Cleaning professional reveals ‘burping’ in home can stop condensation and mould

It’s getting colder and the thermostats are going up.

And that brings with it a dramatic increase in the amount of condensation in our homes, and therefore also in mould.

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But there’s a new technique that cleaning experts swear by to keep this at bay: “burping” in the home.

And burping is easier than it may sound, because all you have to do is open the windows for a few moments, usually for about 10 minutes at a time.

“The idea of ​​having a farm in the house comes from a certain tradition in Germany,” says Helen O’Connor, product manager at 247 Blinds, explains.

“‘Stoßlüften’, which means ‘shock ventilation’ in Dutch, is the act of opening windows for short periods, even during the cold winter months, to allow fresh air to circulate in the home and prevent mold.”

An added benefit is that opening the windows for a while can improve your mood and reduce your stress levels.

Condensation and mould are most common in bathrooms. A single glazed window or a window with a draught can only make the problem worse. This also affects your curtains and blinds.

“Bathrooms are most susceptible to mold growth due to the high humidity levels of steamy showers and baths – an environment where mold spores thrive,” adds Helen.

In addition, bathrooms are often poorly ventilated, which allows moisture to escape. Especially in winter, it is not always possible to open the windows wide.

“This can lead to mold on the walls and even on your blinds.”

An effective solution is to install mold resistant roller blinds. These are specially coated to prevent mold and other common bacteria.

Or try a faux wood blind, which is “water-resistant, warp-resistant and crack-resistant – meaning they won’t get damaged if you clean them regularly.”

And if you’re hanging blinds, make sure there’s more space between the window and the blind fabric so moisture can’t get between the two surfaces.

There are more clever tips and tricks that can help reduce mold in the bathroom. One of them may surprise you.

Common Bathroom Habits That Contribute to Mold Growth

Plumbworld, a leading expert in bathroom and kitchen products, has shared the everyday habits that increase the likelihood of mould growing in homes.

Leaving wet towels and bath mats on the floor

Wet towels and bath mats on the floor after showering or bathing can increase humidity, creating an ideal breeding ground for mold spores.

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

Do not turn on the fan

An extractor fan is essential to reduce humidity in the bathroom.

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

An extractor fan ensures that moist air is moved outside, which significantly reduces the chance of mold growth.

Experts advise turning on 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 humidity in the bathroom, creating an environment where mold can thrive.

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

Repair leaks as soon as possible to prevent mold and possible structural damage.

Keep shower curtains or doors closed

If you keep the shower closed after use, moisture will remain in the shower. This will slow the drying process and create a damp environment that promotes mold growth.

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

To prevent this, you can leave the shower door or shower curtain open after use to improve air circulation and dry the room faster.

Storing too many products

Shower caddys and nooks full of bottles and accessories may seem harmless, but they can obstruct airflow, trap moisture and create hidden, damp niches where mold can grow unnoticed.

Keep as few shampoo and shower gel bottles in the refrigerator as possible and clean and dry the areas underneath regularly to prevent mold growth.

According to Lisa Naegele, owner of cleaning company Mainland Housekeeping, we should leave the toilet seat UP to promote airflow.

“To remove and protect your bathroom from mold, I recommend cleaning your bathroom at least once a week. Wipe down and dry wet surfaces like faucets, tubs, sinks, and shower curtains, and scrub away any mold with bleach,” says Lisa.

“This, combined with good air circulation, prevents mold formation – for bathrooms that are not used often (garage bathrooms, etc.)

“I also recommend leaving the toilet seat up to promote airflow.”

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