Porous vs Non-porous Materials for Mould Remediation

Porous vs Non-porous Materials for Mould Remediation

The difficulty of cleaning mould depends on the surface it is on. When a mould outbreak occurs, it will try to latch itself onto whatever surface it is on by creating ‘roots’. Much like garden weeds, if mould finds holes within the surface it is on, it will make its removal much more difficult.   

Types of Material Mould Latches Onto 

There are two different surface material types; porous and non-porous. How do we tell the difference between porous and non-porous materials? Generally, if a material repels water, it is considered non-porous as porous materials absorb water. Porous materials are full of tiny holes or pores which make them permeable to outside forces i.e., mould. Non-porous materials are the opposite, where mould cannot pass through and instead sits on top of it. Because of this, non-porous materials are easier to clean than porous materials. Mould can live further inside porous materials which makes its cleaning harder as a deeper reach is needed.   

Common Beliefs and Frequently Asked Questions 

1. If my surface is hard, is it non-porous?

A common misconception is that if a surface is hard, it must be non-porous. The issue with this is that the naked eye cannot perceive all the holes and crevices each material holds. Granite, for example, can be a very hard material but is still porous and highly susceptible to deep mould infestations. Therefore, it is important to understand what type of material is being treated for mould, as there are many types of hard materials that may still be porous. 

1. Can bleach solve my mould problems?

In certain situations, bleach can eradicate most species of mould; however, since bleach is not safe on fabrics and metals, it cannot be recommended for cleaning out mould outbreaks. Bleach can also be harmful to your health by causing respiratory and eye irritation, so its use should be done with caution. 

1. When Can I expect mould to grow? When there’s…

1. Extended rainfall 

1. High humidity 

1. Aircon leaks 

1. Dark and damp conditions 

1. No ventilation 

Cleaning Solution 

Once the type of mould-affected material has been identified, it is important to note that there are specific processes that go into cleaning each type of surface. Even if porous materials may require more time and detail with their disinfection and cleaning process, hard surfaces must also be treated with care as they can become damaged if not cared for properly. Therefore, restoration and cleaning professionals need to first identify what type of material mould has affected, then move on to creating an efficient process to remediate the affected object. The most certain way to remediate your mould-affected object is to contact a professional today and identify what type of surface they need to deal with. 

Why AllAces? 

AllAces Cleaning and Restoration are Masters of Disasters and specialise in deep and difficult mould cleans. With IICRC industry-standard accreditation, you can trust that our team of technicians will always provide high-quality service safely and efficiently. Whether your material is made of leather, fabric, or a non-porous surface such as vinyl, we are ready 24/7 to answer your call and any further inquiries.  

With over 30 years of experience, AllAces is confident it can remediate your mould out of any material with care and precision. From car upholstery, rugs, wooden floors and more, our team uses industry-leading equipment to make sure to get the job done to your satisfaction.    

If you would like to read more about our mould remediation services, click here 

FAQ’s 

What is included in mould remediation?

Typically, a mould remediation service requires a full inspection of a property and its affected areas, then

• Top down anti-microbial surface remediation 
• Air scrubbing and treatments (hydroxyl, ozone, fogging) 
• Remediation of affected items
• Non-restorable contents removal 

How much does mould remediation cost?

Depending on the size and scope of the job, our technicians will let you know how much your specific mould remediation service will cost.

How long does mould remediation take?

Each mould remediation job takes a specific amount of time in relation to how much mould your property may have, it’s best to book a consultation with our team first so they can give you a clear timeline of the project.

How do you know if you need mould remediation?

If you spot mould on your property, it may be best to consider a mould remediation service. Because mould can release harmful spores into the air which are not visible to the naked eye, it’s best to stay precautions anytime you spot mould on your property. Mould can also create an unpleasant odour, so by getting mould remediation services, you will be able to get rid of any bad smells lingering on your property.