UV Light to Detect Mould

CacheHunter on 24/04/2017 - 01:15

We've had a couple of instances of mould appearing in various parts of our house. Most recently on some second hand furniture we bought late last year. We had previously traced some possible problems to a leaking bathroom and subfloor ventilation, both of which should be fixed. This time, we've had to throw the furniture out

To help us spot mould that isn't visible to the naked eye before it's a problem in future, I'm thinking of buying a UV torch. Has anyone used one for this purpose? How was it?

The kind of torch I'm thinking of would be something like this: http://www.gearbest.com/led-flashlights/pp_365132.html. They've been much cheaper in the past, so any deals on this or recommendations for a similar product would be appreciated.

Home & Garden

Comments

  • trustnoone on 24/04/2017 - 01:37
    +2

    Oh I didn't know it was possible to find it with a UV torch? I know you can find mould test kits and things like that (I think in pharmacies?). Unfortunately I don't have an answer, but I'm kinda making a comment so I remember to come back because I want to try with a UV Torch now lol.

    • airal3rt on 24/04/2017 - 01:51

      Mould test kits huh? Hadn't heard of those.

    • ESEMCE on 24/04/2017 - 08:37
      +2

      +1
      Where is the evidence that "invisible Mould" can be found with a UV light?

      I'm not saying that there is no such thing as "invisible Mould" or at least hard to see Mould, just that I'm not convinced a UV torch will be of any assistance at all.

      If you want to buy a gadget, maybe a dehumidifier would be a better investment?

  • myusername on 24/04/2017 - 08:43
    +2

    i thought UV lights detected semen, didn't realise they detect mould also.

    • mskeggs on 24/04/2017 - 08:47
      +2

      If problem persists, see your doctor.

      • Kangal on 24/04/2017 - 11:16

        I aint buying a UV light… too afraid to find mould on my penis :\

  • mskeggs on 24/04/2017 - 08:46

    I've never heard of invisible mould or using UV to 'see' it.
    But you can get a UV flashlight much cheaper:
    http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Mini-Aluminum-UV-ULTRA-VIOLET-9-L…?

    I would suggest treating mould with either diluted vinegar or heavily diluted bleach, and making sure things stay dry and well ventilated.
    Bear in mind the month long drenching Sydney got was a bit unusual, and caused some mould and mildew in places it usually wouldn't turn up. I know I had to wipe down some surfaces, but it hasn't returned with the dryer weather. I certainly wouldn't suggest disposing of everything that gets a mould spore on it.
    Even if you do, the spores are in the air, so if the warm, still, humid conditions return more mould will grow.

    • RockyRaccoon on 24/04/2017 - 10:16

      Like you said, but a couple of points to add.

      Using an LED torch (not UV) and looking down an item at a sharp angle, you will very easily see any mildew. Its surprising. So don't look directly on at 90 degrees have the torch at a sharper angle. Easy to move around and see.

      Many sites recommend bleach, but others suggest that bleach doesnt kill any spores underneath. I am no expert so googling will give more detail. I use Vinegar and a touch of peppermint oil to disguise the smell. I also add some tea tree oil which is anti fungal.

      • Kangal on 24/04/2017 - 11:32
        +1

        Tea tree oil doesn't work as well as it used to… there's too much resistance to it nowadays.
        However, the best case to treat mould is this:

        1- Find the source
        (ie/ food scraps, leaky pipes)

        2- Eliminate/Minimise the reoccurrence
        (ie/ better waste management, tighten loose pipes)

        3- Clean the mould area (1L)
        800mL White Vinegar and 200mL Warm Water
        Sweep the area with an old cloth and discard the cloth

        4- Kill the mould (200mL)
        10mL Bleach and 190mL Cold Water
        Vigorously scrub to kill off all/most of the mould using a fresh cloth

        5- Kill the spores (50mL)
        1mL Oil of Cloves and 49mL Hot Water
        Spray the area and allow the mixture to dry out the spores, it does the trick

        6- Check on the area after a few weeks
        If problem persists, redo steps 1-5
        Buy a de-humidifier for your house
        Call a professional

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