KEEP your home mould-free with a £2.99 hack.
Condensation on its own can be harmless but left untreated can lead to the growth of mould which can lead to asthma attacks, skin rashes, fever and in severe cases can cause serious illness or death.
Condensation can also cause thousands in damage to your home, it can warp your fixtures and fittings, destroy your window seals and even cause structural damage.
Whilst condensation is normal, it’s often first to appear in bedrooms.
Bedroom expert Adeel ul-Haq from Bunk Beds explains why this happens and how you can keep mould out of all of the rooms in your home.
Adeel said: “As the temperature drops in the colder months it creates a perfect environment for condensation.
“As we sleep we create humidity through breathing and sweating, this warm air then circulates until it comes into contact with a cooler surface such as a window, this allows condensation to form.
“The longer the condensation is present the greater the chance that mould can form.
“Mould spores are all around us but can grow quickly when they find a damp surface.
“Mould can start to grow within 24 hours of finding a damp surface, so you must remove the condensation as soon as possible.”
You can’t completely prevent moisture from forming in your home, but it’s important to remove it as soon as you notice it.
While that’s not always practical, the following hack can help speed up the process.
The expert added: “Window vacuums are excellent for removing moisture from your surfaces which prevents the build-up of mould.
“However, they can be expensive and during this time when we are all trying to keep costs down it may not be an affordable option.
“If you can’t afford a window vacuum the good news is that you can achieve the same results with a £2.99 squeegee and an old towel.
“All you need to do is wipe down the window with your squeegee getting all of the moisture into one place, you can then wipe it up with the towel.
“Using a window squeegee instead of just a towel will save you time removing moisture, especially during the colder months when you’ll need to do this every day in multiple rooms,” Adeel said.
Other tips for keeping mould at bay on a budget
While you can’t eliminate moisture you can take steps to minimise it in your home.
“If you can keep the air flowing in your home you can minimise the chance of mould growing, you can do this by moving your furniture away from your walls, along with making sure no vents are obstructed,” the expert added.
“With the weather also being terrible, many of us won’t be using the washing line to dry our clothes.
“A big mistake that people make is putting their wet clothes on the radiator, by doing this you are releasing a lot of moisture into the air which will turn into condensation when it touches a cold surface.
“Avoid doing this if you don’t want mould to grow in your home,” Adeel warned.
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.
