Mould
COV-RID Mould Removal from Vacant Properties
Introduction
COV-RID can be used to remove mould and bacterial contamination from domestic properties.
A key issue with mould is that while light to medium contamination can be wiped away and visually
removed the organic structure of the mould will remain in the surfaces and just grow back.
The COV-RID fogging process addresses this by filling the whole area with the active ingredient so
that it comes into contact will all the surfaces in the area. As soon as the fog comes into contact with
the mould spores it begins to break them down, this neutralises the mould and prevents further
growth. Then, when the surfaces are wiped with the COV-RID multipurpose spray any residual mould
will be removed rather than being left to grow back. Once the surfaces have been wiped after
fogging there will be an immediate impact on both on the “smell” in the area and in the visual
appearance of the surfaces.
In areas of high/dense contamination redecoration will be required after treatment.
With regards to the scientific testing of COV-RID for the treatment and removal of mould the
product has been specifically tested to
BS EN 1650:2008
Scope
Quantitative suspension test for the evaluation of fungicidal or yeasticidal activity of chemical
disinfectants and antiseptics used in food, industrial, domestic and institutional areas.
During this testing it was tested against both Aspergillus Brasiliensis (this is the technical name for
mould) and Candida Albicans (this is fungal pathogens).
The Test document can be provided.
The COV-RID Process
When COV-RID comes into contact with the mould and fungal pathogens it naturally breaks down
the mould spores. This neutralises them and stops them multiplying and growing in number, the
small micron size of the fog enables it to get into uneven surfaces and cracks in which the mould and
fungal pathogens can be found. The active ingredient in COV-RID will begin to work immediately it
comes into direct contact with the mould and fungi. There is no need to ventilate the area after
fogging,
The fogging process means that any further spread of the bacteria in the treated area will be
reduced. The fog will neutralise any small surface deposits of mould.
The issue with surface mould is the density and the requirement for the active ingredient to
penetrate to the source. The neutralised remains may therefore be protecting untreated spores
beneath and will therfore need to be wiped away to confirm that a full removal has been achieved. A
single fogging treatment may not penetrate the full depth in areas of high contamination so a wipe
down and further treatment may be required.
In rooms/premises with dense contamination where the walls are cover with wallpaper which is
densely contaminated this will need to be removed so the plaster or solid surface behind can be
COV-RID Mould Removal from Vacant Properties treated. If wallpaper is not removed it is very unlikely that the mould spores underneath the wallpaper will all be removed.
In carpeted rooms with dense contamination the recommendation is to dispose of the carpet and
underlay. If the carpet is to be reused it will need to be treated and then rolled up so the surface
below can be treated and the floor surfaces fully cleaned and disinfected. The carpet would then
need to be professionally cleaned and retreated on being reintroduced into the cleaned room. The
cost of doing this is probably going to be in excess of simply replacing the carpet.
In cases of black mould growth on walls the COV-RID Multipurpose Spray will need to be used in
conjunction with fogging. The product can be sprayed on and left to give the actives time to work. It
can also be applied to material and fabrics, (patch testing required). Then after 5 minutes wiped
away. Again, multiple applications may be necessary depending on the depth of penetration by the
bacteria.
What will always be required when removing dense visible mould is a physically wipe of the
contaminated areas. When this has been done it is recommended that the area is fogged for a final
time and the fog left to fully settle to make sure that any mould spores which may have been moved
in the cleaning process have been neutralised.
Future use of the property
Once areas that have experienced significant issues with mould have been successfully treated and
the mould contamination neutralised COV -RID alone cannot prevent future contamination, if there
are no changes in how the area is used and bacteria is reintroduced.
The two key areas, to manage condensation are, heating and ventilation. Keeping the property warm
and well ventilated will make a positive difference, as there will be fewer cold spots and less moisture
in the air, which are the two factors necessary for condensation to occur.
Actions that can be taken include:
➢ Close the bathroom door when showering and air the room thoroughly once done, either by
opening a window or using an extractor fan.
➢ Check taps, seals on shower screens, seals around sinks, baths etc to prevent water ingress
into walls and floors. Check waste water pipes and toilets for leaks or worn seals.
➢ Dry clothes outside, wherever possible, in the bathroom with an open window and the
internal door closed, or use a dehumidifier to draw the moisture from the room.
➢ Cover your saucepans with lids when cooking to ensure excess steam does not escape.
➢ Wipe down wet windows and open them for 10 minutes every morning.
➢ Keep furniture 10 to 15 cm away from external walls to allow breathing space and prevent a
microclimate evolving
➢ Fix leaking overflows and blocked or broken gutters that allow water the rundown external
walls and penetrate into the wall surface.
COV-RID Mould Treatment in Vacant Properties Nov 23 Andrew Knights