MOULD in your home can lead to a whole range of problems, including health issues if it’s not dealt with fast.
However, there’s a simple hack that will stop it from ever forming in the first place – and the best part is it won’t cost you a penny.
According to data from MyBuilder.com, 24% Brits have seen higher levels of mould than in previous years.
But fear not, a little-known German method could be the faff-free solution you’ve been looking for.
The technique, which translated to ‘shock ventilation’ basically means you open your windows a few times per day, but only for a short spurt of time.
This might not sound ideal in the current cold weather, but doing to several times for a few minutes can make all the difference when it comes to mould forming.
This is because mould mostly forms in damp environments, so keeping windows closed forms the perfect climate for mould to thrive, especially if you’re drying clothes or have a lot of people in each room.
Proper ventilation is the key to stopping mould in it’s tracks, which is why this German method could be the answer you’ve been looking for.
It’s the best of both worlds because you don’t have to keep your windows open for long periods of time, which might result in all the heat escaping your home, but you still get to let in enough fresh air to ventilate the space.
Of course, there are a few other simple hack to keep mould at bay too.
[authenticated-scripts src=”%3Cscript%20class%3D%22palin-poll%22%20src%3D%22https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thesun.co.uk%2Fpollingwidgets%2Fv3%2Fwidget.js%3Fquestion_id%3D106796%26game%3Dpolling%22%3E%3C%2Fscript%3E” type=”embedded” width=”100″ /]1. Get cleaning
Although most of us tend to associate mould with black dots scattered all over the walls, sometimes it can be right under your feet – quite literally.
“Carpets are extremely porous, meaning if they get wet, they’re likely to hold the water – which will create the perfect environment for mould to grow,” warned Radiator expert Nancy Emery.
[bc_video account_id=”5067014667001″ application_id=”” aspect_ratio=”16:9″ autoplay=”” caption=”The secret place you should be putting a mini dehumidifier to reduce damp & mould – it gets rid of nasty smells too” embed=”in-page” experience_id=”” height=”100%” language_detection=”” max_height=”360px” max_width=”640px” min_width=”0px” mute=”” padding_top=”56%” picture_in_picture=”” player_id=”default” playlist_id=”” playsinline=”” sizing=”responsive” video_id=”6364857776112″ video_ids=”” width=”640px”]To prevent a build-up, the guru noted that ”it’s crucial to invest in high quality carpet padding which has antimicrobial properties”.
Although it’s more on the expensive side, it will be a worthwhile investment in the long run – and don’t forget to regularly vacuum or get the carpets professionally cleaned every now and then.
2. Prevent condensation on windows
Condensation is another common issue for Brits during the colder months – and it can lead to mould.
While it can definitely be tempting to sleep with your windows closed, according to the pro keeping your bedroom windows slightly ajar is a great way to reduce the humidity.
3. Position furniture carefully
Another must-do on the list includes ensuring there is enough room for air to flow freely between the external wall and furnishings, the expert noted.
Simply by positioning your furniture away from external walls you can greatly reduce the amount of condensation and risk of dampness.
4. Invest in a dehumidifier
By now, you’ve probably heard about dehumidifiers at least dozens of times – and rightly so, as these nifty devices are a game-changer during the cold season.
Available on Amazon, Home Bargains and other stores, these handy gadgets work by removing the water from the air.
”This means that there is no air moisture to condense on surfaces around the home, impeding the growth of dampness and mould around the home,” explained the guru.
5. Don’t dry clothes on a radiator
Chucking your washing on radiators might seem a quick fix for those without a tumble dryer – but using radiators to dry laundry causes a number of issues – including mould and damp.
”The problem with drying clothes on radiators is that it leads to higher amounts of condensation due to the lack of airflow from having your radiators covered, which leaves moisture lingering in your rooms – and that’s when the issues start to arise,” Nancy warned.
But if you must dry your soaking wet jeans on a radiator, make sure the windows are open to let the air flow, she added.