In this week’s episode of The Healthy Home Show, I speak with Samuel Bowles from Pure Maintenance UK to bring clarity to one of the most misunderstood and emotionally charged topics in homes: mould.
Like many people, I’ve found that the deeper you go into mould remediation, the more conflicting advice you encounter. This season we have had a few conversations on this subject as I really want to get a well-rounded perspective from as many experts as possible.
This conversation was about cutting through the confusion and understanding what actually matters when it comes to mould, human health and the spaces we live in.
Listen to the Full Podcast Episode Here:
How Sam came to work in mould remediation
Sam’s work in mould remediation began with his own health journey. After being diagnosed with ulcerative colitis and facing the possibility of major surgery, he discovered mould exposure was a significant contributing factor to his illness.
Once he removed himself from a mouldy environment and supported his body appropriately, his symptoms improved dramatically. That experience led him to study mould in depth and eventually to co-found Pure Maintenance UK, with the aim of addressing mould as both a building and a health issue, not simply a cosmetic one.
Why visible mould is rarely the full picture
One of the most important points Sam made is that what we see is rarely the real issue.
Around 95% of mould is not visible
Spores and mycotoxins circulate in airspaces and accumulate over time
Visible mould growth is often a sign of a long-standing problem, not a new one
This is why surface cleaning alone is rarely effective and why mould can return repeatedly when the underlying conditions aren’t addressed.
Why bleach doesn’t solve the problem
Bleach is still widely used to “treat” mould, but Sam explained why this approach often fails:
It may remove staining but does not address mould within materials or airspace
It can stress mould colonies, encouraging further sporing
It introduces additional chemical exposure through VOCs and off-gassing
Effective remediation must address both the source of moisture and the airborne mould load, not just what appears on surfaces.
Dry fog technology explained
We spent time clarifying the difference between Pure Maintenance’s dry fog technology and standard fogging methods:
Dry fog uses an ultra-fine micron size that remains airborne and penetrates spaces and contents
Traditional fogging tends to settle on surfaces rather than treating the air
Pure Maintenance holds the UK patent for this specific dry fog process
The key distinction is that dry fog targets the airspace and contents, where most mould exposure actually occurs.
Why mould is such a widespread issue in UK homes
Sam explained that the UK is particularly vulnerable due to:
Older housing stock with historic moisture issues
Modern living habits that reduce ventilation
Energy efficiency measures that trap humidity
Increased indoor moisture from showers, laundry and occupancy
Together, these factors create ideal conditions for mould growth and long-term accumulation.
Schools and high-risk environments
We also discussed schools, which can be particularly vulnerable due to:
High occupancy and humidity
Poor ventilation
Cost-driven renovations and temporary building extensions
While not every school has a mould issue, they are environments that deserve far more attention given the vulnerability of children and teachers.
I also discussed the huge problem in schools with another mould expert Jeff Charlton on the podcast recently. If you want to dive into that episode as well, here is the link:
Detoxing the body: turning off the tap first
Sam emphasised a key principle:
- Address the source of exposure
- Then support the body’s detox pathways
Detox protocols should be guided by qualified practitioners and tailored to the specific mould species and mycotoxins involved. There is no universal approach, and moving too aggressively can worsen symptoms in some individuals.
Check out My Detox Article Here
EMFs and mould
We also touched on emerging evidence showing that increased electromagnetic exposure from things like WIFI can influence mould colonisation.
While this area continues to develop, Sam noted that reducing environmental stressors where possible can form part of a broader, preventative approach to healthier homes.
Rethinking how we choose homes
One of the broader themes of the conversation was how little attention we give to environmental health when choosing a property.
In some parts of the US, air and mould testing is required before a home can be sold. In the UK, this is not standard practice, despite housing being our largest financial and health investment.
Sam shared that many clients now engage testing and surveying before purchasing, helping them avoid costly mistakes and long-term health issues. If you want to get a test booked in contact me here. There are a few different testing companies that have different areas of speciality. Contact me below and I will guide you through the options:
Key takeaways
Mould exposure is primarily an air quality issue, not just a visible one
Surface cleaning rarely resolves the underlying problem
Effective remediation must address airspace, moisture and root causes
Detox and remediation should be coordinated, not rushed
Prevention and informed property choices are crucial
Listen to the full episode:
Final thought
Mould is not a fringe issue. It sits at the intersection of building design, lifestyle, environmental exposure and human health. As awareness grows, so too does the need for clear, evidence-based conversations that help people make informed decisions about the spaces they live in.
Where to Follow Sam’s Work
If you enjoyed hearing Sam’s insights on how to address Mould in the home…. You can learn more and dive into all of my 12 main concepts that create a Healthy Home and Lifestyle on my website – www.charlielemmer.com
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Be WELL
Charlie x
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