Mould
Information for Queensland public housing tenants.
Mould spores can damage your health.
Mould grows in damp, dull and poorly ventilated spaces such as kitchens, bathrooms and laundries. Dust and dirt also helps mould grow.
Before you move in we will make sure your home is clean and in good repair for you to live in. If you notice mould at your property when you move in, you should record it on your Entry Condition report.
Hints to reduce mould
- Keep bathroom walls dry—open doors and windows to allow air to circulate through the room.
- Clean wet areas of your home, such as your bathroom, kitchen and laundry regularly. Wipe away moisture from windows, walls and near taps.
- Allow sunlight into your home as much as possible, especially in wet areas.
- Make sure clothes and shoes are dry before putting them away. Leave wardrobe doors open if possible.
- Regularly clean carpets and rugs to prevent mould spores using a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter vacuum cleaner. Many new vacuum cleaners come with HEPA filters.
- If water leaks or spills occur indoors, clean and dry the area immediately.
- Contact your nearest Housing Service Centre’s maintenance section if you find any water leaks.
- Evaporation trays in air-conditioners, dehumidifiers and refrigerators should be cleaned frequently.
- For department-installed evaporative air-conditioners we will clean your evaporative air-conditioning filters.
- Do not run evaporative air-conditioning systems with water during times of high humidity (over 65%). If the air is feeling humid, run the air-conditioner without water and make sure your windows are open.
Note: Your property should be fitted with security and insect screens on all external doors and windows. If you do not have security screens or doors, please contact your nearest Housing Service Centre to arrange for them to be installed.
How to remove mould
- Use personal protective equipment, including half-face disposable respirators with P1 or P2 filters which are available at hardware stores, to avoid possible mould spore inhalation when cleaning.
- Take additional precautions to prevent mould spore release and transmission by using drop sheets and excluding people not performing the work from the affected area.
- Wipe the area clean with a microfibre cloth and cleaning solution.
- Use 2-buckets—1 bucket with the solution, and the other with clean water. Do not put the dirty cloth back in the solution—rinse it in the clean water first. This avoids cross contamination.
- After cleaning the area with the solution, wipe the surface with a damp cloth. Do not use the same cloth you used with the solution.
- Wipe the surface dry with a clean cloth.
It’s important to use a different cloth with each process and throw them away after, otherwise the mould spores will spread and mould will reappear.
Don’t dry brush the area with a broom or brush as this can spread mould.
Remove mould by using a suitable mould remover, such as:
- a solution of 3 parts vinegar and 2 parts water
- a solution of 70% methylated spirits and 30% water
- a solution of tea tree oil and water
- commercial products available from supermarkets—follow the safety instructions on the container to protect your eyes and skin from the solution.
What if my property has mould in it when I leave?
You must leave the property in the same condition as when you first moved in.
If the property needs cleaning to remove mould, these costs will be charged to your account when you leave.
