A common problem in modern homes is the proliferation of mould on or behind furniture. As many moulds give off no scent of any form it can be easy to miss mould problems initially. However, upon moving a cupboard, wardrobe or bookcase one may be both shocked and disgusted to find a thick film of mould attacking it – most likely on the faces which are closest to the wall – and hence the furthest from human gaze.
There are a number of reasons why this mould deserves your attention; not least of which is the unsightly appearance it can bring to your home. However in addition it’s worth taking into account that some species of mould can damage not just your prized furniture but in extreme cases even your health. The end result is that it is important to treat any mould on furniture as soon after discovery as possible in order to stop the problem worsening.
If you’ve experienced problems with mould in your home in the past it’s a smart idea to pay more attention than the overage homeowner and to regularly check behind your furniture, especially in rooms where this has historically been a problem.
So the next question is: if you’ve been unlucky enough to discover that your furniture is being attacked by mould, what should you do about the problem?
In the short term, mould can often be removed from furniture using a weak bleach solution though be careful to follow the instructions carefully to avoid any health risks associated with the chemicals. The goal is to not only eliminate the visible signs of mould but also to kill the spores and thus reduce the chances of the problem reoccurring.
That said, in extreme cases or those where you’d rather not get your hands dirty there are professionals who specialize in the treatment of mould. Outsourcing your mould treatment can turn out be a wise investment due to the nature of the chemicals involved. An experienced mould treatment professional will have access to a larger range of effective chemicals for treating mould problems. In addition they will also know the most effective way to use these chemicals in order to eliminate your household mould without putting anyone’s health at risk.
However without further action there is a fair chance the mould may return. After all, mouldy furniture is normally a symptom of broader problems; namely moist, stagnant air hanging behind your furniture, creating the perfect environment for mould to grow and flourish.
At a basic level, the discovery of mould in your home should encourage you to change your home environment by improving ventilation and reducing moisture in the air. At a deeper level, questions should be asked about why your home is damp enough to encourage mould growth. In these cases, it may once again be advisable to consult a professional in this area so they can assess where the moisture is coming from and put in place an effective solution.
