AS temperatures drop for autumn, people across the country are settling in for cosy nights in.
And mould can become a problem inside many UK homes when the weather cools off.
Opening your curtains every day can help keep damp and mould at bay
A recent study by Drench found that one in 10 UK homes reported having damp and mould issues to their local council last year.
In light of these findings, the bathroom retailer’s cleaning expert, Nancy Emery, has provided five simple autumn habits that can prevent mould build-up and ensure homes remain clean this cosy season.
She said: “Mould is a common issue in UK households, worsening significantly in the colder months.
“As the cold air meets the moisture created by daily activities, such as cooking and showering, it creates condensation on walls and windows.
“This damp provides a perfect breeding ground for mould, which in cold conditions can quickly spread out of control.
“However, mould is preventable if homes are structurally sound and adequately ventilated.”
Let the Light In
Moist and dark spaces are an ideal breeding ground for mould.
But if a two-second trick becomes a daily habit during the cooler months, you can ward off damp.
Nancy says ensuring your curtains are open during the day “will allow natural light to fill your home, helping to keep surfaces dry”.
She adds: “Combine this with opening all doors and windows for 10 to 15 minutes each morning to allow fresh air to cross-ventilate throughout the house.”
Wipe Down Wet Surfaces
Nancy continues: “After your morning shower, wipe down the glass and mirror to remove any lingering moisture before it has a chance to settle.”
This simple step reduces moisture by up to 75 per cent. It is, therefore, a quick step that can significantly reduce the risk of mould buildup in your bathroom.
Regular cleaning
Rooms like bathrooms, basements, and kitchens are prone to dampness due to daily humid activities, or for basements, their cold, dark conditions.
By cleaning them regularly, you’ll help keep these high-moisture areas dry.
Nancy suggests: “Pay special attention to cracks and crevices: wipe them down with a white vinegar spray, then a dry cloth.”
Turn on the heating
By keeping your home at 18C or above, you vastly reduce the risk of mould, according to Nancy.
She says this tip means “your walls and surfaces will be too warm for damp to take hold”.
If you have a heat pump, running it continuously on low can be an economical way to maintain warmth.
Keep doors shut
Whilst cooking, showering or taking a bath, ensure doors are firmly shut to keep air moisture contained and prevent it from spreading throughout the rest of the house.
“To prevent it from building up in the room itself, open a window and switch on any extractor fans”, Nancy adds.
