My walls had hairy mold growing on them – a £4 purchase on Amazon got rid of it straight away
Now that cold weather is officially here, many of us are wondering the same thing: how to keep mold at bay.
According to the data of Homebritethe problem is huge in Britain; their research shows that as many as 58% of private rental households across the country struggle with mould, condensation and damp.
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But it’s not just black mold spores that can cause an unsightly mess, regular mold, as well as moisture, can also have a negative impact on your health.
The NHS warned that the particularly vulnerable include people with breathing problems, chest infections, allergies or asthma, as well as newborns, young children and the elderly.
Exposure to and inhalation of the mold spores can cause a range of problems, such as sneezing, a runny nose, red eyes and rashes.
In some cases, mold can also trigger asthma attacks.
With winter in full swing, thousands of Brits have taken to social media to seek tips and advice on how to tackle this common problem, including Mrs Hinch fan Samantha Repetto.
The Facebook user shared a grim image of the hairy mold that had grown on her walls, writing: ‘Anyone have any tips for keeping mold and wall dampness at bay?
”I have a humidifier in the room (it’s almost full after 3 weeks) but I’m really struggling with our living room.
”It wipes away fine, but this is after 5 days (behind our sofa, under the window, so the coldest wall).
”It’s more about the speed at which it comes back and the amount.” I get mold somewhere else, but it doesn’t come back half as fast as it does on this wall!”
Luckily for Samantha – anyone looking for wallet-friendly ways to banish the unwanted guest – the mail was quickly flooded with tons of responses.
Dozens of savvy fans of the cleanfluencer flooded into comments to share their top remedies, ranging from using a special mold paint to simpler suggestions like ensuring proper ventilation.
However, there was also a less popular anti-mold remedy – and no, it’s not running to the kitchen for some white vinegar or bleach.
A few social media users advised Samantha to try tea tree oil, which you can buy for just £4 from Amazon and other high street retailers.
”Someone recently wrote that tea tree oil is the best! I hope this helps you.”
What is mold and how do you get rid of it?
Mold is likely to grow during the winter months.
Olivia Young, product development scientist at Amaze revealed exactly why this is.
“Unfortunately, mold is a common problem that many people face in the winter. Mold thrives in warm and moist conditions, so your bathroom is probably the most affected area.
“That said, most rooms in your home can be vulnerable to mold growth during the colder months.
“This is mainly due to condensation that builds up on your windows when you have radiators on.
“If you think about it, if the windows and doors are closed, there isn’t much chance for the air to circulate and for the moisture to come out quickly.
“This buildup is the cause of the dreaded mold, especially in bathrooms, as it creates a warm and wet environment that is a breeding ground for mold.
“If left untreated, it is not only unsightly, but can also pose a serious risk to your health, so it is very important that you treat it.
“The key to tackling mold is to act quickly.
“Try to come into contact with it as little as possible. So grab your gloves, tie your hair and get to work removing any signs of mold as soon as you notice them.
“To keep mold at bay, there are some simple solutions you can apply throughout your home.
“The first is to keep the bathroom ventilated. Yes, even in the cold winter months, try leaving your bathroom window open for at least 10 to 15 minutes after showering or bathing. This will quickly remove excess moisture and prevent mold from forming.
“If you have repeated problems with mold in a particular room, it may be that the humidity is too high. You can purchase a dehumidifier which will keep levels down and reduce the risk of mold returning.
“The golden rule to remember when dealing with mold is: the sooner you can treat it, the better. Leaving it alone will only make it worse, so never ignore it!
“To successfully get rid of mold every time, I recommend opting for the UK’s number 1 mold and mildew removerthat effectively removes mold and mildew stains almost immediately, without scrubbing.”
Another agreed and raved about the affordable solution: ”We recently wiped the walls with tea oil in warm water to prevent mold and were completely surprised.
”It is antibacterial and antifungal, so it prevents its development. And only €2 for a bottle of home bargains. I hope this helps.”
According to the experts at Green Tulipis tea tree oil one of the most effective ways to tackle mold spores; it is not only affordable, but also a completely natural remedy.
”Tea tree oil is a natural antifungal and antibacterial agent. It can be used to kill mold and it also helps prevent the mold from coming back.
”To use tea tree oil to kill mold, mix 15 drops of tea tree oil with 2 cups of water. Spray the affected area with the solution and let it sit for 60 minutes.
”Then scrub with a brush or soft cloth, depending on the surface, and wipe clean,” they advised.
