MOULD EDU
Know the mycological terrain, we provide the map.
Practical, Human health and building health guidance, understand the mould risk factors, how to clean effectively, how to prevent mould coming back, and the natural approaches proven to work by experienced professionals in the field.
HOW WE HELP
Mould Detect gives you tools, information and support for confident decisions. If you suspect a mould issue, use our apps to understand and document what you are seeing, and always seek professional advice. Where possible, confirm with laboratory testing to fully understand your situation.
THE SPECIES
Know what you are looking at.
Thousands of mould species exist, but a handful account for most indoor problems. Knowing what you are looking at helps you judge urgency.
Stachybotrys chartarum, the black mould
Slimy, dark green-black patches on chronically wet plasterboard, timber or paper. It produces mycotoxins linked to respiratory irritation, so treat any suspected patch with caution and avoid dry brushing.
Aspergillus
Very common indoors: powdery green, yellow or brown colonies. Most species are harmless to healthy people, but they can cause serious infection in those with weakened immune systems and can aggravate asthma.
Penicillium
Blue-green, velvety growth on water-damaged materials, fabrics and food. It spreads quickly and is a frequent allergy trigger, bringing sneezing, itchy eyes and sinus congestion.
Cladosporium
Olive-green to brown-black, and unusual in that it thrives in both warm and cool areas: window frames, bathroom seals, air-conditioning vents. A common asthma and hay fever trigger.
Alternaria
Dark grey-brown with a wool-like texture, common around showers, tubs and leaky sinks. One of the strongest allergenic moulds, and often the reason behind a persistent indoor hay fever.
SAFE CLEANING
Clean it safely, or know when not to.
Small, surface-level patches, under about half a square metre, can usually be handled yourself. Anything larger, recurring, or inside wall cavities needs a professional.
Confirm it is mould
Mould smears when rubbed with a damp cloth and usually smells musty; dirt does not. A Mould Detect scan gives you a fast first opinion and a record of the area over time.
Protect yourself first
Wear gloves, a P2/N95 mask and eye protection. Open windows, close internal doors, and never dry-brush or vacuum mould, because that launches spores into the air.
Clean, do not just bleach
Bleach whitens but often leaves the roots in porous surfaces. Wash with warm soapy water or a vinegar solution, dry thoroughly, and keep watching the spot. Discard porous items such as carpet and ceiling tiles that stay mouldy after cleaning.
Know when to stop
Patches larger than about 0.5 m2, mould returning after cleaning, growth related to sewage, or anyone in the home with a respiratory condition: at that point, bring in a professional.
PREVENTION
Take away the moisture, take away the mould.
Mould needs three things: humidity above about 60%, something to eat, which ordinary household dust supplies, and around 48 hours. Remove the moisture and you remove the mould's future.
Control humidity
Keep indoor humidity below 60%, and ideally between 30 and 50%. Use exhaust fans when cooking and showering, and a dehumidifier in damp rooms or damp seasons.
Move the air
Open opposing windows daily for cross-flow, leave wardrobe and cupboard doors ajar in damp weather, and keep furniture a hand-width off external walls.
Fix water fast
Leaks, rising damp and condensation feed mould within 24 to 48 hours. Dry wet areas immediately and repair the source, not just the stain.
Watch the cold spots
Window frames, south-facing walls, built-in wardrobes and bathroom ceilings are condensation magnets. Check them monthly, and scan anything suspicious.
NATURAL SOLUTIONS
Effective without the harsh fumes.
For routine cleaning and prevention, several natural options are effective and avoid harsh fumes. It is the approach our partners at Nature's Defence specialise in.
White vinegar
Undiluted white vinegar kills most household mould species and penetrates porous surfaces better than bleach. Spray it on, leave it for an hour, then wipe and dry.
Clove oil
A few drops, about a quarter teaspoon per litre of water, inhibits mould regrowth on hard surfaces. Use it sparingly, because it is potent, and keep it away from pets.
Tea tree oil
Two teaspoons per two cups of water makes an effective anti-fungal spray for bathrooms and window frames. There is no need to rinse; the residue keeps working.
Bicarb and sunlight
Bicarbonate of soda scrubs and deodorises, and direct sunlight is a free anti-mould treatment. Air bedding, rugs and cushions outside regularly.
WATCH AND LEARN
Video guides from our partners.
Ep 01 The Mystery Of Mold - What Every Homeowner Must Know
NATURE'S DEFENCE
Safe Mould Removal: Natural Solution and Holistic Approach
NATURE'S DEFENCE
Discovering Mycotoxins: What You Need to Know
NATURE'S DEFENCE
Mould Reset: Kill Existing Mould, Fix the Fault, Maintain Your Home
NATURE'S DEFENCE
Mould Stains
NATURE'S DEFENCE
About Our Video Training Series: How to Become the Best Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning Technician
AUSTRALIAN CLEANING & RESTORATION ACADEMY
About Our Video Training Series on Restoration
AUSTRALIAN CLEANING & RESTORATION ACADEMY
About Our Training Video on Work Place Health and Safety
AUSTRALIAN CLEANING & RESTORATION ACADEMY
CERTIFICATIONS
Learn at your own pace, earn the credential.
Structured courses and certifications in mould remediation are coming to Mould Edu. Learn at your own pace and earn recognised credentials.
MISS MOULD AI
Ask the mycology expert. Any question, plain answers.
YOU
Is the black patch behind my wardrobe dangerous?
MISS MOULD
Possibly. Dark growth on a cold external wall behind furniture is a classic condensation pattern. Photograph it in good light, run a scan, and do not dry-brush it. If it is larger than your hand or comes back after cleaning, bring in a professional.
Miss Mould AI lives in the Mould Detect app.