The Optus Glean promise: predictability
Three pillars. Three commitments. No exceptions.
Predictable cost. One fixed monthly fee, set against a defined scope and an annual indexed review. No variable hours. No surprise invoices. No padded callout charges. Budgeted once, paid by Direct Debit, reviewed once a year.
Predictable presence. The site is cleaned every day it is meant to be cleaned. A named primary cleaner is rostered to your contract, supported by a named relief who is already vetted, inducted, and trained on the same colour-coded system and IPC standard. The schedule does not depend on whether one person is available on one day.
Predictable freedom. A single point of accountability. One contract. One named manager. One number to call. Cleaning is no longer a problem the site has to manage — it is a service that runs.
Why cleaning in Ireland is structurally hard to get right
Most cleaning provision in Ireland — including in healthcare-adjacent settings — is delivered by a workforce that is structurally part-time and casual. A significant proportion of operatives across the sector also work as healthcare assistants in nursing homes, residential care, and acute hospitals. Cleaning shifts are typically taken when healthcare shifts are not available, and released when they are. This pattern is consistent with CSO labour data on accommodation, food, and administrative-support employment, and it is the underlying reason that buyers across Ireland encounter inconsistency from agencies they have contracted in good faith.
The pattern is reinforced by two background pressures specific to Ireland. Housing affordability limits the catchment for any role paying at or near the minimum wage. The Contract Cleaning Employment Regulation Order rate of €14.80 per hour for 2026, set under the Labour Court's sectoral employment framework, sits close enough to flexible care-sector pay that operatives drift toward whichever shift pays slightly more on the day. Both pressures pull cleaning staff away from contracted shifts and toward casual healthcare work.
The result, from the buyer's perspective, is the experience most practice managers, facilities leads, and procurement officers in Ireland describe: a clean that is half-completed when the contracted cleaner is available, missed entirely when they are not, and accompanied by recurring conversations with the agency about cover that may or may not arrive.
This is the structural problem Optus Glean is built to solve. Our operatives are fully PAYE-employed with guaranteed weekly hours, paid leave, and pension contributions under Irish auto-enrolment. They are paid above the ERO floor deliberately — because the structural reliability of the service depends on the cleaner choosing to remain in the role rather than rotating through casual healthcare shifts. A named primary cleaner is assigned to your site, supported by a named relief, both Garda-vetted and trained to Optus Glean's documented HIQA-aligned IPC standard.
Why Mould Is So Common in Ireland
Ireland has one of the highest rates of indoor mould in Europe, and the reasons are largely climatic and structural. Average relative humidity in Ireland sits between 75% and 90% for most of the year. When that humid air meets cold surfaces — single-glazed windows, uninsulated external walls, thermal bridges around window reveals, and poorly ventilated bathrooms — condensation forms. And where condensation persists, mould follows.
The problem is compounded by Ireland’s older housing stock. Approximately 40% of Irish homes were built before 1970, many with solid walls, no cavity insulation, and minimal ventilation by modern standards. Even newer properties can suffer from mould when extract fans fail, trickle vents are closed, or buildings are sealed too tightly without adequate mechanical ventilation.
Commercial properties are not immune. Office buildings with sealed windows and poorly maintained HVAC systems develop mould in ceiling voids and behind wall linings. Hotels suffer from bathroom mould when extract fans cannot keep pace with guest usage. Healthcare facilities face mould risks in plant rooms, storage areas, and any space with variable heating patterns.
The bottom line: mould in Ireland is not a sign of a dirty property. It is a building physics problem that requires a building physics solution. That is exactly what Optus Glean delivers.
Health Risks of Indoor Mould
Mould is not just unsightly. It is a genuine health hazard recognised by the World Health Organisation, the Health Service Executive, and the European Environment Agency. The health risks include:
- Respiratory conditions — Mould spores trigger asthma attacks, allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, and bronchitis. The HSE links indoor mould exposure to a 30–50% increase in respiratory symptoms.
- Allergic reactions — Coughing, sneezing, watery eyes, skin rashes, and throat irritation are common responses to mould exposure, particularly in sensitive individuals.
- Mycotoxin exposure — Certain moulds, including Stachybotrys chartarum (black mould) and Aspergillus species, produce mycotoxins that can cause serious illness with prolonged exposure, including hypersensitivity pneumonitis and immune suppression.
- Vulnerable groups — Children under 5, elderly people over 65, pregnant women, and those with existing respiratory conditions or compromised immune systems are at significantly higher risk.
- Mental health impact — Living or working in a mouldy environment is associated with increased anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life. The stress of visible mould and the feeling of an unhealthy environment take a measurable psychological toll.
If you can see mould or smell a persistent musty odour in your property, do not ignore it. The longer mould grows, the deeper it penetrates building materials and the more spores are released into the air you breathe.
