Elimination of harmful microorganisms is the most important part in the fight against microorganisms. In order for the removal to be effective, state-of-the-art means must be used. Generally antifungal agents with active chlorine, aldehydes, alcohols, ammonium compounds, organic acids or peroxy compounds are used. The antifungal disinfectant must be selected according to the type of material affected, the extent of the affection and the environment from which the moulds are being eradicated.

 Disinfection, however, only means the temporary removal of mould.Permanent mould eradication is only possible once the primary cause of the mould has been identified and eliminated. Therefore, the most important protection against mould is effective prevention, which consists in ensuring the air permeability of living spaces (avoiding the so-called plastic bag syndrome), ensuring sufficient airflow (regular active ventilation, especially in kitchens, bathrooms, cellars, pantries, laundries), ensuring effective

exhaust equipment (especially in the kitchen and bathroom) or the use of preventive anti-fungal agents.

However, fresh air and sunshine remain the best mould killers. The optimum temperature in an apartment or house is 19-21°C, 18°C in the bedroom, the optimum humidity should be between 45-55% and should never exceed 60%. Different methods can be used to eradicate mould: mechanical – removing mould from the surface by wet scraping to prevent spores spreading into the air; physical – irradiating the affected surface with UV, gamma or microwave radiation; biological – applying a suitable counter-culture to the affected surface; however, the problem with this method is the lack of control of the counter-culture applied; the surface of the material may be disturbed as the counter-cultures also produce organic acids; and the application of chemical products in the form of coatings, sprays and dipping.

Mould infestation of wood manifests itself in a similar way to wall infestation: multi-coloured stains and a characteristic musty smell.of the affected surface.