The 'critical' mould prevention step being overlooked in Aussie homes

Most of use, or at least know, the basic mould prevention steps of opening windows, cleaning surfaces and reducing moisture using absorption products or dehumidifiers.

These mould prevention steps are mostly focused on removing the moisture mould needs to thrive, but not removing the fungi spores from the air.

However, there is one solution

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"An air purifier has the ability to physically filter the material out, so you are reducing what is a high concentration [of mould spores] down to a lower concentration," microbiologist Dr Cameron Jones tells 9honey Living.

This means the risk of mould is reduced and contained by the air purifier, which also removes dust and allergens in the air.

"So your air purifier is critically important – people overlook this," he says.

For an air purifier to be effective at removing mould spores from the air it needs to have a high efficiency air particulate (HEPA) filter that can capture fine particles, like the Dyson Purifier Hot + Cool Formaldehyde unit.

But once you have an air purifier, where do you put it to make the most difference to the risk of mould and other allergens in the home?

While it depends on where you believe there is a problem, placing it in the larger rooms where most people spend their time is an option.

Choosing a portable model is ideal so that you can easily move the air purifier from the living room during the day and evening, to the bedroom at night when you go to bed.

"As long as it's in the room in which you consider there could be a problem... if there is an experience of a concern about indoor air quality due to potential allergens, or experiencing asthma or feeling noxious smells from chemicals... that's the room that you want to put it in," Dr Jones says.

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This doesn't mean that you should choose an air purifier over a dehumudifier, it just depends on what aspect of mould prevention you're tackling.

Dehumidifiers are great for properties where you can't do much about the dampness of the building, for example, if you're renting.

They also help in areas like the wardrobe or rooms that have high levels of condensation.

"If you could eliminate the moisture transfer, usually from outdoors in, then you wouldn't need the dehumidifier. But if you do not have control over the property, then the dehumidifier is the best friend that you could have," Dr Jones says.

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