Our Mould Removal Process
Optus Glean follows an IICRC-aligned mould remediation process. We do not just wipe mould off surfaces — we eliminate it at the source and prevent it from returning.
- Assessment and Moisture Survey — We inspect the affected areas, identify the type and extent of mould growth, and use moisture meters and thermal imaging to locate the source of moisture. Every remediation begins with understanding why the mould is growing, not just where.
- Containment — For moderate to severe mould, we seal the affected area with plastic sheeting and use negative air pressure to prevent spores from spreading to clean areas during removal. Our teams wear full PPE including P3 respirators.
- Removal — Surface mould on non-porous materials is removed with specialist biocides. Mould in porous materials (plaster, plasterboard, wood, grout) is treated with penetrating fungicides that kill mould roots deep within the material. Severely affected materials that cannot be salvaged (saturated plasterboard, rotten timber) are removed and disposed of as contaminated waste.
- HEPA Vacuuming and Air Scrubbing — All surfaces in the treatment area are HEPA vacuumed to remove loose spores. Air scrubbers with HEPA filtration run throughout the remediation to capture airborne spores and reduce the spore count to safe levels.
- Anti-Microbial Treatment — After removal, we apply a long-lasting anti-microbial coating to treated surfaces. This coating inhibits mould regrowth for 6 to 12 months and creates a hostile environment for spore germination.
- Prevention Plan — Every client receives a written prevention plan identifying the root cause and recommending specific actions: improved ventilation, dehumidification, insulation upgrades, or heating pattern changes. We address the cause, not just the symptom.
Residential Mould Removal
Mould in the home is distressing, particularly when it affects bedrooms and living spaces where families spend the most time. The most common locations for residential mould in Ireland are:
- Bathroom ceilings and walls (inadequate extract ventilation)
- Bedroom window reveals and external wall corners (thermal bridging and condensation)
- Behind wardrobes and furniture against external walls (restricted airflow)
- Kitchen ceilings (steam from cooking without adequate extraction)
- Attic spaces and roof voids (roof leaks or insufficient loft ventilation)
- Utility rooms and hot press areas (drying clothes indoors without ventilation)
Optus Glean provides residential mould removal across all 26 counties. We work around your schedule, minimise disruption, and leave your home safe and clean. For tenants, we provide documentation that landlords can use for insurance claims or grant applications.
Commercial Mould Removal
Mould in commercial properties creates health and safety risks, reputational damage, and potential regulatory issues. We provide mould remediation for:
- Offices and corporate buildings (HVAC-related mould in ceiling voids and behind partitions)
- Hotels and hospitality (bathroom mould, laundry areas, basement storage)
- Healthcare facilities (plant rooms, storage, patient areas — HIQA implications)
- Retail units (stockrooms, basements, units with poor ventilation)
- Schools and creches (particular urgency due to vulnerable occupants)
- Apartment common areas (stairwells, bin stores, plant rooms)
Commercial remediation is carried out with minimal disruption to your operations. We work outside business hours where possible and provide full documentation for compliance, insurance, and audit purposes.
Landlord Obligations: Mould in Rental Properties
If you are a landlord in Ireland, you have a legal obligation to address mould caused by structural defects, poor ventilation, or inadequate insulation. The Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2019 require that rented properties be maintained in a proper state of structural repair and free from damp and mould arising from structural causes.
The Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) can adjudicate disputes where tenants report mould and landlords fail to act. Local authorities can inspect and issue improvement notices. In extreme cases, prohibition notices can render a property unlettable until remediation is complete.
Optus Glean works with landlords and property managers to resolve mould issues efficiently. We provide a detailed report identifying the cause, carry out the remediation, and deliver documentation suitable for RTB records, local authority inspections, and insurance claims. For landlords managing multiple properties, we offer a priority response service and volume pricing.
If your rental property has a mould problem, the cost of professional remediation (€300–€2,500) is a fraction of the cost of an RTB complaint, a local authority enforcement action, or a personal injury claim from an affected tenant.
Mould Prevention: Stopping It Before It Starts
Remediation without prevention is a temporary fix. Optus Glean addresses the root cause of every mould problem we treat. Common prevention measures we recommend and, where appropriate, implement include:
- Ventilation improvements — Installing or upgrading extract fans in bathrooms and kitchens, ensuring trickle vents are open and functional, and recommending mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) for sealed buildings.
- Dehumidification — For properties with persistent high humidity, we recommend appropriate dehumidifiers and advise on optimal placement and settings.
- Insulation and thermal bridging — We identify cold spots and thermal bridges that cause condensation. While we do not carry out insulation work ourselves, we provide detailed recommendations for insulation contractors and can coordinate with them.
