The exact temperature your home needs to be to prevent mold and the 35p item you need

MOLD in the home is very common, especially this time of year.

And it can cause serious problems if ignored or left unnoticed.

2

2

Paul Kershaw, founder of Tradefix Directa leading supplier of building materials, says the best way to deal with mold is to prevent it from happening in the first place.

But if it does occur in your home, you need to know how to recognize it and remove it as quickly as possible.

Here, Paul reveals his top tips on preventing mold and how to get rid of it if necessary.

He said: “Mold in the home poses serious health risks and can significantly affect your living environment.

“The unsightly appearance and unpleasant odor can also negatively impact your well-being.

“Early detection of mold growth is crucial for preventing potential health problems and property damage.

“Prompt treatment can effectively eliminate mold without compromising your interior design. This not only protects your health, but also preserves the aesthetic appeal of your home.”

Mold occurs when moisture builds up in areas without adequate ventilation.

Water ingress from bathrooms, showers or faulty windows can cause damp, creating the perfect environment for mold to thrive.

Warmer temperatures and higher humidity can also accelerate mold growth, especially on walls that abut exterior walls.

Paul says, “Good ventilation is the cornerstone of mold prevention.

“Even in winter, it is crucial to air your home regularly. Ensure that fans and ventilation systems function optimally and close windows and doors to prevent moisture from entering.

“Inspect pipes for leaks and the roof for possible water damage.”

And the settings you keep your thermostat at can make a big difference.

“Maintaining a constant indoor temperature above 15 degrees Celsius can help prevent mold growth,” adds Paul.

Mold can be easy to miss in the early stages, often manifesting as small, discolored spots on the walls.

But as it progresses, these spots get bigger and merge into larger, more noticeable spots.

Mold can also come in different colors, including green, black, or white, and may initially look like spots, while larger mold spots have a vague texture.

Paul says: “Trying to remove mold with water can worsen the problem, causing it to spread and further stain the wall.

“But there are several effective ways to tackle mold growth in your home.

“Start by testing a small, inconspicuous area of ​​your wall with warm, soapy water to make sure it is washable.

“Vinegar is a natural remedy that can be applied to mild fungal infections. Simply wipe the affected area with vinegar and rinse thoroughly with hot water. Avoid excessive scrubbing to prevent damage to the walls.”

Scotland’s ‘mouldiest town’ revealed

SOME areas in Britain are more affected by mold than others, according to experts.

This could be due to several factors, such as some areas having worse weather than others, construction issues or even maintenance issues.

And homes with poor air flow can retain more moisture than others, which could also worsen the problem.

This also applies to houses with leaking roofs, cracks in the walls or outdated plumbing.

Property experts Gaffsy has now shed light on the top cities in Britain most affected by mold.

And they’ve also revealed which city in Scotland came out on top for having the most mold.

Edinburgh emerged as the city in Scotland with the most mould, with an average of 250 monthly searches for ‘how to get rid of mould’ and ‘mould removal’ combined.

However, another major Scottish city followed closely behind with an average of 230 monthly searches.

Glasgow residents were found to be suffering from the mold and were the second worst city in the country.

With white distilled vinegar costing just 35p at Tesco, it’s a handy product to have – and is probably already lurking in your kitchen cupboard.

“For more serious mold problems, consider using commercial mold and mildew cleaners available at hardware stores,” Paul continues.

“These products are designed to remove mold from walls, windows and bathroom surfaces.

“Tackling mold growth quickly can help prevent its spread. In addition to cleaning, improve ventilation in the affected areas to reduce the risk of future mold problems.

“If you have moved into a home where mold is already present, redecorating can help address the problem. Stripping the walls and treating the mold will be helpful in the long run.”