
How does mould affect your health?
Moulds can cause eye, nose and throat irritation, coughing and phlegm build-up, wheezing and allergic reactions.
What causes moulds?
- Water leakage from a roof or plumbing leak, or flooding.
- Steam or moisture in the air from baths/showers, cooking and wet laundry.
- Condensation on windows due to cold outdoor temperatures and high indoor humidity.
Clean up small areas of mould yourself
- Use a cloth and liquid detergent
- Wear a mask, rubber gloves and safety glasses
- Fix the source of dampness so the mould won’t grow back again
Get help for larger areas
- Contact your Housing Department
Did you know?
Mould is most commonly found in damp areas like:
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The basement
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Under or behind stored items
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In the bathroom, under the sink or around the bath/shower
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On window sills or on gyproc walls near the window
Simple tips to keep your house free of moulds
- Keep your air exchanger turned on for several hours a day – this will bring in fresh air from outside and get rid of stale air.
- Turn on the bathroom fan for every shower or bath and keep it running for 30 minutes after.
- Use your kitchen fan when you cook, and clean the fan regularly.
- Buy a dehumidifier and keep it running in your basement all summer. Don’t forget to empty the water holder every couple of days.
- Fix all water leaks quickly (within a couple of days).
- Dry puddles and wet material within 24 to 48 hours using cloths and a fan.
- Gyproc, carpets, wood or other materials that have been damp for a few days need to be thrown out and replaced. It only takes 48 to 72 hours for mould to start growing.
