Nobody likes finding mould in their home, especially not in the room we spend 8-9 hours a night in… our bedrooms.
If you’re sleeping in a room with mould, you could be breathing in mycotoxins (toxic chemicals present in the spores of certain mould types) throughout the night.
In this article, we examine the potential health effects of sleeping in a room with mould, the common signs of mould growth to look out for and what to do if you find mould in your bedroom.
Sleeping In A Room With Mould – Why Is It Bad For You?
You spend approximately a third of your life asleep. So, if you are sleeping in a damp or mouldy room, you’re spending about a third of your time inhaling dangerous mycotoxins spores.
Frequently inhaling these spores leads to a plethora of health problems for both healthy and vulnerable people.
These may include upper tract infections and respiratory discomfort such as coughing, wheezing and asthma.
Negative Health Effects of Sleeping in a Damp or Mouldy Room
Mould can affect people in different ways.
Common symptoms of sleeping in a mouldy room include:
- Poor sleep quality
- Skin rashes
- Struggling to breathe during sleep
- In rare cases, hallucinations.
A 2015 study found that people who noticed mould odours in their house also reported higher rates of sleep disturbances.
The Health Implications of Sleeping in a Room with Mould
- Headaches
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Dizziness
- Fever
Who is Most at Risk?
Individuals with weak immune systems, like children and the elderly, should exercise extra concern when it comes to mould exposure.
4 Common Signs of a Mouldy Bedroom
Just because you can’t see mould, doesn’t mean it’s not there.
If you suspect mould could be growing in your bedroom, there are several tell-tale signs that could suggest mould growth.
The most common signs include:
- A humid or damp closet
- Condensation on bedroom windows
- An unusual, musty odour in your room
- Cracking paint, dark areas on walls or other signs of water damage in your room
In some cases, mould may be concealed in your bedroom under carpets, panelling, wallpaper or within walls.
Window sills, walls and wardrobes are the most common places mould can be found in the bedroom.
If you suspect this could be the case for your home, it is important to book a free mould inspection.
Main Causes of Mould in the Bedroom
Mould in the bedroom is typically caused by high levels of humidity and condensation as mould needs moisture to grow and spread.
How to Prevent Mould in the Bedroom
The bedroom can be one of the most susceptible rooms in the house to mould.
So, it is important to know some helpful ways you can help prevent mould growth in the bedroom.
These include:
- Ventilation: A good source of ventilation from the bedroom can be key for preventing mould. Try to have any windows or doors open for at least five minutes a day to help decrease humidity and get rid of any stale air.
- Airflow: Along with ventilation, airflow is important for mould prevention. Make sure to move furniture away from the wall slightly to ensure air can move between furniture and walls.
- Clean carpet regularly: As carpets retain high levels of moisture and dust, they can also harbour mould spores. Regular vacuuming, along with ensuring carpets are kept dry will help prevent mould from growing.
Removing Mould From Your Bedroom – What Are Your Options?
So, you’ve found mould in your bedroom, now what?
Due to the toxic spores some mould types produce, it’s not safe to remove large sections of mould on your own.
If you find mould growth in your bedroom larger than the palm of your hand, it is recommended to contact a professional mould remediation company.
For small amounts of mould, there are certain mould removal products that are effective for DIY removal.
Read More: What to do if you find mould growing in your home.
How to Remove Mould in the Bedroom Yourself
Whilst there are DIY methods available for mould removal, it is not recommended to remove it yourself due to the potential health risks.
If you do attempt to remove it yourself using one of the below methods, ensure that you wear protective eyewear, a face mask and gloves.
Some DIY mould removal treatments include:
Store Bought Mould Wash:
- Prepare the surface of the wall by gently scrubbing with a hard-bristle brush until it has a smooth finish.
- Wash down the area with diluted wash treatment and a sponge. Make sure to follow the directions of the treatments.
- Allow the area to dry thoroughly.
Bleach:
- Mix a 1:10 ratio of bleach and water and scrub the mould-affected area.
- Spray on the area, and allow to sit for 10-15 minutes.
- Wipe clean using a clean cloth and dry the area.
How Much Does Mould Removal Cost?
On average, mould removal treatment can typically cost between $500 to a few thousand dollars depending on several factors.
While this may seem like a high price, the long-term benefits of professional mould removal far outweigh the possible health risks prolonged mould exposure can pose.
Read more: How much does professional mould removal cost in Australia?
When To Call A Mould Removal Professional
If you are afraid of mould becoming a problem in your bedroom and are looking for a long-term solution, be sure to call upon a professional team to help you. The MouldMen team will inspect, treat and provide you with a Mould Management and Prevent Plan to ensure that your home is kept safe and free from mould. Call us on 1300 60 59 60 to book your free inspection today.
