THE appearance of mould growing around your home is not just unattractive – it can also cause serious health problems.
So, if you spot it creeping along windowsills or up your walls, it’s important to act quickly to protect yourself and your family.
The Sun has spoken to cleaning experts who have shared how to eradicate mould from your home that won’t break the bank.
Mould typically shows itself on areas such as walls, ceilings window sills and fabrics as small black and brown dots.
If you catch it quickly it can be cleaned and, when you’ve removed it, you can take action to prevent it from returning.
Here’s what the experts advise.
Removing mould from walls and woodwork
Mould can show itself as small dots or marks creeping across walls or woodwork.
If you have black mould, you may need to call in expert help, but regular mould can be cleaned effectively without damaging paintwork.
Russell Barker, store manager at leading DIY and decorating specialist Leyland, said: “Firstly, work on reducing the humidity. A dehumidifier is often the best way to remove as much moisture as possible.
“Next, try to remove the mould using a sponge, warm water, a little washing up liquid and a splash of either white vinegar or bleach. Do not mix vinegar and bleach as this is extremely dangerous and can cause serious breathing difficulties. Use kitchen roll to pat dry.
“If that doesn’t remove all the mould, you have little choice but to move onto something more industrial. I suggest treating the surface with a mould remover.
“Follow the instructions carefully, wear appropriate safety gear and ensure tools used such as sponges and scourers are not colour fast as they tend to dissolve or leave stains once in contact with mould-busting chemicals.
“If orange or black stains remain after drying, a damp seal or a stain blocker should then be applied. Tempting as it is to skip this step, doing so could lead to ugly stains seeping through the emulsion.
“Sometimes, moisture can cause bubbles in the paint. If this has happened, use a paint scraper to remove the loose chips, sand the area, clean and use a filler to make it smooth.
“Once complete, the area can be painted with the same paint as used elsewhere in the room, but if it is a reoccurring problem, mould resistant paint is recommended.
“It will give a longer lasting effect and, in cases where the mould is caused by condensation, it will remove it entirely.”
Removing mould from bathrooms
Condensation can easily build up in bathrooms, allowing mould to spread.
Experts at Westside Bathrooms have shared their tips for preventing and removing mould.
The company’s top tips for preventing mould from your bathroom are:
- Use an extractor fan to reduce moisture and humidity.
- Increase ventilation by opening windows to allow steam to escape and air to circulate.
- Wipe down surfaces with a dry cloth to prevent moisture building up.
- Keep blinds open to let sunlight in.
Their tips for removing mould are:
- Use white vinegar to clean mould from affected areas, but avoid spilling it on taps and fixtures as it can damage finishes.
- Mix baking soda with hot water and liquid soap to form a paste, then apply to the affected areas.
Removing mould from floors and carpets
Carpets and floors are constantly trampled over and can be a hotbed for mould.
Henry Paterson, cleaning expert at Housekeep, said: “Carpets can end up harbouring bacteria and other nasties that are trampled in from elsewhere. They can also end up trapping moisture within the fibres.
“There are also mould spores in the air naturally, which can land and settle on carpets. Add moisture from spillages to the equation – which aren’t always cleared up correctly – and it’s not surprising that carpets can become a hot spot for mould growth.”
Factory Direct Flooring commissioned an experiment, which found that mould is one of the most common bacteria on floors, particularly carpets.
The experiment found that vacuuming was the most effective cleaning technique for reducing mould, cutting its presence by 71%.
If mould is visible Aaron Christensen, resident cleaning expert at Homeaglow, shared tips for cleaning it.
For hard floors (but not stone floors) he recommends mixing one part white vinegar or lemon juice with 8 parts of hot water.
For varnished floors he recommends adding a teaspoon of dishwashing liquid and a teaspoon of olive oil to the mix to help keep them shining.
For carpets he suggests sprinkling baking powder over the affected area and leaving it for at least a couple of hours before vacuuming.
Removing mould from windows
Mould will often gather on windows, particularly if you have issues with condensation.
Allan Reid, interior expert and founder of Art Windows & Doors has shared her tips for stopping mould from spoiling your view.
She advised making a solution that is one part white vinegar and one part water and applying it to the area using a sponge or spray bottle.
