5 ways to stop mould growing inside your house and what to do if you spot black spores on walls or ceilings
LIVING with mould or in a mouldy house can cause respiratory illnesses, allergies and asthma, and can sometimes be fatal.
Mould spores are found everywhere, and are released in their thousands into the atmosphere.
But black mould is a microscopic fungus that grows in damp places.
Signs of mould at home include fuzzy black, white or green patches on the walls, and a damp and musty smell.
A radiator expert has revealed how you can minimise the chance of mould growing in your home this autumn/winter.
1. Get cleaning
Although most of us tend to associate mould with black dots scattered all over the walls, sometimes it can be right under your feet – quite literally.
“Carpets are extremely porous, meaning if they get wet, they’re likely to hold the water – which will create the perfect environment for mould to grow,” warned Radiator expert Nancy Emery.
To prevent a build-up, the guru noted that ”it’s crucial to invest in high quality carpet padding which has antimicrobial properties”.
Although it’s more on the expensive side, it will be a worthwhile investment in the long run – and don’t forget to regularly vacuum or get the carpets professionally cleaned every now and then.
2. Prevent condensation on windows
Condensation is another common issue for Brits during the colder months – and it can lead to mould.
While it can definitely be tempting to sleep with your windows closed, according to the pro keeping your bedroom windows slightly ajar is a great way to reduce the humidity.
3. Position furniture carefully
Another must-do on the list includes ensuring there is enough room for air to flow freely between the external wall and furnishings, the expert noted.
Simply by positioning your furniture away from external walls you can greatly reduce the amount of condensation and risk of dampness.
4. Invest in a dehumidifier
By now, you’ve probably heard about dehumidifiers at least dozens of times – and rightly so, as these nifty devices are a game-changer during the cold season.
Available on Amazon, Home Bargains and other stores, these handy gadgets work by removing the water from the air.
”This means that there is no air moisture to condense on surfaces around the home, impeding the growth of dampness and mould around the home,” explained the guru.
5. Don’t dry clothes on a radiator
Chucking your washing on radiators might seem a quick fix for those without a tumble dryer – but using radiators to dry laundry causes a number of issues – including mould and damp.
”The problem with drying clothes on radiators is that it leads to higher amounts of condensation due to the lack of airflow from having your radiators covered, which leaves moisture lingering in your rooms – and that’s when the issues start to arise,” Nancy warned.
But if you must dry your soaking wet jeans on a radiator, make sure the windows are open to let the air flow, she added.
How to get rid of mould
If you spot black spores on your walls or ceilings, there’s a few things you can do to tackle the problem.
B&Q said: “As plasterboard walls are porous, mould can penetrate through the different layers so even if you clean the visible layer, the mould can remain.
“As a result, you may need to replace any sections of plasterboard with mould on them.”
Mould sprays
There are a number of different mould sprays available that are specifically designed to help with the removal of mould from surfaces. When using these products, always follow their specific instructions and wear the correct protective equipment.
Bleach
If you don’t have a specific mould spray, bleach can be used instead.
Mix a solution of one part bleach and four parts water. Take a cloth and wipe this solution across the wall, scrubbing gently until all the mould has been removed.
You can then wipe the bleach away and dry the area using a separate cloth.
But be careful when using bleach – wear protective gloves and clothing, and ventilate the area.
White vinegar
Vinegar is a natural cleaner that has uses around the home and cleaning mould is no exception.
Mix up a solution of one part vinegar to one part water in a spray bottle. Apply this spray to the mouldy area and leave it to work for an hour. You can then wipe the vinegar away using a damp cloth which should hopefully remove the mould.
Vinegar is the perfect cleaning solution for areas where you might not want to use harsher chemicals such as kids bedrooms and kitchens.
Common Bathroom Habits That Increase Mould
Plumbworld, a leading expert in bathroom and kitchen products, has shared the daily habits that increase the chance of mould growing in homes.
Leaving wet towels and bathmats on floor
Wet towels and bathmats on the floors after a shower or bath can increase humidity levels which provides a perfect breeding ground for mould spores.
To prevent this, hang towels and bathmats in an area where they can dry quickly and to wash them regularly.
Not turning on the fan
An exhaust fan is critical in reducing moisture levels in the bathroom.
When taking a hot shower or bath, steam increases the room’s humidity level, creating an ideal setting for mould to flourish on walls, ceilings, and other surfaces.
An exhaust fan helps by moving the moist air outside, significantly reducing the risk of mould growth.
Experts suggest running the fan during the shower and for at least 20-30 minutes afterwards to lower humidity levels.
Ignoring small leaks
Even minor leaks from the sink, toilet, or shower can contribute to increased moisture levels in a bathroom, fostering an environment where mould can thrive.
Over time, these leaks can cause significant water damage, promoting mould growth in less visible areas such as inside walls or under flooring.
Fix leaks promptly to prevent mould and potential structural damage.
Keeping shower curtains or doors closed
Keeping the shower area closed after use traps moisture inside, delaying the drying process and creating a humid environment conducive to mould growth.
Mould can easily develop on shower curtains, doors, and in tile grout if they remain wet for too long.
To avoid this, leave the shower door or curtain open after use to improve air circulation and allow the area to dry more quickly.
Storing too many products
Shower caddies and corners filled with bottles and accessories may seem harmless, but they can obstruct airflow and trap moisture and creates hidden, moist niches where mould can grow unnoticed.
Keep shampoo and shower gel bottles to a minimum, and regularly clean and dry the areas underneath them to prevent mould growing.