Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you wanted to know about mould — and what to do about it.
About Mould
Yes — prolonged exposure to mould can cause or worsen respiratory conditions, trigger allergies, and affect immune function. People most at risk include children, the elderly, pregnant women, and anyone with asthma or compromised immunity. Some mould species produce mycotoxins that are harmful in high concentrations. That said, a small patch of bathroom mould is much lower risk than a large colony in a bedroom wall cavity. The key is addressing it before it spreads.
Two common reasons. First, the underlying moisture source hasn't been fixed — if the wall stays damp, the mould will keep growing back. Second, surface cleaning (including bleach) only removes what's visible. In porous materials like plasterboard, timber, and grout, the root system (mycelium) penetrates deep below the surface where surface treatments can't reach. Professional remediation addresses both the root system and, critically, identifies the moisture cause so the problem is actually fixed.
The Northern Rivers climate is warm and humid for most of the year — near-ideal conditions for mould. Common causes include: poor ventilation in older timber-frame homes, flooding and lingering moisture (especially post-2022), condensation in poorly insulated walls, roof leaks, subfloor moisture, and air conditioning systems that recirculate mould spores. The flood event of 2022 dramatically increased mould problems throughout the region, particularly in lower-lying areas like Lismore and the Richmond River floodplain.
Yes. That musty, earthy smell is produced by mould as it grows — often before visible colonies appear. If a room smells musty even after cleaning and airing, there's almost certainly mould growing somewhere hidden: inside a wall cavity, under flooring, or behind furniture. An inspection with moisture mapping will find it.
Our Services
Not always. If the mould is clearly visible and confined to a specific area, we can often quote and begin remediation on the first visit. However, for larger problems, insurance purposes, or where mould is suspected but not visible, a formal inspection and written report is the right starting point. we'll advise on the first call which approach suits your situation.
Bleach is highly effective on non-porous surfaces (tiles, glass) but nearly useless on porous ones (timber, plasterboard, grout). That's because bleach is mostly water — the active chlorine evaporates quickly on contact while the water carrier drives deeper moisture into the material, which can actually make the problem worse. Our natural treatment products are formulated to penetrate porous surfaces, disrupt the mould's biological structure, and leave a protective coating — without harsh fumes, residue, or chemical risk to your family.
Single room: usually 1–2 hours. Whole-house remediation: typically half a day. Prevention fogging for a standard home: 2–3 hours including settling time. we'll give you a specific timeframe when he reviews your enquiry. Most jobs are completed in a single visit.
For standard mould removal, it's usually fine to remain in unaffected parts of the home. For fogging treatments, we ask that everyone (including pets) vacate the property for 2–3 hours while the treatment settles, then ventilate before returning. we'll confirm the specific requirements for your treatment in advance.
Pricing & Bookings
Inspections are a $385 call-out, inspection, and report fee. Mould removal starts from $600 + GST. Prevention fogging from $350 + GST. Air filtration from $280 + GST. Pricing is confirmed before we arrive — no surprises. Complex or larger jobs are quoted after inspection.
It depends on the cause and your policy. Mould resulting from a sudden event (burst pipe, storm, flood) is often covered. Mould from long-term dampness or lack of maintenance is usually not. Our written inspection report documents the cause, extent, and recommended treatment — exactly what insurers need to assess a claim. We recommend contacting your insurer before booking if you intend to claim.
Most bookings are confirmed within the same week. During peak periods (summer, post-flood) there may be a slightly longer wait. If you have an urgent situation — particularly if you have young children or vulnerable family members in the home — mention that when you enquire and we'll do our best to prioritise.
If mould returns in any area we treated within 30 days of treatment, we come back and retreat it at no cost. The guarantee applies to treated areas specifically. It doesn't cover new mould growth in areas we didn't treat, or mould that returns because a structural moisture source (eg. a roof leak) wasn't fixed. us's inspection report will flag any such risks so you know what to address.
Landlords & Property Managers
Under NSW tenancy law, landlords are responsible for maintaining a property in a habitable condition — which includes addressing mould caused by structural issues (leaks, poor ventilation, building defects). Tenants are responsible for mould caused by their own actions (eg. not ventilating after showers). A professional inspection report documents the cause, which makes it much easier to determine responsibility and resolve disputes quickly.
Yes — this is one of the most common scenarios. A between-tenancy inspection and fogging treatment is an excellent investment for landlords in the Northern Rivers region. It resolves any existing mould, provides documentation, and significantly reduces the risk of mould disputes with the next tenant. Property managers can book directly.
Still have questions?
Give us a call — we'll give you a straight answer, no sales pitch.