30/05/2026
I thought I'd share my opinion on a few misconceptions we keep hearing when we are out doing our free home assessments and quotes at the moment:
Open your windows — but only at the right time
Good in principle — but only when the humidity outside is lower than inside. In prolonged wet or humid weather, opening windows can actually introduce more moisture into the home.
It’s also not always practical or safe to leave windows open, particularly overnight, during storms, in colder weather, or when homes are left unattended. While opening windows may help temporarily, it usually does not address the underlying cause of ongoing condensation and mould problems.
At Xchange Air, we install Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) systems which introduces filtered, drier air into the home. This gently forces out damp, stale air, helping to reduce humidity, prevent condensation from forming, and create healthier airflow throughout the property—without needing to leave windows open all day.
✅ Dehumidifiers
While portable dehumidifiers can assist in small areas, they are often limited to the single room they are placed in and commonly switch off once the water reservoir fills.
At Xchange Air, we install ducted dehumidification systems designed to manage moisture levels across multiple rooms and larger areas of the home far more effectively. Consistent humidity control throughout the property delivers long-term results — not just temporary relief in one room.
✅ Keep furniture away from walls
Leaving gaps behind sofas, beds and large furniture allows air to circulate more freely and helps prevent moisture building up in cold, stagnant areas where mould commonly develops. If mould keeps appearing in the same locations, rearranging furniture can certainly help reduce the symptoms.
However, persistent mould growth is often a sign of a larger ventilation problem within the home. In many cases, improving mechanical sub-floor ventilation and installing suitable underfloor insulation can make a significant difference in reducing condensation, dampness and mould recurrence — all of which Xchange Air can assist with.
⚠️ Vinegar, clove oil and dish soap
These can help clean some surface mould temporarily, but if you are repeatedly cleaning the same areas, you are treating the symptom rather than the underlying cause. Without fixing the ventilation issue driving the mould growth, it will continue to return.
DIY cleaning can also disturb and spread mould spores throughout the home, particularly if the mould is extensive or repeatedly reappearing. For internal mould issues or mould growth within sub-floor areas and soil, we recommend professional remediation to ensure it is handled safely and correctly.
If you would like guidance on trusted mould remediation specialists we recommend, please feel free to contact us.
⚠️ Moisture-absorbing crystals/sachets
These products can help slightly in very small enclosed spaces like wardrobes or cupboards, but they are generally just a band-aid solution for ongoing condensation or mould problems within a home. They do not remove enough moisture to properly control humidity won’t address the underlying cause of the problem.
If mould or condensation continues to return, the issue is usually linked to inadequate ventilation, trapped moisture or inadequate sub-floor airflow — problems that sachets and crystals simply cannot fix long term.
❌ Bleach & Store bought mould products
In my opinion NEVER EVER EVER USE THEM. Most supermarket mould products only treat surface staining and often contain harsh chemicals that can irritate the lungs, skin and eyes, particularly for people with asthma, allergies or respiratory conditions. Many simply bleach or mask the visible mould rather than addressing the moisture source, allowing it to grow. In most cases wiping down mould can also disturb spores and spread them further through the home if the underlying ventilation issues remain unresolved. While these products may provide a temporary cosmetic improvement, mould will usually continue to return unless the source of the damp issue is properly identified and fixed. The biggest misconception is that mould is a cleaning problem. In reality, mould is almost always a moisture and ventilation problem. Store bought sprays may remove what you can see temporarily, but rarely solve why the mould is growing in the first place.
To wrap up my thoughts on all of this: Cleaning mould, opening windows and running a dehumidifier can all help temporarily. But mould will continue to grow and return unless the source of the damp problem is properly addressed. In many homes, that comes down to inadequate sub-floor ventilation or poor airflow beneath the property. Until the ventilation issue is fixed, you are often only managing the symptoms rather than solving the cause.” — General Manager, Xchange Air Pty Ltd
