Four signs your home is suffering from silent killer mould – how to fix it & why you should never ignore musty smells
A HOME expert has revealed four common signs that your home is affected by mould, and what to do to fix it.
Now that summer is well and truly behind us, you may have noticed that the cold weather has caused condensation to start to appear on your windows.
Condensation occurs when warm, moist air comes into contact with a cold surface, causing the water vapour in the air to condense into liquid water.
This can then lead to mould growth on walls and ceilings, which can cause a wide variety of health problems, including asthma and rashes.
It can also cause damage to your home and furniture, so it’s best to find the root cause of the issue, and fix it.
With this in mind, home improvement expert Glen Peskett from Saxton Blades Multitools revealed some common signs of mould to look out for.
Recognising Rising Damp Early
Glen revealed that rising damp is often mistaken for condensation, but said can cause mould to grow, which can lead to severe structural damage of your home.
He said: “If left untreated, rising damp can lead to mould growth, which not only damages your home but also poses health risks, particularly for those with asthma or eczema.
“Fixing it sooner rather than later will prevent more significant damage and higher repair costs down the line.
“Homeowners should regularly check the ground-floor walls for wet patches or damp stains, which are key indicators of rising dampness.”
Musty Smells
Glen revealed that another key sign your house could affected by mould is a musty smell.
He said: “It’s a sign that excess moisture is building up, and covering it up with air fresheners won’t solve the problem.”
Flaking Plaster
If plaster is flaking off your walls, your home likely has rising damp.
Glen said: “While it may seem like a minor cosmetic issue, it’s often a red flag for a deeper moisture problem that needs addressing.”
Rotting Skirting Boards
Glen warned that if you notice that your skirting boards are cracking or darkening, you could have damp, and should take swift action.
He said: “Early intervention can save you from having to replace large sections of timber later.”
How To Prevent Damp And Mould
Gutter Maintenance
Glen revealed that cleaning out your gutter of leaves and debris is one of the most important tasks to prevent water damage in your home.
He said: “Keeping gutters clean ensures that water flows away from your house, protecting your roof and walls.”
Tile and Grout Cleaning
Glen said: “Tiles, especially in bathrooms and kitchens, can accumulate dirt and mildew over time.
“Regular cleaning of grout is essential to prevent long-term damage.
“During winter, indoor heating and limited ventilation can make mould worse, so staying on top of this task is key.”
Mattress and Bedding Care
The expert revealed that another simple thing you can do to protect your home over winter, is to deep clean your bedding.
He said: “Deep cleaning your mattress and washing bedding at higher temperatures not only freshens your bedroom but also removes dust mites and bacteria, improving both comfort and air quality.”
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.