Then scrub the mould gently with a soft brush or sponge before wiping the area with a damp cloth.
Reid advised wearing gloves and a N95 respirator mask while cleaning.
Removing mould from clothes
Damp conditions and poor ventilation can allow mould and mildew to spread over fabrics, including clothes.
Suit Direct has shared its top tips keep your wardrobe at its best:
1. Run an extra spin cycle after washing your clothes to remove as much moisture as possible and avoid drying laundry on radiators.
2. Spritz your clothing with a water repellent spray before putting them away, to create a protective moisture-resistant layer.
3. Scented wardrobe or drawer sachets can help protect your clothes from moths. To prevent mildew hang clothing evenly spaced in a cool, dry, clean and dark wardrobe.
4. A build up of dust and debris on clothes can attract moths. This can be prevented by using a suit brush.
5. If you’re looking to future proof your home from mould issues, dehumidifiers are a worthwhile investment.
Preventing mould
After you’ve dealt with mould, it’s important to take steps to avoid it from reoccurring.
Jamie Jones, founder of the home improvement specialists, Open Space Concepts, said: “Mould thrives in damp and poorly ventilated areas in the home, and can cause significant health risks, including respiratory issues and structural damage to homes, which can be costly.
“During the winter months, many properties suffer more from mould growth due to condensation, and traditional methods of mould prevention such as dehumidifiers and regular cleaning, often don’t work as effectively in providing long-term solutions.”
His tips to eradicate mould include:
- Keep an eye on indoor plants.
Jamie said: “Excessive watering of plants or poor drainage in plant pots can lead to a build up of water in the soil, creating a damp environment and over time, fallen leaves or organic matter can decompose and further contribute to moisture build up, making the issue worse.
“People should ensure optimal drainage by using pots with drainage holes, and placing saucers beneath pots to catch any excess water. Regularly inspecting and removing plants for dead or decaying plant matter can also help control moisture levels and reduce the risk of mould growth.”
- Consider adding plastic to windows
Jamie said: “Adding a layer of plastic on windows is one of the best and most simple ways to keep energy costs down and also prevent mould.
“It is a cost-effective method that acts as insulation, minimising heat loss in colder months.
“The plastic also acts as a barrier against drafts, keeping cold air out and preventing warm air from escaping, causing rooms to feel warmer and ultimately lowering energy bills. This is especially beneficial for older or poorly insulated windows.”
- Repair leaks
Jamie said: “Even the smallest leaks can increase dampness in rooms and create the necessary conditions for mould to grow and spread if they’re left undetected and untreated.
“Regularly inspecting and maintaining plumbing, roofing and other potential sources of leaks is an important step in depriving mould of the moisture it needs to grow.”
- Monitor humidity
Jamie said: “To prevent the growth of mould, especially in rooms prone to moisture build up such as bathrooms and kitchens, humidity levels in your home should be between 40% and 60%.
“By purchasing a hygrometer you’re able to easily know how humid your room is. These are very inexpensive to buy in comparison to the cost it would cause you to repair mould damage.
“If you find that some rooms have higher moisture levels, consider using a dehumidifier or installing an exhaust fan.”
What causes mould?
Mould flourishes where there is condensation, which occurs when warm air hits a cooler surface and creates moisture.
Mould spores are present in the air year round and spread when dampness is present for six hours.
In the home this dampness is normally caused by condensation, which occurs while showering, drying clothes or cooking.
Mould can grow anywhere in a property and can be identified as black speckled marks or grey growths on window sills, woodwork, painted walls, ceilings, wallpaper or fabric.
Why should you deal with mould?
Mould is not just unsightly, it can have serious health consequences.
In 2020 youngster Awaab Ishak tragically passed away after living in a one-bedroom housing association flat in Rochdale, Greater Manchester, that was riddled with mould.
If you find mould it’s vital to act quickly.
Government guidance read: “Damp and mould primarily affect the airways and lungs, but they can also affect the eyes and skin. The respiratory effects of damp and mould can cause serious illness and, in the most severe cases, death.”
As well as the dangers to health mould can cause damage to the fabric of your home.
When to call in the experts
If mould becomes a reoccurring problem or if you have black mould you may need expert help.
You can find a specialist online and you should be able to explain your problem and they will advise you on the best course of action for your situation.
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.
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