Home Environment
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Windows / Mirrors / Glass
Although glass looks and feels smooth to the touch, the surface looks very different under a microscope. Glass surfaces are rough with millions of tiny indentations. While not visible to the naked eye, these "pits" are large enough to harbour mould and bacteria. Typically, windows are exposed to condensation. If the windows contain any debris within the glass, the condensation will generally be enough to cause mould and bacteria to flourish.
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Solution
Treat glass with PUREFOLIO Surface Mould Remover frequently, especially when there is a build up of condensation.
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Living Spaces / Furniture
Frequently used spaces can be susceptible to bacteria and mould contamination, especially when in contact with food, sweat, skin or pets. If there is poor ventilation in the living space, then there is greater likelihood of microbial infestations.
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Solution
Apply PUREFOLIO All Surface Purifier Spray on all soft surfaces on a regular basis. If lounge covers are machine washable, use PUREFOLIO Laundry Sanitiser for a
thorough clean.NOTE: PUREFOLIO products do not use any harsh chemicals. The products will not discolour or degrade soft furnishings. Safe to breathe and touch.
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Kitchen / Food Storage / Refrigerator
Food storage and preparation areas have an environment condusive to bacteria and mould growth. The moist conditions and fluctuating temperatures, coupled with food residue, provide the ideal breeding growth for microbial infestation.
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Solution
Frequent cleaning of food preparation and food storage areas is paramount to minimising the risk of microbial infestations.
Apply PUREFOLIO All Surface Purifier Spray on all hard surfaces, bench tops, cutting boards, sinks and inside the refrigerator.
Periodically, spray inside the dishwasher and then use as normal. The PUREFOLIO Air Purifier Gel can also be used in the refrigerator to eliminate germs and minimise cross contamination of foods.
Simply place an opened tub towards the back of the fridge near the air vents.
NOTE: PUREFOLIO products do not use any harsh chemicals. They are nonallergenic and certified food safe. They are formulated with natural plant actives
and are designed to be safe for use around food and in food preparation areas.
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Bedroom / Mattress / Pillows
"People spend almost one-third of their time in a bedroom." (ASHRAE)
The average adult, when resting, inhales and exhales about 7 or 8 litres of air per minute, totalling about 11,000 litres of air per day.
Bedrooms can accumulate harmful microbes due to factors such as nature of usage, poor ventilation and infrequent cleaning. The concentration of airborne mould spores tends to be greatest at night, when the weather is cool and damp.
In particular, the bedhead can be a potent breeding ground for bacteria and mould, as air is trapped behind the bedhead.
Research shows that poor indoor air quality is linked to poor sleep. Sleep disruption can be caused by air polluted by fine particles, including mould, dust mites, pet dander, and pollen.
Mattresses and pillows can often harbour microbial contaminants. The combination of shed human skin and moisture/sweat can cause mould and bacteria to grow and spread.
Dust is a key source of mould. Tiny spores of mould travel on the airborne dust and as it settles, the mould can easily embed into surfaces. With an increase in humidity, a perfect medium is now in place for the mould to start growing.
Dust mites feed on shed human skin, animal dander, fungal spores and bacteria. By removing these food sources, dust mites are eliminated. -
Solution
To maintain a healthy bedroom environment:
- Keep bedroom well ventilated
- Place PUREFOLIO Air Purifier Gel on bedside table
- Clean bedding regularly (Refer to section "Mattress / Pillows")
- Minimise dust; remove items prone to dust, such as dried plants
- Eliminate dust mites by treating mattress with PUREFOLIO All Surface Purifier Spray
Maintain a regular cleaning regime for bed sheets and pillow covers. When changing bed sheets, treat mattress with PUREFOLIO All Surface Purifier Spray, allow to air dry, then vacuum mattress before placing fresh bed linen onto mattress.
It is important to turnover mattress periodically to spray the underside of mattress as this can often be a breeding ground for microbial contaminants.
The bedhead has also been found to provide ripe breeding ground for mould and bacteria. Frequently spray both sides of bed head.
Pillows need to be sprayed regularly. If pillows are machine washable, use use PUREFOLIO Laundry Sanitiser a couple of times a year for a thorough clean.
NOTE: PUREFOLIO products do not use any harsh chemicals. The products will not discolour or degrade soft furnishings. Safe to breathe and touch.
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Cupboards / Wardrobes / Storage
Trapped air within confined spaces can lead to an increased accumulation of
contaminants. Mould and bacteria thrive in dark, poorly ventilated spaces,
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Solution
Periodically clean surface walls and shelves with PUREFOLIO All Surface Purifier Spray.
Ensure that items stored are clean and dry. If mould contamination of item is suspected, then lightly spray item with All Surface Purifier Spray and allow to air dry before placing back into storage.
Place PUREFOLIO Air Purifier Gel or Mould Eliminator Gel in cupboard for 24/7 sanitisation of internal space.