- Heating patterns — Consistent low-level heating is more effective at preventing condensation than intermittent high-temperature heating. We advise on heating strategies that balance mould prevention with energy costs.
- Behavioural guidance — For residential clients, we provide practical guidance on drying clothes, cooking, showering, and furniture placement to minimise condensation risk.
Combined with our vacant property cleaning and end-of-tenancy cleaning services, Optus Glean can prepare mould-affected properties for new occupancy, ensuring they are clean, treated, and set up to prevent recurrence.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mould Removal
How much does mould removal cost in Ireland?
Mould removal in Ireland costs between €300 and €2,500 depending on severity and area affected. A single room with surface mould typically costs €300 to €600. Multiple rooms or deep-seated mould costs €800 to €1,500. Severe cases requiring structural remediation can cost €1,500 to €2,500 or more. Optus Glean provides assessments with a written site survey before any work begins.
Is mould in a house dangerous to your health?
Yes. Mould releases spores and mycotoxins that cause or worsen asthma, allergic rhinitis, bronchitis, and other respiratory conditions. The WHO identifies indoor mould as a significant health risk. Children, elderly people, and those with compromised immune systems are most vulnerable. Black mould (Stachybotrys chartarum) is particularly dangerous. If you can see or smell mould, professional removal is recommended.
Does bleach kill mould permanently?
No. Bleach kills surface mould on non-porous surfaces like tiles and glass, but does not penetrate porous materials such as plaster, wood, grout, or plasterboard. Mould roots survive and regrow within days or weeks. Bleach also adds moisture, which can accelerate regrowth. Professional mould removal uses specialist biocides that penetrate porous materials, followed by anti-microbial treatments that prevent regrowth.
Is a landlord responsible for mould in Ireland?
Under the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2019, landlords must maintain rented properties free from damp and mould caused by structural defects. If mould results from poor ventilation, rising damp, penetrating damp, or inadequate insulation, the landlord is responsible. In practice, most mould in Irish rental properties has a structural component, making the landlord at least partially responsible. The RTB can adjudicate disputes.
How long does professional mould removal take?
Professional mould removal typically takes 1 to 3 days. A single room with surface mould can be treated in 4 to 8 hours. Multiple rooms require 1 to 2 days. Severe cases involving structural remediation may take 2 to 3 days. After treatment, anti-microbial coatings need 24 hours to cure before the area can be reoccupied.
Will mould come back after professional removal?
If the underlying cause is not addressed, mould will return. Optus Glean identifies and addresses the root cause — whether condensation, damp, poor ventilation, or thermal bridging. We apply anti-microbial treatments that inhibit regrowth for 6 to 12 months and provide a written prevention plan. The vast majority of our clients do not experience recurrence when our recommendations are followed.
How Optus Glean handles staff shortages
Every Optus Glean contract is staffed on a redundancy model rather than a single-person model. A named primary cleaner is assigned to the site at contract start. A named relief is assigned alongside them. Both are PAYE-employed by Optus Glean, both are Garda-vetted, both are inducted on the site's specific layout, access protocols, and colour-coded equipment system, and both are trained to the same documented HIQA-aligned IPC standard. Substitution is built into the contract from the first day, not arranged on the day cover is needed.
Sick day cover. When the primary cleaner is unable to work, the named relief is deployed. The site site contact is notified by 06:30 on the morning of the absence by SMS or email, with the name of the relief who is attending. The relief follows the same task list, uses the same equipment, and finishes within the same window. The standard of clean is unchanged because the relief was prepared for this scenario before the absence happened.
Annual leave cover. Annual leave is rostered weeks in advance and the relief is scheduled to cover the full leave period. The site is informed at the start of the leave period — not on the morning leave begins. This is the same model used in clinical rota management: known absences are pre-staffed, not improvised.
Long-term cover. If the primary cleaner is absent for more than two weeks (extended illness, parental leave, bereavement leave), cover is drawn from the wider trained bench rather than relying on the single named relief. The site is kept informed of the cover plan, the named individuals involved, and the expected duration. Continuity of standard is maintained because every operative on the bench is trained to the same documented standard.
Permanent reassignment. If the primary cleaner moves to a new permanent role within Optus Glean — promotion, relocation, retirement — the relief is promoted to primary on a planned timetable, a new relief is trained on the site, and both are introduced to the site before the handover takes effect. There is no day on which the site discovers, after the fact, that their cleaner has changed.
Substitution is Optus Glean's operational problem, not the site's risk to absorb. The buyer pays a fixed monthly fee for a defined scope to be delivered, every day it is meant to be delivered. The mechanism by which we deliver it — primary, relief, bench, retraining — is our cost to manage and our risk to carry.
Last reviewed: 2026-05-06