The 10 UK cities most affected by mold and how to get rid of it for GOOD
WINTER has arrived, which means it’s officially cozy season, but this won’t be so comforting if your home has been affected by mold and damp.
Mold thrives in damp conditions, and this is what typically happens to homes in Britain during the colder months.
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Experts say certain parts of Britain are more affected by mold than others.
This could be for a number of reasons, including maintenance issues, poorer weather or construction issues.
Other reasons may be related to climate and weather conditions, such as regions that receive a lot of rain or are wet for long periods of time periods can contribute to moisture in homes.
Homes with poor air flow are also more likely to retain moisture, as are older homes or buildings with problems such as leaking roofs, cracks in the walls or outdated plumbing.
Real estate experts buy from Gaffsyhave revealed the top ten UK cities most affected by mold and how to get rid of it for good.
Birmingham came in first place when it comes to mold, with an average of 710 monthly searches for ‘how to get rid of mold’ and ‘removing mold’ combined.
The second biggest red flag in Birmingham when it comes to buying a property is mold or damp, with 47 per cent of residents put off if a property shows mould.
Bristol and Manchester complete the top three, with 370 and 330 searches per month respectively.
Both cities said their biggest real estate red flag is mold or damp, with 52 percent and 50 percent avoiding making an offer on a home with this problem.
Leeds came fourth with 320 searches per month, followed by Liverpool with 260 and Edinburgh with 250 searches.
Glasgow came seventh with 230 searches, while Sheffield had 220 and Newcastle on 180.
To finish in tenth place, Coventry came in with 160 searches.
Max Royston, senior appraiser at Gaffsy says: “Older homes may be more likely to have mold problems due to the lack of mold control measures, such as proper ventilation, structural problems and inadequate insulation.
“Rental properties are more likely to have mold because each group of tenants has different living habits.
Turning on the exhaust fans and using a squeegee after showering can help reduce the risk of mold growing in your home
Max Royston
“Some may like to open windows to let the moisture out, while others may not use extractor fans in the bathroom, for example.
“With just over half (56%) of households that own a clothes dryer, simply drying wet clothes can increase humidity and cause mold problems.
“Taking simple steps such as making sure windows are opened, turning on exhaust fans and using a squeegee after showering can help reduce the risk of mold growth in your home.”
They also revealed their top four hacks to help prevent or remove mold.
Ventilate
First open the windows when using the bathroom or shower.
This ensures that the bathroom does not become too humid and stimulates mold formation.
Leaving a window open or running an extractor hood for just 10-15 minutes after a bath or shower can prevent mold from forming.
Second, use a squeegee to remove excess water from bathroom tiles and shower screens after showering or bathing.
Remove water
Using a squeegee after showering or bathing not only reduces the chance of mold growth, but also removes soap scum buildup, keeping your bathroom looking fresher for longer.
Next use a bleach solution.
Mixing one part bleach and four parts water will ensure that you can remove mold from walls or tiles.
Take a microfiber cloth with the solution and scrub gently until the mold is removed.
Beautiful
Bleach is also a disinfectant, so using bleach to remove mold can also help you continue cleaning the bathroom.
Finally, use a special mold remover. Be sure to follow the directions on the bottle and wear protective gloves.
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 what can cause the dreaded mold to appear, 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.”