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Laundry
Dirty laundry is a major source of mould & fungal spores.Washing machines provide a prime breeding ground for bacteria and mould infestations. The internal machine environment combines the following elements:
- Laundry featuring human skin and sweat, food, soil, bacteria, mould and fungal spores.
- Residual detergent, lint and other organic material (necessary food source for bacteria and mould).
- Lingering moisture.
Importantly, bacteria, mould and fungal spores are not necessarily eliminated or washed away during a wash cycle. Hot water may suppress the growth of the infestations and even kill some of them. However, spores may remain on clothing, contaminate other clothes, as well as stay in the washing machine interior.
Bacteria and mould can then flourish in the corners within the internal machine environment (in the door gasket, detergent dispenser and the void between the wash tub and the outer tub).
“Mould that grows in washing machines can be problematic even when the
machine is not in use. Mould can trigger allergic symptoms-including sneezing, itching, runny nose, and congestion-and can also be an irritant to the airways.” (Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America) - Laundry featuring human skin and sweat, food, soil, bacteria, mould and fungal spores.
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Solution
Ensure that dirty clothes, towels and other items are laundered as soon as possible. The longer that dirty items are left, the greater the potential for mould and bacteria infestation. If contamination is suspected or for a more thorough clean of items, use PUREFOLIO Laundry Sanitiser, then follow with preferred washing detergent.
TIP: When laundering white or pale coloured shirts and tops, lightly spray PUREFOLIO All Surface Purifier Spray directly onto sweat areas around the underarm area of the clothing. This will eliminate the bacteria embedded in the garment, reduce the likelihood of brown staining.
Periodically sanitise washing machines with PUREFOLIO Washing Machine Sanitiser. If using PUREFOLIO Laundry Sanitiser regularly to sanitise clothing, then there is no need to also use the Washing Machine Sanitiser as well.
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Soft Furnishings / Cushions / Throws
Any item which is used regularly can be susceptible to bacteria and mould contamination, especially when in contact with food, sweat, skin or pets. If there is poor ventilation in the living space, then there is greater likelihood of microbial infestations.
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Solution
Apply PUREFOLIO All Surface Purifier Spray on all soft surfaces on a regular basis.
If cushions, throws and lounge covers are machine washable, use PUREFOLIO Laundry Sanitiser for a thorough clean.NOTE: PUREFOLIO products do not use any harsh chemicals. The products will not discolour or degrade soft furnishings. Safe to breathe and touch.
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Floor Coverings / Carpets / Rugs
Floor coverings are highly susceptible to bacteria and mould infestations due to:
- Dirt on footwear potentially carrying harmful pathogens and allergens.
- Airborne bacteria and mould is more concentrated closer to the ground,
thereby more easily settling onto floor coverings. - When pets spend time outdoors, they collect dirt particles and airborne
pathogens on their fur and bring them inside the home. - Accumulation of dust floating into the indoor environment through windows.
- General usage and build up of dirt, food and shed human skin.
- Dirt on footwear potentially carrying harmful pathogens and allergens.
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Solution
Regular cleaning is an essential practice for all floor coverings.
Apply PUREFOLIO All Surface Purifier Spray on carpets and rugs and leave to air dry. If rugs are machine washable, use PUREFOLIO Laundry Sanitiser for a more thorough clean. For hard floors apply All Surface Purifier Spray, then follow with preferred floor cleaning regime.
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Bathroom / Wet Areas
Silicon sealant is designed to be waterproof, however it can degrade over time allowing water to seep in and create a breeding ground for mould.
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Solution
Silicon seal in shower:
Depending on what stage the mould growth has impacted the silicon seals, it will take different amounts of time to clean.- Scenario 1 - The mould is just on the surface of the silicon seal.
This is easy to clean and can be removed with the PUREFOLIO Surface Mould Remover in a week. - Scenario 2 - The mould is in the silicon seal.
This will take a month of spraying to remove. It will stop the mould from spreading and then kill and eliminate the mould in the silicon. Once the mould has been eliminated continue spraying fortnightly to maintain. - Scenario 3 - The mould is under the silicon seal.This may take up to 2 months to eliminate. Constant application of product is required.
Prevention:
Once the mould has been removed, use the PUREFOLIO Surface Mould Remover fortnightly, to prevent any new mould colonies from establishing. - Scenario 1 - The mould is just on the surface of the silicon seal.
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Pets / Pet Items / Pet Areas
Pets can be exposed to high levels of germs, mould spores and bacteria.
- Litter tray usage greatly increases the amount of germs around pets and in the home.
- When pets spend time outdoors, they collect dirt particles and airborne pathogens on their fur and bring them inside the home, contaminating the indoor environment.
- Pet dander can also carry bacteria and germs.
- Pets increase the diversity of bacteria in the home. As these multiply, coupled with the pet's natural odour and sweat, the distinctive pet odour becomes noticeable.
- Microbes are in higher concentration within the first 30cm above ground level. This is the area mostly occupied by pets, making pets more susceptible to disease.
- Litter tray usage greatly increases the amount of germs around pets and in the home.
