Whether you’ve noticed green mould appearing in your bathroom or kitchen or even hiding in the corners of your car, it is an unsightly and unwelcome guest that can lead to both health issues and structural issues in your home. So removing it quickly and effectively is essential.
In this helpful guide, we explain exactly what green mould is, how to remove it and offer some tips to prevent it from recurring. Follow these steps to ensure your home and car stay fresh, hygienic and mould-free.
What is green mould?
Green mould is a type of fungus that, like other mould species, thrives on moisture and survives by bearing down organic matter.
Green mould is not one particular type of mould but is a term that covers hundreds of types of species. As a result, green mould can also appear blue, black or pink depending on the species and its stage of growth.
The three most common types of green mould are:
● Cladosporium – This type of green mould thrives on plants, but it can also grow on household surfaces like walls, cabinets, and carpets.
● Aspergillus—This mould typically grows on spoiled food like bread. It can also grow in nutrient-poor but moisture-rich environments like basements.
● Penicillium—This mould is known for its antibacterial properties and is usually bluish-green in colour. However, it can also emit mycotoxins that are harmful to people and pets. Penicillium prefers colder environments like soil but can also form on wet items in the home.
How to Find the Source of Bad Odours in Your Car?
One of the hardest tasks when tackling unpleasant and lingering vehicle odours is understanding where these odours hide. The smells often seem elusive, but finding the source of the smells is the key to eliminating them and restoring a pleasant driving experience.
Here are some common hiding spots for car odours :
- Upholstery and Carpeting : Fibres in vehicle carpets or upholstery can trap odours, especially if spills or accidents have occurred.
- Air Vents and HVAC System : Mould, mildew, and bacteria can all thrive in the damp environment of air vents and the HVAC system and can circulate unpleasant odours throughout the car.
- Headliners and Ceiling Fabric : Odours from smoke, food, or pets can permeate the headliner and ceiling fabric, causing smells to linger even after surface cleaning.
- Trunk and Cargo Areas : Spills, leaks, and forgotten items in the trunk or cargo area can create odours that last and eventually spread throughout the vehicle.
- Underneath Seats and Between Cushions : Small bits of food, spilt drinks, or pet hair can build up between cushions and underneath seats and emit smells as they decompose.
- Dashboard and Interior Panels : The dashboard and interior panels can harbour odours from spills, dust or dirt that find their way into hard-to-reach crevices.
- Floor Mats and Floorboard : Spills or dirt on your floor mats can seep into the floorboard, leading to persistent odours if they aren’t cleaned and deodorised properly.
Where will you find green mould?
Green mould is usually found inside the home in areas where there are high levels of moisture and organic matter. The most common areas to be affected by green mould include :
- Bathrooms
- Kitchens
- Walls
- Windowsills
- Attics
- Basements
- Food
However, green mould can also grow in cars, as the moist, warm conditions can be ideal for the growth of the fungus.
How to treat green mould?
You can treat mould yourself. However, removing green mould quickly is important to prevent it from becoming a more serious problem.
Before treating green mould, you’ll need to identify the cause, which is the key to preventing it from recurring. The reason is usually down to excessive moisture caused by poor ventilation or a leak from a pipe or appliance. So, checking for signs of a leak and improving ventilation are a good first step.
DIY mould removal methods
To effectively remove green mould from your car or home, you can follow our step-by-step guide :
- Put on appropriate protective clothing, including gloves, a mask and goggles to prevent you from touching or inhaling mould spores.
- Mix vinegar or baking soda with a small amount of water and apply to the affected area using a spray bottle or a sponge.
- Scrub the treated area gently using a sponge to remove the mould, then rinse with clean water.
- Repeat if necessary to remove all traces of green mould.
- To prevent mould spores from spreading, dispose of any materials used to clean the mould in a sealed plastic bag.
Buying bleach-free mould removal products to treat the affected area is also possible. If using a pre-mixed product, you must always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and take any necessary precautions, including ensuring proper ventilation of the area before you start.
When should you get professional help with green mould?
Although it is possible to treat green mould yourself, it is important to get professional if the area of green mould:
- Is larger than the size of a dinner plate.
- Is reoccurring.
- Is causing structural damage.
- You suffer from any health conditions which put you at greater risk of being affected by mould.
Is green mould dangerous?
Although green mould is not usually considered as harmful as black mould, it can still pose some health risks if left untreated, particularly for people susceptible to allergies.
As well as causing symptoms like watery eyes, runny nose and coughing, excessive exposure to green mould can be associated with :
- Allergic reactions
- Respiratory problems
- Skin irritation
- Eye irritation
- Asthma attacks
- Headaches
How can you prevent green mould from coming back?
Prevention is the key when it comes to tackling green mould. Implementing the below measures can help prevent mould from reoccurring :
Control moisture levels
Your home or car needs to be properly ventilated, especially in areas prone to moisture, for example, your kitchen or bathroom. Consider opening windows or using an extractor fan to improve airflow and reduce humidity.
Fix any leaks
Regularly inspect your home for signs of water leaks, paying attention to pipes, roofs and windows, and fix any issues before a problem with green mould occurs. When it comes to your car, check your door, window and trunk seals regularly to make sure that moisture is not penetrating the interior of your vehicle.
Reduce humidity
Use a home or car dehumidifier to keep humidity levels around 30-50%.
How to keep your home and car green mould free?
The best way to keep both your home and car free from green mould is to prevent it from developing in the first place by reducing excessive moisture. However, if you notice any signs of green mould, you should act quickly to remove the green mould. That’s where we can help. As Australia’s largest network of professional detailers, we can provide first-class cleaning services to ensure your vehicle is immaculate and mould-free.
Since 2003, we’ve cleaned and detailed thousands of cars, helping to restore their showroom look and feel once more. As a 100% hand wash and detailing provider, we take pride in our work and strive for excellence. Plus, with locations in all major shopping centres across Australia, you can shop, catch up with friends or even grab a movie while your car is lovingly restored.
Book online today or visit your nearest Star Car Wash branch.
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