Six tips for preventing mould and mildew in your home this spring
Spring is often thought to provide the perfect conditions for mould and mildew to spread throughout your house
Spring, with frequent showers and warmer temperatures, is thought to bring with it the perfect conditions for mould and mildew to spread throughout your home.
The Government estimates somewhere between 962,000 to 6.5 million households across the United Kingdom struggle with mould and damp. While around 45 million buildings in the United States reportedly have unhealthy levels of mildew.
Heating expert Mike Monaghan, from Woodstove Fireplace Glass, has now explained how mould can thrive in damp environments. Mike has also detailed how to keep your home mould-free, reports the Mirror US.
He said: "As the seasons change and temperatures increase, so do moisture levels, especially in colder areas like basements, and high-humidity spaces like kitchens and bathrooms.
"Spring showers contribute to indoor dampness, creating the ideal environment for mold to thrive. Spring cleaning tasks, like deep cleaning carpets and tidying neglected areas, can disturb dormant mold spores, exacerbating their spread. This combination of factors makes spring a prime time for mold to appear."
Six tips to prevent mold and mildew at home:.
Fix leaks fast
Don't let spring showers sneak in through leaks around your windows, roofs, or pipes. Make it a habit to check these areas regularly for signs of water entry and fix any issues promptly.
Even a small leak can lead to mold growth if left unchecked.
Fight condensation
Leaving a wet environment behind is an open invitation for mould to grow. Condensation is particularly common on windows in kitchens and bathrooms during spring, so open windows to let out excess moisture, or turn on exhaust fans while cooking and showering to avoid steam lingering.
Using a dehumidifier in moisture-prone areas can help to maintain healthy humidity levels throughout your home.
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Maintain airflow
Keeping your woodstove or fireplace well-ventilated is key to avoiding moisture build-up. Check the flue and damper are working effectively in letting out wood-burning steam.
During the initial burning stage, open a window slightly; this targets moisture, preventing condensation on windows and walls.
Drying out the firebox
After using your woodstove or fireplace, leave the damper open for a short while to allow any remaining moisture to escape and dry out the firebox. This discourages mould growth within the stove itself.
Deep clean grout
Mould loves to hide in porous surfaces like grout. Keep them in check by giving your bathroom and kitchen tile grout a good scrub with a mould-killing cleaner to prevent spores from taking hold.
A little regular TLC goes a long way in keeping your home mould-free.
Water plants right
Houseplants can add a lot of life to a room, but if they're watered too much, they can become a cosy spot for mould. Ensure your plants have good drainage so they're not sitting in wet soil.
Also, be careful about where you put them: areas with poor ventilation can make things too damp.