5 Ways to Stop Mold Growth in Your Home

LIVING with mold or in a moldy home can cause respiratory illness, allergies and asthma, and can sometimes be fatal.

Mold spores are found everywhere and are released into the atmosphere by the thousands.

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But black mold is a microscopic fungus that grows in damp places.

Signs of mold in your home include faint black, white, or green spots on the walls and a damp and musty smell.

A radiator expert has revealed how you can minimize the risk of mold developing in your home this autumn/winter.

1. Take care of cleaning

Although most of us tend to associate mold with black specks spread all over the wall, sometimes it can be right under your feet – quite literally.

“Carpets are extremely porous, which means that if they get wet, they are likely to retain water – creating the perfect environment for mold growth,” warned Radiator expert Nancy Emery.

To prevent buildup, the guru noted that “it is critical to invest in high-quality carpet padding with antimicrobial properties.”

Although it is on the expensive side, it will be a worthwhile investment in the long run – and don’t forget to vacuum regularly or have the carpets professionally cleaned every now and then.

2. Prevent condensation on windows

Condensation is another common problem for Brits during the colder months – and it can lead to mould.

While it can certainly be tempting to sleep with your windows closed, leaving your bedroom windows ajar is a good way to keep the humidity at bay, according to the pro.

3. Place furniture carefully

Another must-do on the list is making sure there is enough room for air to flow freely between the exterior wall and the furniture, the expert noted.

By simply moving your furniture away from external walls you can significantly reduce the amount of condensation and the risk of damp.

4. Invest in a dehumidifier

By now you’ve probably heard about dehumidifiers dozens of times – and rightly so, because these handy devices are a game-changer during the cold season.

Available from Amazon, Home Bargains and other stores, these handy gadgets work by removing water from the air.

”This means there is no air moisture to condense on surfaces around the house, hindering the growth of damp and mold around the house,” the guru explains.

5. Do not dry clothes on a radiator

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Throwing your laundry on radiators may seem like a quick fix for those without a tumble dryer, but using radiators to dry laundry causes a number of problems, including mold and damp.

”The problem with drying clothes on radiators is that it leads to higher amounts of condensation due to the lack of airflow due to your radiators being covered, which traps moisture in your rooms – and that’s when the problems start to arise ” Nancy warned.

But if you have to dry your soaking wet jeans on a radiator, make sure the windows are open so air can flow, she added.

How to get rid of mold

If you see black marks on your walls or ceilings, there are a few things you can do to address the problem.

B&Q said: “Because plasterboard walls are porous, mold can penetrate through the different layers, so even if you clean the visible layer, the mold can remain.

“As a result, you may need to replace areas of the drywall that have mold on them.”

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Mold sprays

There are a number of different mold sprays available that are specifically designed to help remove mold from surfaces. When using these products, always follow their specific instructions and wear appropriate protective equipment.

Bleach

If you don’t have a specific mold spray, you can use bleach instead.

Mix a solution of one part bleach and four parts water. Take a cloth and wipe this solution over the wall, scrubbing gently until all the mold is removed.

You can then wipe off the bleach and dry the area with a separate cloth.

But be careful when using bleach: wear protective gloves and clothing and ventilate the area.

White vinegar

Vinegar is a natural cleaner that can be used anywhere in the home, and cleaning mold is no exception.

Mix a solution of one part vinegar with one part water in a spray bottle. Apply this spray to the moldy area and let it work for an hour. You can then wipe the vinegar away with a damp cloth, which will hopefully remove the mold.

Vinegar is the perfect cleaning solution for areas where you may not want to use more harsh chemicals, such as children’s rooms and kitchens.

Common bathroom habits that increase mold

Plumbworld, a leading expert in bathroom and kitchen products, has shared the daily habits that increase the likelihood of mold growth in homes.

Leaving wet towels and bath mats on the floor

Wet towels and bath mats on the floor after a shower or bath can increase humidity, creating a perfect breeding ground for mold spores.

To prevent this, hang towels and bath mats where they can dry quickly and wash them regularly.

Do not turn on the fan

An exhaust fan is crucial for reducing moisture levels in the bathroom.

When you take a hot shower or bath, steam increases the humidity in the room, creating an ideal environment for mold to grow on walls, ceilings and other surfaces.

An exhaust fan helps by moving the moist air outside, significantly reducing the chance of mold growth.

Experts recommend running the fan while showering and for at least 20-30 minutes afterwards to reduce humidity.

Ignore small leaks

Even small leaks from the sink, toilet or shower can contribute to increased moisture levels in a bathroom, creating an environment where mold can thrive.

Over time, these leaks can cause significant water damage, encouraging mold growth in less visible areas such as interior walls or under floors.

Repair leaks immediately to prevent mold and possible structural damage.

Keep shower curtains or doors closed

Keeping the shower area closed after use traps moisture inside, slowing the drying process and creating a moist environment that promotes mold growth.

Mold can easily develop on shower curtains, doors and in tile joints if they remain wet for too long.

To prevent this, leave the shower door or curtain open after use to improve air circulation and help the area dry more quickly.

Storing too many products

Shower holders and corners filled with bottles and accessories may seem harmless, but they can restrict airflow, trap moisture and create hidden, damp niches where mold can grow unnoticed.

Keep shampoo and shower gel bottles to a minimum and clean and dry the areas underneath them regularly to prevent mold growth.