ALLERGIC REACTION TO MOULDS: KILLING MOULDS

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ALLERGIC REACTION TO MOULDS: KILLING MOULDS

Use Alkaline Solutions

Most moulds dislike an alkaline environment. You can deter moulds and prevent them from growing by washing surfaces with a solution of sodium bicarbonate or Borax.

For fridges, freezers and kitchen surfaces, use a solution of sodium bicarbonate. Put one dessertspoonful of sodium bicarbonate in a bowl of warm water and wash surfaces down thoroughly. Dry off the surfaces afterwards.

A stronger agent for killing and deterring moulds is Borax. You can buy or order domestic Borax from chemists. Make a solution of one dessertspoonful of Borax in a bowl of warm water, and use to wash down bathroom surfaces, toilets, window frames or anywhere else. You can also sprinkle Borax powder neat on damp patches – say, under a sink or in a cupboard – to kill moulds.

Use Strong Chemicals

If you are not chemically sensitive, you can use chlorine bleach to kill moulds. You can also buy proprietary fungicides at chemists’ or garden centres, but, again, do not use these if you are chemically sensitive (>CHEMICALS).

To use bleach, mix half a cup of liquid bleach with half a cup of vinegar. Place it in the room where you want to kill moulds, seal the room and leave for 24 hours.

Building and Decorating Materials

Many building and decorating materials (such as wallpaper paste and tile adhesives) contain fungicides to kill or deter mould growth. If you are chemically sensitive, you are best advised not to use materials containing these, but if you are also allergic to moulds, should you not use fungicide-containing materials after all? The answer is probably not. Manufacturers of fungicide-containing materials make only limited claims for the effectiveness of the fungicides. The measures outlined in this section for deterring mould growth through environmental control (particularly keeping your home aired and dry, with an even temperature) will be as effective.

Dry damp coats and shoes off fast if you come in wet. Take care to dry wet pushchairs or prams before folding.

Using an air filter can help remove mould spores from the air. Such a machine can make a significant difference to your environment.

If you have very dry skin, and think that keeping things dry may make it worse, just give it a try. If moulds are indeed the cause of your problems, things will actually improve. If you have bronchial problems, it is probably better not to take the relative humidity level lower than 55 per cent.

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