Cruel mistress La Niña ensured large parts of Queensland and New South Wales were drenched with water over the summer and autumn and, according to the BOM, the wet weather is likely to continue into winter.
The relentless moistness has ensured that even people in homes and businesses not devastated by flooding are now battling a serious mould and mildew problems.
For those not used to dealing with rampant fungi, it's proving tough to get rid of, with tips flying all over social media about the best methods.
Lisa Bentley — of Lisa's Eco Cleaning on Brisbane's westside — has been gathering tips on the best way to remove mould for 17 years. Through extensive research and experimentation, this is the effective formula she's come up with.
How to remove mould from walls and other hard surfaces
Ms Bentley says clove oil is key to killing the mould spores. (But it can be toxic to humans and pets, so don't ingest!)
Studies have shown bleach can kill mould on hard surfaces like tiles, but Queensland Health says it may not be effective in removing it from porous surfaces.
A Queensland Health fact sheet says: "Household cleaning agents or detergents can do an effective job if used correctly."
She says this technique will work on most surfaces, excluding limestone or marble:
- Put 1/4 teaspoon of clove oil into a litre of water — no more clove oil is necessary as it can discolour surfaces
- Use a spray bottle to lightly mist it onto the mould, then leave it for 24 hours
- After a day, wipe the surface over with a white vinegar and water mixture (three parts vinegar, two parts water)
- A 1-litre bottle of the formula should last about a year for the whole house.
Treating mould on leather or timber:
- Mix 1/4 teaspoon of clove oil into 250 millilitres of baby oil and shake
- Apply very lightly to leather and timber surfaces to kill the mould
- Do not overuse! — this small bottle should also last about a year.
Getting mould out of soft surfaces and fabrics:
- Put 1 kilogram of non-iodised cooking salt into a 9 litre bucket of water
- Stir with your hands until it dissolves
- Put the mouldy item of clothing into the solution and soak overnight
- Take the soaking wet item and hang it on the clothes line to slowly dry
- The slower it dries the better — as the salt crystals reform, they expand in the fibres, pulling the mould out
- When it's dry, brush off the mould.
Canvas awnings/umbrellas, etc:
- Dip a broom into the salt solution above and slather over the surface
- Wait for it to dry then brush off.
Preventing mould
Prevention is always better than cure, of course, but sometimes that's easier said than done.
Removing the dampness and humidity is the key to stopping mould, as it needs moisture and nutrients to grow.
Read more tips on how to mould-proof your home here.
Safety tips
The Queensland government website says to take precautions when cleaning mould, as it can be dangerous to breathe in.
It suggests you "obtain personal protective equipment, including half-face disposable respirators with P1 or P2 filters, to avoid inhaling mould spores when cleaning.
"You’ll find these at hardware stores."
It also says to place drop sheets on the floor and to make sure others are not around while you clean, if they don't need to be.
They say not to put dirty clothes back into your cleaning solution, and "always use a different cloth with each process and throw them away after, or the mould spores will spread and mould will reappear".
Other formulas to remove mould
Queensland Health has a few different suggestions:
- A solution of 3 parts vinegar and 2 parts water
- A solution of 70 per cent methylated spirits and 30 per cent water
- A solution of tea tree oil and water
- commercial products from the supermarket but ensure to follow the safety instructions to protect your eyes and skin.
Where to find clove oil?
Products like clove oil and white vinegar can be tricky to find at the moment, with so many people battling mould problems.
Clove oil — which one retailer described as "like liquid gold at the moment" — can be found, when available, at some chemists, health food and organic shops or through online retailers.
Editor's note (31/5): This article was updated to state that studies have shown bleach can kill mould in some circumstances.
