IT’S almost mould season.
British houses are particularly susceptible to the toxic fuzz in the winter months as high levels of moisture in the air provide ideal conditions for growth, especially in areas where homes aren’t well-ventilated.
Mould can be a particular issue in your bedroom[/caption]
It’s always easier to prevent mould than treat it, so now’s the ideal time to get on top of your antifungal measures.
And according to one expert, you should pay particular attention to your bedroom.
“Having a mould outbreak can be devastating to deal with, especially in your wardrobe where clothes may be ruined beyond repair,” Nic Shacklock, from Online Bedrooms, told The Express.
“It’s a common problem to deal with in the winter months as the colder temperatures mixed with the warmth indoors can result in excess moisture in the air.”
According to Nic, there’s an ideal temperature your bedroom should be at to stop mould in its tracks.
To prevent an outbreak anywhere in the room, he recommends keeping a steady temperature between 17C and 19C.
This is because mould easily grows in colder rooms which suffer from high humidity.
In turn, this can spread through your home and wreak havoc on other rooms.
Fortunately, Nic shared four other hacks to stop spores from spawning and growing.
Firstly, he urged Brits to have vents built into their wardrobes to “help distribute the airflow and reduce humidity”
By improving circulation, you will remove any excess moisture.
This tip is particularly useful for fitted wardrobes directly placed on the back wall, as this slot can become a breeding ground for mould.
Secondly, Nic encouraged mould-conscious Brits to pop their windows open.
Letting in fresh air will not only improve air quality, but also reduce the condensation that causes mould.
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.”
Thirdly, he backed up a beloved natural hack – using white vinegar.
“A mixture of white vinegar and distilled white water can help to get rid of mould which has already started to form,” Nic shared.
“Take all of the clothes in the wardrobe, dab some of the solution onto a cloth and then lightly wipe the area in a circular motion for the best results.”
Finally, he warned that clothes should always be bone dry before you hang them up in your bedroom.
A common reason why mould builds in wardrobes and chests of drawers is due to clothes still being damp when put away.
