Keeping Your Townhouse Mould-Free
Mould is a potential nuisance in any home, but townhouse owners have to be particularly diligent. Any place that’s damp and unventilated is a potential mould-breeding zone—and townhouse bathrooms can be especially prone, particularly if they are frequently used for bathing without adequate time to dry.
“It’s rare for townhouses to have windows in the bathroom,” explains Ariane Benjamin, realtor at Vancouver Townhouse. “A lot of homeowners will simply pop open a window to air out their bathrooms, but townhouses typically rely on ventilation to dry. If a lot of people are showering or bathing, and the ventilation system isn’t run for a good long time, the bathroom can become a potential growth zone.”
Mould spores commonly float through the air, and they can start to grow if left unchecked on damp surfaces, like ledges, walls, and ceilings. Besides destroying the walls and paint, mould can also cause allergic reactions, triggering hay fever-like symptoms in some people.
Dealing With Mould in Your Townhouse
If you notice mould forming on a surface in your townhouse, whether it’s on a ceiling, wall, or in between grout of the bathroom tile, you have several options for removal according to the Indoor Science Consultants and Technicians.
Please note: wearing rubber gloves and goggles is strongly recommended when dealing with mould.
- Add approximately one cup of bleach to one gallon of water. Put it in a spray bottle—or sponge it along the surface. Do not rinse.
- Add vinegar to a spray bottle and apply it directly to the affected area.
- Add about one spoonful of tea tree oil to a cup of water. Let it soak on the surface for a few minutes before wiping it away.
“By looking after mould immediately when you notice it, you can stop unsightly growth and protect your investment,” says Ariane. “If the area is larger than about 10 square feet, it’s recommended that you call in a professional as this could be a sign of a deeper problem. Remember to periodically check spaces under sinks or in crawl spaces—and always use bathroom ventilation to remove condensation when running the bath or shower.”