I’m a cleaning expert – my ‘burp’ rule is key to protecting your home from mould
WITH colder weather on the way as December approaches, most of us will be putting the heating on for longer.
But this means that our homes may feel more humid – especially if we’re trying to dry damp clothes straight from the washing machine.
This, in turn, could lead to the build-up of mould and mildew which can be dangerous to our health if left untreated.
It can also become a pain to get rid of and looks awful inside the home.
A lack of ventilation, leaky pipes and taps seeping into walls and floors and damp grout provide the ideal breeding ground for mould.
Luckily, one expert has jumped in to help with their top tips on how to fight mould if it does start to grow inside your home this winter.
London House Clearing Company Rainbow Rubbish Removals has shared seven tricks to keep your home safe and clean.
And their ‘burp rule’ is key for stopping it from building up in any room of the house.
Miroslav Radov, owner of London House Clearing Company Rainbow Rubbish Removals said: “With November bringing increased dampness to the UK, maintaining a clean and decluttered home is crucial in the fight against mould.
“A tidy, organised space not only improves air circulation but also minimises areas where moisture can linger, creating a less hospitable environment for mould growth.
“By staying on top of regular cleaning and ensuring airflow throughout your home, you can proactively reduce the risk of mould taking hold during the colder, wetter months.
“This helps to keep your household healthier and your space more inviting for the festive season.”
1. Declutter for freedom
It might not be obvious, but experts say that decluttering your home can help prevent issues such as dust, mould and mildew from building up.
This is because these can all be hidden underneath piles of clutter.
They said: “November is the perfect time to reconsider those larger items that never get used – from old leaky dryers to airflow-blocking sofas, letting go of the old can help freshen up your space and prevent moisture build-up.
“Ensuring you live in an organised, clean space will promote quality airflow and reduce humidity levels as the removed items will encourage air to circulate freely, keep surfaces dry and reduce trapped moisture, minimising the conditions mould needs to grow.”
2. Close your doors
You might be tempted to leave doors open to air out rooms, but the experts say this is the opposite of what you should do.
They explain: “Keeping doors closed in moisture-prone rooms, such as the bathroom or kitchen, can control humidity and will limit airflow to help avoid mould growth.
“It will limit the spread of moisture and mould spores into other parts of the house, reducing condensation on surfaces and allowing ventilation systems to work effectively.
“Whether you are showering, bathing, boiling a kettle or cooking on the stove, keeping doors closed during these tasks is a simple way to minimise the risk of growth, especially on the ceilings where air rises.”
3. Burp your rooms
As mentioned before, the experts’ ‘burp rule’ is key to preventing mould build-up.
They say: “Mould spores need warmth and moisture to grow, thrive and take over a home.
“If it is cool and dry outside, opening a window – known as ‘burping’ a room – helps release dangerous spores and mycotoxin buildup, especially around surfaces such as window panes where mould expands quickly.
“Whilst it may be too cold this winter to have all windows open constantly, try opening windows on opposite sides of your home for at least 10 minutes every morning to allow moisture to be taken out of your home.
“If your windows have trickle vents, you should aim to leave them open year-round.”
4. Regularly clean carpets
Carpets are the perfect breeding ground for mould and mildew to grow and fester, so cleaning them regularly can help prevent them from making a home there.
Experts advise: “Rooms without hardwood floors are often affected by mould the most, with dust mites, dirt, hair and fungus all potentially creating a home in your carpet.
“These can aggravate breathing conditions, whilst causing bad smells to run through your home and lower the air quality.
“Whether your entire home is carpeted, or only certain rooms, it is key to thoroughly clean them regularly and keep the space well ventilated to bring humidity down.”
Scotland’s ‘mouldiest city’ revealed
SOME areas of the UK suffer from mould more than others, according to experts.
This could be down to several different factors, like some areas having worse weather than others, construction problems, or even maintenance issues.
And homes that have poor airflow could retain more moisture than others, which could also exacerbate the problem.