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Solution
Place an Air Purifier Gel in or near pet areas, cat litter trays, pet bedding and
rooms highly frequented by pets.
Pet bedding needs sanitising on a regular basis. Lightly spray bedding with PUREFOLIO All Surface Purifier Spray. This will stop any bacteria and mould from colonising and multiplying.
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Air Conditioner Systems
Air conditioner filters block and collect dust and other particles. Over time, filters collect a considerable amount of debris, becoming a breeding ground for bacteria and mould. If unchecked, the filters become a health issue. The system's ducting will also accumulate a level of dust and debris and if not treated will become a growing medium for mould.
Not all microbial contaminants are trapped by air conditioners. Mould, bacteria and viruses travel on all particulate matter from less than 0.3 micron up to 10 micron and above. Most filters block 75-85% of contaminants measuring 3-10 microns. Many pathogens, including viruses, bacteria and mould, measure less that 1 micron and will often escape filters, even HEPA filters, and get released back into the indoor air environment. -
Solution
Home, commercial and vehicle AC systems require regular cleaning and sanitisation.
Depending on the type of system, it's best to allow AC specialists to clean the machine. However, PUREFOLIO recommends measures that can be adopted which will reduce the microbial build up in AC systems as well as minimise the spread of contamination into the indoor environment:
Place a jar of PUREFOLIO Air Purifier Gel near the key air vent grill. It will evaporate into the airflow allowing the product to be circulated throughout the internal space and eventually flow back into the air conditioning system.
Ask the AC specialist to use PUREFOLIO Surface Mould Remover as part of their cleaning regime.
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Dust / Dust Mites
Dust floats into the indoor environment through windows or by attaching onto people's clothes and shoes or animals via their fur or feet.
- Dust is a key source of mould. Tiny spores of mould travel on the airborne dust and as it settles, the mould can easily embed into surfaces. With an increase in humidity, a perfect medium is now in place for the mould to start growing.
- Dust mites feed on shed human skin, animal dander, fungal spores and
bacteria. By removing these food sources, dust mites are eliminated.
- Dust is a key source of mould. Tiny spores of mould travel on the airborne dust and as it settles, the mould can easily embed into surfaces. With an increase in humidity, a perfect medium is now in place for the mould to start growing.
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Solution
Regular dusting and vacuuming as well as a thorough cleaning regime will minimise dust and dust mites in the indoor environment. Use PUREFOLIO All Surface Purifier Spray to eliminate bacteria, mould and fungal spores from surfaces and to provide a thin film for ongoing protection. As an extra measure, place the Air Purifier Gel in each room to kill 99.9% of airborne pathogens before they land on surfaces.
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Sports / Gym Gear
Sports bags are highly susceptible to infestations, as they provide a suitable environment to incubate bacteria and mould. They typically carry damp towels, sweaty gear, well-used sports shoes, gym accessories, and maybe some food debris.
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Solution
For ongoing sanitisation, keep an PUREFOLIO Air Purifier tub in the bag at all times. This will sanitise the bag and its contents so that bacteria and mould cannot grow or thrive in this space. Periodically clean the inside and outside of the bag, as well as gym accessories, with the PUREFOLIO All Surface Purifier Spray
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Outdoor Furniture
Outdoor furniture, such as canvas umbrellas, wooden and plastic furniture, can be exposed to a constant flow of mould and fungal spores. Spores will land on the furniture and stay dormant until ripe conditions for germinating. This typically occurs when furniture is in storage or covered. Even when mould is wiped off, it will surface again as the root system has embedded into the surface of the furniture
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Solution
Regularly clean all outdoor furniture with PUREFOLIO Surface Mould Remover or All Surface Purifier Spray, especially before storing or covering the items. This will ensure that mould and fungus are killed right down to the root system.
NOTE: PUREFOLIO liquid sprays are safe for all materials, non-corrosive and environmentally friendly.
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Babies / Children
Why are babies, toddlers and children more susceptible to illness? They have less developed immune systems than adults. Also, they usually spend more time in spaces closer to the ground.
Microbes are in higher concentration within the first 30cm above ground level, often 5 to 10 times greater than the space above 1.5 metres from ground level.
Crawling babies will be exposed to higher concentration of airborne bacteria and mould in any indoor environment.Baby items such as strollers, car seats, high chairs, and toys, often accumulate bacteria and mould, unless they are cleaned and sanitised regularly. These can cause a real hazard for babies and children, especially when babies place their hands in their mouth after touching contaminated surfaces.
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Solution
Place PUREFOLIO Air Purifier Gel in all areas where babies and children spend most time, especially in their bedrooms. Refer to section "Floor Coverings / Carpets / Rugs" for recommendations on how to maintain germ free spaces closer to the ground.
Regularly apply PUREFOLIO All Surface Purifier Spray on stroller, car seat, high chair and toys. If covers are removable and machine washable, use PUREFOLIO Laundry Sanitiser for a thorough clean.
NOTE: PUREFOLIO products do not use any harsh chemicals. The products will
not discolour or degrade items. Safe to breathe and touch
