Twenty questions people actually ask.

Yes. Mould exposure has been linked to respiratory irritation, allergies, asthma aggravation and long-term health complications. Children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems are most vulnerable.

Stachybotrys chartarum, known as black mould, releases mycotoxins linked to chronic fatigue, severe respiratory problems and neurological issues. It thrives on water-damaged, cellulose-rich materials such as plasterboard and timber.

Common symptoms include coughing, wheezing, asthma attacks, eye irritation, skin rashes, nasal congestion and throat irritation. These can mimic allergies or flu-like symptoms, which makes mould easy to overlook.

The five most concerning types are Stachybotrys chartarum (black mould), Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Penicillium and Fusarium. Each produces different health effects, ranging from allergic reactions to serious respiratory infections.

Yes. Pets can experience respiratory issues, lethargy and allergic reactions from mould exposure. Small animals and birds are particularly sensitive to airborne mould spores.

Some people experience symptoms within hours of exposure, while others develop issues over weeks or months of chronic exposure. If symptoms improve when you leave the building, mould may be the cause.

Look for visible discolouration on walls, ceilings and corners, often appearing as black, green or white patches. A persistent musty smell is one of the earliest indicators, even when mould is not yet visible.

Mould thrives in damp, poorly ventilated areas: bathrooms, kitchens, basements, laundry rooms, around windows with condensation, behind furniture against external walls, and in roof spaces with leaks.

Mould can appear as fuzzy, slimy or powdery patches in black, green, white, orange or brown. It often starts as small spots that spread outward. Early-stage mould can look like dirt or staining.

Apply a drop of household bleach to the spot as a test, but do not use bleach to clean mould. If the spot lightens after a few minutes, it is likely mould. Dirt will not change colour. This test damages surfaces, so use it sparingly.

Yes. Mould can grow behind wallpaper, inside wall cavities, under carpets and in ceiling spaces. Signs include musty odours, unexplained health symptoms, and bubbling or peeling paint.

Mould can begin growing within 24 to 48 hours once it has what it needs: humidity above about 60%, and dust or another organic surface to feed on. Penicillium is particularly fast-growing. This is why addressing water damage immediately is critical.

Yes, for small areas under 1 square metre. Wear a P2 respirator mask, rubber gloves and safety glasses. Use damp cloths or microfibre to trap spores, and never dry brush or vacuum dry mould.

White vinegar, at 3 parts vinegar to 1 part water, is effective against most mould species. Tea tree oil, at 1 teaspoon per cup of water, is also effective and helps prevent regrowth. Both are non-toxic alternatives to chemical cleaners.

Address the moisture source first: fix leaks, improve ventilation and keep indoor humidity below 60%. Open windows daily, use exhaust fans, keep furniture away from walls, and wipe condensation from surfaces regularly.

Porous items such as cushions, mattresses, carpets and soft furnishings that are heavily contaminated usually cannot be cleaned effectively and should be disposed of. Hard, non-porous surfaces can be cleaned.

For most household mould, yes. Vinegar penetrates porous surfaces and kills mould at the root. Bleach only cosmetically removes surface mould on non-porous materials, and because it contains water it can cause mould to return and can damage surfaces. Vinegar and natural tree oil based solutions can be better alternatives.

Call a professional if mould covers more than 1 square metre, if it returns quickly after cleaning (which indicates structural dampness), if it is in heating or air-conditioning systems, or if anyone in the household has serious health symptoms.

Open windows for at least 15 minutes daily, use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens during and after use, ensure dryer vents exhaust outside, and consider a dehumidifier for persistently damp rooms.

Overwatered indoor plants can add humidity and grow mould in the soil and the area around them. If you already have a mould problem, reduce the number of indoor plants and avoid overwatering.