This also applies to houses that have leaky roofs, cracks in the walls, or outdated plumbing.
Property experts Gaffsy has now shed light on the top cities in the UK that are most blighted by mould.
And they have also revealed which city in Scotland has come out on top for having the most mould.
Edinburgh came up as the city in Scotland with the most mould, with an average of 250 monthly searches for ‘how to get rid of mould’ and ‘remove mould’ combined.
However, another major Scottish city followed close behind with an average of 230 monthly searches.
Residents in Glasgow were found to struggle with the fungus and was the second worst city in the country.
5. Up the temperature
With soaring energy bills, this one might be hard to do – but the experts say keeping the heating on at a low heat can save your home from being damaged by mould this winter.
They suggest: “Whilst households across the UK will be trying to save on heating and energy costs, one of the best techniques to prevent mould growth is by keeping your heating on.
“The heat helps warm surfaces and walls that in turn, prevents any water condensing.
“To prevent mould growth, homes should be heated to at least 16 degrees celsius, and no lower than 14 degrees.
“Cold rooms attract moisture, allowing mould spores to survive and thrive throughout the home.”
6. Dry clothes outside
This is another one that can be tricky to do in the winter when it’s too cold to hang your washing outside.
But even swapping from drying clothes on a hot radiator to a room with an open window can make a huge difference.
Experts say: “Although it may seem the easier option, drying clothes on radiators and in the home can create condensation and prevent your heating system from working efficiently.
“One load of washing can hold over two litres of moisture which will soon fill a room creating a humid environment promoting mould development.
“Where possible hang your wet clothes outside or near an open window for ventilation to keep both the home and its residents safe from mould exposure during the colder months.”
7. Keep an eye on plants
For those with indoor plants that need maintenance, keeping an eye on them is key to preventing mould from building up.
Experts say: “Overwatering or poor drainage in plant pots can lead to a build-up of water in the soil creating a damp environment for mould to bloom.
“The effect of fallen leaves or dead roots can decompose and contribute to humidity in the home.
“To prevent the risk of mould, using plant pots with drainage holes and placing saucers beneath to catch excess water is a great way to prevent rotting plants.
“Remember to also regularly inspect and remove any dead elements to control moisture levels and reduce potential for mould growth.”
What is mould and how to get rid of it?
Mould is more likely to grow during the winter months.
Olivia Young, Product Development Scientist at Astonish revealed exactly why this is.
“Unfortunately, mould is a common problem many people face during winter. It thrives in conditions that are warm and damp, so your bathrooms are likely to be the most affected place.
“That said, during the colder months most rooms in your home could be vulnerable to mould growing.
“This occurs primarily from condensation that builds up on your windows when you’ve got your radiators on.
“If you think about it, when windows and doors are closed, there’s not much chance for the air to circulate and the moisture to make a swift exit.
“This build up is what can cause dreaded mould to make an appearance, especially in bathrooms, as it creates that warm and wet environment that is a breeding ground for mould.
“If left untreated, not only is it unsightly but it can also pose a serious risk to your health, so it’s really important you treat it.
“The key to tackle mould is to act fast.
“Try to come into as little contact with it as you can. So, grab your gloves, tie up your hair and get to work to remove any signs of mould as soon as you notice them.
“To keep mould at bay, there are some simple solutions you can introduce throughout home.
“The first is keep it ventilated. Yes, even in the cold winter months try to leave your bathroom window open for at least 10/15 minutes post shower or bath. This will get rid of any excess moisture quickly preventing mould gathering.
“If you’re having a repeat problem with mould in one particular area, it might be because the humidity levels are too high. You can get a dehumidifier that will help keep the levels low and reduce the risk of mould returning.
“The golden rule to remember when dealing with mould is the quicker you can treat it, the better. If you leave it, it will only get worse so never ignore it!
“To successfully get rid of mould every time, I recommend opting for the UK’s No 1 Mould & Mildew Remover, that effectively removes mould and mildew stains almost instantly, with no scrubbing necessary.”