You catch a whiff of that all-too-familiar musty odour and think to yourself, "Not again." Perhaps you've even spotted a suspicious patch of black, grimy substance clinging to the walls or tucked into the crevices of your home. But is it really mould, or just ordinary dirt? Distinguishing between the two can be tricky, and ignoring the issue might lead to bigger problems down the line.

You're not alone. Mould can be a sneaky enemy, and that’s why we’re here to walk you through the steps on when to test for mould, how to conduct the test yourself, and even provide some simple cleaning and prevention tips - all featuring the trusted SAN-AIR product line.

Why and when should you test for mould?

So, you've got a suspicious patch lurking in your home, and the question looms: is it mould, or just some harmless grime? Here's where mould testing comes in. There are a few key reasons why you might want to consider a test:

1. Identifying the unknown - Perhaps you've noticed what appears to be dirt or grime accumulating on your walls or tucked away in the corners of your living spaces. While it may seem harmless at first glance, these patches could be early signs of mould growth. Testing allows you to confirm whether or not mould is the culprit behind these mysterious markings.

2. DIY remediation - If you're the hands-on type and prefer to tackle household issues yourself, testing for mould can provide valuable information before diving into DIY remediation efforts. Knowing the extent of the mould problem and identifying the specific type of mould present can guide your cleaning and removal efforts, potentially saving you time, money, and frustration.
3.  Uncertain professional services - Despite enlisting the help of professional mould remediation services, you may find yourself still grappling with unresolved issues. If the professionals are unable to pinpoint the source of mould growth or adequately address the problem, you may feel frustrated and uncertain about the effectiveness of their services. In such cases, conducting your own mould testing can provide clarity and empower you to advocate for a more comprehensive solution.

How to test for mould?

While there are various methods for DIY mould testing at home, the most convenient and user-friendly option is using the SAN-AIR Mould & Bacteria Test Kit.

This handy test kit allows you to test and monitor levels of fungi (yes,mould!), aerobic bacteria, and yeast in your home environment. Each kit contains dip slides with two sides: a dark side for testing mould and a light side for testing bacteria. This dual functionality allows for thorough testing of various microbial contaminants present in the air, on surfaces, and even in water sources.

Now, you might wonder how many test kits you'll need to adequately assess mould levels in your home. After all, your home isn't a one-size-fits-all space. Here are some helpful scenarios to determine the number of test kits you'll need:

 

While there are various methods for DIY mould testing at home, the most convenient and user-friendly option is using the SAN-AIR Mould & Bacteria Test Kit. This handy test kit allows you to test and monitor levels of fungi (yes,mould!), aerobic bacteria, and yeast in your home environment. Each kit contains dip slides with two sides: a dark side for testing mould and a light side for testing bacteria. This dual functionality allows for thorough testing of various microbial contaminants present in the air, on surfaces, and even in water sources. Now, you might wonder how many test kits you'll need to adequately assess mould levels in your home. After all, your home isn't a one-size-fits-all space. Here are some helpful scenarios to determine the number of test kits you'll need:

How Many Mould Testt Kits Do You Need - for blog by APD

Cleaning up the mould with SAN-AIR

Now that you've identified mouldy areas using your SAN-AIR Test Kit, it's time to tackle the problem head-on. But before you grab your cleaning supplies, safety first! Mould spores can be easily disturbed during cleaning, posing a risk of irritation upon skin contact and respiratory issues if inhaled. Therefore, it's essential to equip yourself with the right personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimise exposure to these harmful particles.

1. Mask up - A well-fitting face mask is essential to prevent inhaling mould spores. A P2 mask offers at least 94% filtration efficiency against airborne particles down to 0.3 microns in size, effectively protecting you from mould spores. For a good quality mask, we recommend the Aussie-made AMD P2 masks.

2. Hand protection - Consider wearing disposable gloves to shield your hands from mould contact. This will minimise the risk of skin irritation and potential allergic reactions.

With the right protection in place, you're ready to tackle the mould with confidence. The SAN-AIR Mould Removal product range provides effective solutions for cleaning and sanitising mould-affected areas.

For easily accessible surfaces, the SAN-AIR Mould Remover Spray is a great option. Simply spray the affected area, leave it for about 15 minutes, and wipe clean with a clean cloth. Remember to not reuse the cloth to avoid spreading spores. Use the clean area of the cloth until it’s used up before switching it to a new cloth. 

For a more thorough clean, especially in hard-to-reach areas, consider using the SAN-AIR Portable Atomiser with the V3R Household-Grade Disinfectant. This powerful combination allows you to disinfect and sanitise those tricky nooks and crannies where mould spores might be lurking.

Want more comprehensive tips on cleaning mould for specific areas of your home? We have plenty of blog posts to cover those areas! Check them out below!

For air-conditioner: Mould in Air Conditioner? Here's How to Tackle It

For bathroom: How to Get Rid of Mould from Bathroom

For caravan or boat: How Do You Get Rid of Mould in Your Caravan or Boat?

For wardrobes: How to Treat and Prevent Mould on Your Clothes and In Your Wardrobe

Preventing mould growth

Once you've successfully cleaned existing mould, the focus shifts to prevention. Here's a quick overview of key strategies to keep your home mould-free (for a more in-depth exploration, check out our comprehensive guide on mould prevention):

• Control moisture levels (ideally below 60% for humidity)
• Ventilate properly
• Fix leaks and dampness
• Avoid overwatering indoor plants and ensure proper drainage

For ongoing protection against mould and bacteria growth, consider using SAN-AIR Reactive Gel products like the SAN-AIR Mould Gone and SAN-AIR Caravan, Boat & Storage Reactive Gel. These gels boast a unique formula with naturally derived active ingredients. They effortlessly evaporate into the air, reaching even hard-to-access areas. Upon contact with microbes in the air and on surfaces, these gels act swiftly, neutralising them.

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Health & Wellbeing Mould Solutions SAN-AIR Tips