The rising damp of COVID lockdowns

The rising damp of COVID lockdowns

Since the start of the pandemic and with recent lockdowns again sweeping across the country, more people are (either voluntarily or involuntarily) spending more time in their homes. The pandemic has also altered how and where we will work once lockdowns and the pandemic subside. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics – Australians are working from home more than they were before the pandemic and they expect this pattern to continue.

 As we spend more time working from home, other home activities are also increasing. We’re having more showers at home, (some of us are) cooking more, cleaning more, drying clothes inside, and doing other activities that increase the amount of moisture in our living space. With increased moisture comes mould, mildew and those pungent musty odours.

 The physical consequences and health impacts of living in a damp, mouldy house are well documented. Mould can trigger nasal congestion, sneezing, coughing, wheezing and worsen asthma allergic conditions. For people with asthma, inhaling mould spores may cause an asthma attack and trigger other respiratory ailments. 

Mould proliferates with moisture, so preventing it means preventing dampness in your home.

The best way to prevent dampness in your home is to:

1. Maintain proper ventilation. Open your windows as often as you can to allow stagnant air out and cleaner outdoor air in

2. Do what you can to prevent excess water and dampness from seeping into your home. If you have leaks or water damage, get them fixed as quickly as possible.

3. Reduce humidity and control moisture. Use a mould preventing moisture absorber like DampRid to reduce dampness and prevent mould, mildew and musty odours.