Mould

Mould

What is Mould?

Mould is a type of fungus found both indoors and outdoors. It plays an important role in nature by breaking down dead plants and animals. Mould spreads by releasing tiny spores into the air — like invisible seeds. These spores can settle on surfaces, and if they land somewhere damp with the right conditions, mould will start to grow.

Mould grows in damp, dark, and poorly ventilated areas. It often appears as black, green, or white patches and can give off a musty smell. Common places it grows include:

  1. On ceilings, especially in bathrooms and wet areas
  2. Under carpets or mats
  3. Inside tents and canvas equipment
  4. Along walls and windowsills
  5. In poorly ventilated storage shed

When is the worst time for Mould?

Unfortunately, mould can occur year round and cause severe damage that is difficult to treat without professional help. Winter is typically the time where we see the spread of mould become most prevalent. This is due to several contributing factors, both environmental and lifestyle related.

These include: 
  • Increased humidity levels indoors due to heating
  • Less exposure to sunlight
  • Window condensation from temperature differentials between inside and outside
  • Increased rainfall and leakages that may go unnoticed in certain parts of the facility
Although it is necessary to keep an eye out for mould year round, it pays to be especially vigilant between May-September on the Eastern seaboard of Australia.

Health Risk

Exposure to mould can have a range of health effects, particularly for individuals who are more vulnerable, such as those with asthma, allergies, compromised immune systems, the elderly, young children, or people with existing respiratory conditions.
When mould spores are released into the air and inhaled or come into contact with the skin, they can trigger a range of symptoms, including:
  1. Respiratory issues – such as coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, or difficulty breathing, particularly in people with asthma or chronic lung conditions.
  2. Allergic reactions – including sneezing, nasal congestion, runny nose, or sinus pressure. These symptoms can closely resemble hay fever and may become persistent with continued exposure.
  3. Skin irritation – contact with mould can lead to rashes, itching, or dermatitis, especially in individuals with sensitive skin or known allergies.
  4. Eye discomfort – exposure may result in itchy, red, watery, or irritated eyes, caused by the airborne spores or volatile compounds released by mould.
In some cases, particularly with prolonged or heavy exposure, individuals may experience headaches, fatigue, or cognitive effects such as difficulty concentrating. For people with weakened immune systems, such as those undergoing chemotherapy, transplant recipients, or individuals with autoimmune conditions, mould exposure may even lead to more serious infections, especially if mould spores enter the lungs.

Even in healthy individuals, repeated exposure to mould in living or working environments can lead to sensitization over time, making them more susceptible to future allergic reactions or respiratory discomfort.
Because of these risks, it's important to address mould growth promptly and ensure our scout dens are well-ventilated, dry, and free of recurring moisture problems.

Prevention Tips

Prevention is the most effective way to manage mould and reduce the risk of it becoming a problem in your facility or gear storage areas. By maintaining dry, well-ventilated spaces and following a few simple routines, you can greatly minimise the likelihood of mould developing.
  1. Ensure adequate ventilation by regularly opening windows and doors to allow fresh air to circulate throughout buildings and enclosed spaces. Good airflow helps reduce humidity and prevents moisture from settling on surfaces, which is a key contributor to mould growth. This can be challenging in a building that is only used a few times a week.
  2. Control moisture levels It's also important to identify and repair leaks—whether from roofs, plumbing, or appliances—as soon as they are noticed. Even small leaks can create persistent dampness that leads to mould problems over time. Look for signs of rising damp and if required move items out of high risk areas
  3. Maintain a regular cleaning routine, focusing especially on areas prone to moisture buildup such as kitchens, bathrooms, and gear storage rooms (Q-stores). Regular cleaning helps remove early signs of mould and prevents dirt and grime from trapping moisture.
  4. Properly dry all equipment before storing it. This includes tents, tarps, ropes, uniforms, and other gear. Items packed away while still damp create the perfect environment for mould to flourish, especially inside sealed containers or bags. Where possible, air-dry items in the sun before returning them to storage.
  5. Store gear off the ground and away from walls to promote airflow around stored items. Use racks, pallets, or shelving to lift equipment and supplies, and avoid pushing items directly against walls. This helps reduce stagnant air pockets and limits the likelihood of condensation forming unnoticed. Try to avoid storage of items in substructures that are more prone to rising damp and water inundation.
For further advice or support regarding mould prevention and facility care, please contact the Scouts Queensland Facilities and Risk Team at facilities@scoutsqld.com.au.

Clean-up Mould

For small areas of mould (less than 1 square metre):
  1. Use Appropriate Cleaning Solutions: a mould-specific cleaner or a homemade solution of 4 parts white vinegar to 1 part water is often effective. Vinegar is a natural antifungal and antibacterial agent that can help break down mould growth on non-porous surfaces. Spray the solution directly onto the affected area and leave it for at least 10–15 minutes before scrubbing with a brush or cloth. Repeat as needed for stubborn patches.
  2. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear disposable gloves, a P2/N95 mask, and if possible, protective eyewear when cleaning mould. This helps reduce exposure to mould spores—particularly for those with asthma, weakened immune systems, or sensitivities.
  3. Avoid Using Bleach: While commonly thought to be a solution for mould, bleach is not recommended. Bleach may remove the visible mould on the surface, but it does not kill mould spores at the root, particularly on porous materials like wood, drywall, or fabric. Furthermore, it can release toxic fumes when used in enclosed spaces, especially if combined with other cleaning agents. Over time, bleach can also damage surfaces and accelerate material breakdown.
  4. Remove and Dispose of Heavily Infested Items: If mould has deeply penetrated porous items such as canvas tents, ceiling tiles, soft furnishings, cardboard, or unsealed wood, cleaning may not be sufficient. These materials trap moisture and spores, allowing the mould to continue growing even after surface cleaning. In such cases, it’s best to safely dispose of the affected items to prevent reinfestation. Use sealed plastic bags for disposal to limit the spread of spores, and follow local guidelines for waste handling where applicable.

When to Get Help???

If the mould:
  1. Covers a large area (greater than 1m²),
  2. Returns frequently despite cleaning,
  3. Is accompanied by water leaks or structural damage,
Report Scouts Queensland Facilities & Risk Team for further support or speak to specialist contractors.

Key Reminders

Keep your gear dry and your den aired out.
Clean spills and report leaks immediately.
Never ignore a musty smell — it usually means mould is hiding somewhere







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