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Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @Fiona4. It's wonderful to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about mouldy soil.
You'll find mould/fungi will develop on continuously damp soil. I'm in Sydney, and I have it under my house also. In fact, I have mushrooms growing under there as well. The ground is completely saturated and has been since late last year. We've never had a big enough break in the weather for it to dry out again completely. In my case, I have several brick vents around the house, which traditionally should provide enough airflow to the area and prevent these types of issues. If you don't have adequate ventilation, you could consider installing subfloor ventilation. Anything from powered fans to brick vents would assist.
If it is just this one location, it's likely no cause for alarm. However, if it starts to flourish all over the soil and makes its way to your house's timberwork, you might want to call a professional to take a look.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Mitchell
If you mist the area with clove oil, it's unlikely to spread the spores @Fiona4. If you spray with a jet stream, it will, though. Regardless, the spores will become airborne when mature, so it's probably best to attempt inoculating them with the clove oil now.
Mitchell
I have a similar problem, a leaking pipe has caused water to gather under the house and cause this. How do I dry this out? Can I simply cover it up with dirt from underneath the house?
Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @petersuchecki. We're pleased to have you join us.
How long ago was the leak rectified?
I certainly wouldn't advise increasing the height of the soil underneath your house. If this is a long term issue, then I would be considering the options @MitchellMc recommended above.
If you'd like to share more details, one of our resident Bunnings D.I.Y. experts would be happy to assist further.
Thanks,
Jason
Both leaks were rectified last year after minor leaks were detected and sealed, one saltwater and another is freshwater leak. The walls have not dried fully and are stained. There are two areas of concern (and odour). I would think by killing the mould with some disinfectant of some kind on the brick and soil would be the first step. Then drying it out somehow either naturally over summer or by other means (?). As a final step, covering over the affected soil area to stop oxygen from allowing mould to resurface. i just need to know what to buy from Bunnings to fix the problem, especially the musty smell filtering into the house.
Hello @petersuchecki
Putting soil on top of the mould is only a temporary stop gap measure as the mould will travel through the soil upwards. The suggestion of spraying clove oil made by Fiona4 I think is the best course of action to neutralize the mould in the soil. A wet moist environment is often conducive to the growth of mould and mildew.
I strongly suggest investing in subfloor ventilation to promote air movement under the house. This also has the added effect of moving the trapped moisture out of the bottom of the house. The more air vents you have along your wall, the better the air circulation. If you combine it with an electric vent, it should retard the growth of the mould under your house.
However, if you feel that you need immediate action, it's best to engage the services of a mould specialist and they will be able to offer suggestions for immediate treatment and elimination.
If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.
Eric
Hello @petersuchecki
To remove the source of the smell, I suggest digging the mould off the surface of the affected area. As I've mentioned putting soil over the affected area will not be effective long term. Please make sure to put the contaminated soil in the bin and do not mix it in with your garden waste. Please take all necessary safety precautions such as wearing disposable overalls, gloves and using a 3M Professional Painters Reusable Respirators With Cool Flow Valve. This will protect you from breathing in the mould while you dig them out.
It may take a few days and several applications of the oil to dispel the smell of the mould. You can use 30 Seconds on the brick wall if you wish, but the clove oil is more effective.
If you need further assistance, please let me know.
Eric
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