Mould after a disaster

Cyclones and severe weather events are usually associated with excess moisture, long periods of heat and humidity, and pooling of water. These factors all help to create an environment that is favourable to the growth of mould. In northern Queensland, mould can be an issue across the wet season even without floods and can be common in buildings.

What mould looks like

Sometimes mould is easy to see because of the colour it causes on walls, ceilings and other surfaces. However, sometimes mould may not be easy to see, but can be detected by a musty, unpleasant odour.

Exposure to mould

People can be exposed to mould through inhalation, skin contact or ingestion. People with a normal immune system are unlikely to be affected by mould.

Exposure to mould may cause some people to develop health problems. For example, those with asthma or lung disease, allergies to mould, elderly people or people with chronic diseases. If concerned, see your doctor.

Minimising mould growth

When returning to a flood-affected house or building there are number of steps you can take to minimise mould growth:

  • dry your home out quickly by opening all the doors and windows. If possible, use fans, or air-conditioners on dry mode, to speed up the process
  • if the roof space was flooded, it also will need extra ventilation to speed up the drying process
  • porous items that can’t be easily cleaned and have been wet for more than two days should be thrown out. This includes items such as mattresses, carpet, leather goods and ceiling insulation
  • leaky plumbing, roofs and other fixtures should be repaired as soon as possible.
  • if repainting walls or other hard surfaces prone to mould growth, anti-mould solutions can be added into paint to help minimise mould growth
  • plants and bushes growing on or close to outside walls help to hold in moisture and promote mould growth. Try to clear plants, bushes and soil away from walls.

Cleaning mould from surfaces

When cleaning mould from surfaces in your home you should consider:

  • it is not recommended to abrasively clean mould from a surface, such as with a dry brush, as this could release spores into the air which may affect health and spread mould to other areas
  • there are many cleaning products which kill and remove mould from walls, floors and other hard surfaces
  • household cleaning agents or detergents can do an effective job if used correctly, as can white vinegar
  • the use of bleach may not be effective in killing mould on porous surfaces. However, bleach will help to minimise other disease-causing organisms that may be present because of contaminated floodwaters
  • the mixing of cleaning agents is not recommended, for example, mixing bleach and ammonia can produce toxic fumes. Do not mix bleach and white vinegar.
  • items that can be washed, such as stuffed toys and linen, should be washed as usual. If in doubt, take the item to a professional cleaner or throw it out in accordance with your local government’s waste disposal methods.
  • non-porous items such as glassware and some plastics can be washed in hot water with a bleach solution or with a good quality disinfectant and air dried. If using a dishwasher, clean and disinfect it first. Do the wash using a full cycle and hot water.
  • carpets or rugs that have been waterlogged for more than two days they may need to be removed.

Protecting yourself

You can protect yourself during a clean-up by following a few simple precautions:

  • wearing rubber gloves while sorting and cleaning mouldy items will protect the hands
  • protect your eyes by using safety goggles
  • if you have large clean-up or have a pre-existing respiratory condition, wear a P2 face mask
  • wear protective clothing, including enclosed footwear, that can be disposed of or easily washed.

Further information

  • Call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) at any time.
  • Contact 13 QGOV (13 74 68) for your nearest Public Health Unit.
  • If you or anyone in your household is experiencing any health effects from mould, seek medical advice from your doctor.

Download the cleaning up mould after a disaster factsheet (PDF 415 kB).

Last updated: 4 January 2024