Thousands of people across the UK have the yearly struggle of keeping mould at bay during the winter.
Mould is a fungus which breaks down dead material, and is mostly seen in our homes, as they offer the perfect conditions for it to grow.
Ideal conditions for mould include a warm atmosphere, moisture and food in the form of paper, wood, carpet, dust and dirt, WalesOnline reports.
READ MORE: Liverpool landmark lit up in support of Ukraine amid Russian invasion
Unless it’s dealt with and removed, it will continue to grow. But dead spores are just as harmful as live ones, so you should be careful when getting rid of it.
A badly ventilated home can encourage harmful mould spores to muster up in dark, damp corners and leave both you and your property at risk.
Striking a balance between a well heated and ventilated home is the key to stopping mould in its tracks, but there are many every day tasks that could be making matters worse.
With an estimated one in 18 households falling victim to some form of mould, it’s important to get clued up on how to prevent it.
Here are ten tips for getting a grip on mould.
- Opening windows whenever you can - especially after baths, showers, when cooking and drying clothes, to let the excess moisture escape
- Keeping pan lids on when cooking to retain condensation
- Drying clothes outside wherever possible
- Using extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms
- Utilise trickle vents on your windows
- Setting radiators to valve one to allow a little heat in unused rooms - cold rooms encourage damp
- Clean mould from tile grout with white vinegar or bleach spray to remove staining
- Treat mould-prone areas with mould-resistant paint once removed
- Use your heating regularly to warm your home
- Keep gaps between furniture and wall
What causes mould?
All houses can experience condensation and dampness which are two of the most common causes of household mould.
Mould is often caused by too much condensation which happens when moist air comes into contact with a cold surface like a wall or window, making it a prime location for green and black spores to thrive.
Old buildings and poor quality housing can make matters even worse when it comes to dealing with mould, leaving thousands of Brits out of pocket and at risk of poor health.
Double glazing, efficient central heating and a well laid out home can all help to keep mould away, but there are plenty of low-cost measures you can take that will also help in the meantime.
There are plenty of things you should do to help prevent mould in your home, but don’t forget the things you shouldn’t do if you’re struggling to tackle green and black mould.
Is mould dangerous?
As humid air builds, mould can form on any surface, be it wooden furniture, tiles, or even painted concrete walls.
Mould can be dangerous, especially for the elderly, infants and those living with respiratory conditions, so it’s important to tackle the problem as quickly as possible if you notice a build-up of pungent spores in your home.
When cleaning mould, always wear protective gloves and eye protection as well as a mask if you struggle with breathing.
White vinegar and bleach-based products work well to remove household mould for a short term fix, though white vinegar works best to tackle the musty scent of mould.
Receive newsletters with the latest news, sport and what's on updates from the Liverpool ECHO by signing up here
