The dust fluffing trick to tackle condensation and mold – the best time to apply it
A NIFTY trick can help combat mold and condensation in your home.
If mold builds up, it can cause a problem with your health. So it is important to keep an eye on this.
If left untreated, mold can pose a risk to vulnerable Britons with existing health problems such as eczema or asthma.
But don't worry: stopping mold growth can be as simple as keeping your windows open.
This is the so-called “stoffluften” trick, which originated in Germany.
The term literally means 'shock ventilation' and sees Germans often breaking windows to let stale air out and fresh, but cold air in, even in the depths of winter.
Matan Korin, the vice president of sales at Ecoline Windows, previously told The Sun: “[Stoffluften] sees how several windows in a house are opened for no longer than three minutes.
“This creates a draft, where most of the warm, moist air in your home is replaced by cold air from outside.
“As the temperature of the fresh air rises, it absorbs the extra humidity in the home.”
While opening windows may be the last thing you want to do during the cold months, you don't need to do it often.
Some experts say you should do it twice a day: in the morning and before you go to bed.
Others have recommended that the best time to open all windows and use this method is after performing a task such as showering or cooking, where humidity is highest.
Some Brits and Germans have been using the method for decades and have shared how it helps combat annoying mold and condensation.
On social media, someone said: “My mother was German, she did this every day, no matter how cold it is, it really helps with condensation and air flow.”
Another wrote: “I always open my windows every morning if I'm too busy doing things for half an hour to get cold and it ventilates well.
“We probably got the idea from the Germans.”
A third commented: “I lived in Germany for three years and did this, I always put the steppdecken (feather duvet) folded in front of the open window.”
A fourth posted: “I saw this the other day and I tried it.
“It actually works very well.”
While a fifth said: “Lighting is very important in Germany! Everyone does it several times a day, even when it's freezing.
“There are a lot of videos on YouTube that are 'tongue-in-cheek' about this German tradition, but I personally think it's a very good thing to do.
“The Germans also like fresh air in general.”
Several homeowners wondered what the method means for their energy bills.
By leaving the windows open, some feared it would be a waste of money, even though the heating is on in winter.
One wrote: “It must be nice to be able to afford it.”
But those who have tried the method, or have been using it for years, say it shouldn't be a problem.
One replied: “You don't have the window open all the time, you do it for about five to ten minutes.
“It also provides cleaner air, much less stuffy. Opening the window will not have a major impact on your heating costs, but it can make a big difference.”
Another said: “This is actually one of the cheapest ways to ventilate a home and remove damp, stale and polluted air, as indoor air in modern homes can easily be much more polluted than outdoors.”
And a third wrote: “I lived in Germany for fifteen years. Every morning the windows are opened and the duvet is thrown over them.
“It has never cost me more for heating.”
One of them also said she started using the trick after visiting her sister in Germany.
She explained that the trick not only helps with air quality, but also moisture.
She said: “I had the windows open for five minutes yesterday morning and that's really all you need.
“And heating costs will not increase, contrary to popular belief.”
More ways to prevent condensation and mold
Opening your windows isn't the only way to prevent mold; there are other ways too.
First, make sure your exhaust fans are working.
These are the fans found in kitchens and bathrooms and they help remove excess steam from the air, preventing condensation from forming.
Old exhaust fans can do a poor job, requiring you to open your windows for extended periods of time to get rid of steam and condensation.
Newer exhaust fans can do such a good job that you can minimize window opening, which is great when it comes to saving energy and keeping your home warm.
We've also included the best way to clean your range hood in our guide.
You may also consider purchasing a dehumidifier.
Although dehumidifiers themselves use energy to operate, they are a great help in removing large amounts of condensation water in a relatively short time.
Most good dehumidifiers are automatic, meaning they turn on and off when the desired humidity is reached.
But always keep in mind that their efficiency depends on the model and size of your home.
And take operating costs into account.
How can I remove mold if it is already present?
Bleach is usually all you need if you don't own or want to buy specialized cleaning sprays and paints.
If you use bleach, mix four parts water with one part bleach.
You will also need a stiff brush, a bucket of water with a cloth and another cloth for drying.
Apply your solution to the affected areas, including a few inches around the visible mold to kill any mold that is not yet visible.
Scrub it vigorously with a strong brush.
Wait as long as possible or until the fungus disappears from view and rinse the treated areas thoroughly.
Pat the area dry and allow it to dry completely before moving furniture or placing objects in front of it.
Meanwhile, a woman has shared her handy trick to keep condensation at bay when temperatures outside drop.
Plus, we reveal the mold mistake you need to avoid or it could cost you £1,000 – and more tips on how to tackle it.
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