How to win your war with mould

TOWNSVILLE residents have battled rain, floodwaters and mud but they now face a new enemy: mould.

Getting rid of fastspreading fungus isn’t easy but there are plenty of things you can try.

White vinegar, oil of cloves or isopropyl alcohol can be used to remove mould from hard surfaces and soft furnishings.

These products are recommended by cleaning experts because they actually kill the spores, rather than just bleach and hide them.

If you only bleach the mould, all the health risks – including allergies and asthma – will still be there regardless of whether you can see it.

The following steps are recommended: 1. Spray mould with straight vinegar or isopropyl alcohol from a trigger bottle a and scrub with a nail b brush.

2. Wipe clean and rinse your cloth in a bucket filled with 50/50 water and vinegar.

3. Clean the treated area with clean water.

You can also mix a quarter of a teaspoon of clove oil per litre of water, put it in a spray bottle, then lightly mist the mouldy surface.

Leave for 20 minutes and wipe off.

It will take between 24 and 48 hours for the mould spore to dry and drop off.

If practical, open your house or car to dry.

You can also put a few drops of pure clove oil on sticks of chalk, then place or hang them in cupboards around the house, allowing the scent to kill mould spores.

It’s crucial to dry out the area as much as possible.

You can buy dehumidifiers or Damprid to draw moisture out of rooms.

If these products are in short supply, you can mix a cup of rice, half a cup of bicarbonate of soda and a generous sprinkle of salt in a plastic container with holes in the lid.

Place the container in a damp area to absorb the moisture.