Mould is a common type of fungus that thrives indoors, particularly during winter.
The cold, damp conditions of the season, combined with reduced ventilation, create the perfect environment for condensation to form. This moisture buildup can lead to a range of unwelcome issues in your home, including mould and even mushrooms in severe cases.
Exposure to mould can cause a wide range of health issues, including allergies, asthma and in severe cases, mould can prove to be fatal.
But don’t worry - mould growth is largely preventable. With a little knowledge about how it grows and some proactive care, you can keep your home dry and fungi-free all winter long.
Mould grows when condensation builds up on a surface. According to government research (2023), over 2 million households in the UK are dealing with severe damp and mould issues.
Bathrooms, in particular, are one of the most common places for mould to grow in the home. The cause of mould in bathrooms can be due to a wide range of factors, such as leaky toilets, a lack of ventilation, plumbing issues or damp materials that have been dried.
The high moisture content in bathrooms makes them the prime environment for mould to grow, combined with being the most humid room in the house. Also, bathrooms have poor ventilation and so are prone to trapping excess moisture, which creates the perfect breeding ground for mould and mildew.
Among the types of mould, black mould is one of the most concerning and most common types of mould, as it thrives in damp conditions, such as in bathrooms. Black mould poses significant health risks such as respiratory problems, allergies and skin issues. These health concerns can put vulnerable people, such as the elderly, children, babies, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions, at greater risk. Prevention is the best approach to treating black mould. Ensure proper ventilation, thoroughly dry bathrooms, and make sure wet bathroom accessories, such as towels and mats, are fully dried before being reused to prevent prolonged damp conditions that allow mould to thrive.
The growth of mould in bathrooms is preventable, as long as you are consistent with your efforts. One way of protecting your bathroom from mould is making sure to always open your windows after showering or bathing. This method of preventing mould is effective as the excessive moisture in the air has somewhere to go, rather than building up. Opening a window also allows for fresh air to flow into the room which automatically improves ventilation.
If possible, keep windows open whilst using the shower or bath, but if not leave your bathroom window open for at least 15 minutes after.
For those with dehumidifiers, put them on after using the bathroom for at least 30 minutes and couple it with leaving the bathroom door open until the steam clears.
Another highly effective solution is installing an extractor fan, which can be fitted by a qualified electrician. Extractor fans help to remove moisture and prevent mould growth, particularly in bathrooms where ventilation is limited.
The kitchen is another common place where mould can thrive in your home. Mould can grow on various surfaces and items, including kitchen sinks, dishwashers, washing machines, and food. However, kitchen cupboards are particularly prone to mould growth, often because of trapped moisture. This moisture can build up from the steam caused by cooking, cleaning, or even boiling a kettle, especially in kitchens with poor ventilation.
Preventing mould in kitchens is about keeping your kitchen items dry and having any leaks fixed by professionals like plumbers. As soon as you identify a leak, contact a plumbing expert. The Able Group plumbers will be able to deal with any leakages and will resolve any plumbing issues within the same day.
We recommend that you install and use dehumidifiers in your kitchen on a regular basis to keep humidity levels low. Also, if you have an extractor fan make sure to switch it on whilst you are cooking or cleaning which will get rid of any steam. Another option is to open windows whilst you are using the kitchen, especially when cooking (boiling) on the hob to prepare meals.
However, preventing mould in kitchens is mainly about having a regular cleaning and kitchen maintenance routine. Regular cleaning allows you to get rid of any crumbs, spillages, and dust, which mould can thrive off. Plus, regular cleaning can enable you to spot the early signs of mould growth.
This allows you to address mould problems before they form.
Depending on the severity of the mould spread, you might be able to remove it yourself. For a small area of mould, start by wearing protective gear and treating the affected area with a cleaning solution made up of white vinegar, baking soda, or a mixture of water and mild detergent.
For mould that is stubborn or more persistent, you may have to use a commercial mould remover.
After cleaning, make sure all surfaces are thoroughly dry to prevent the mould from returning and address any moisture issues, such as fixing leaks. For mould that covers a large area or is difficult to remove, it's best to contact a professional mould removal service, which will ensure the mould is quickly eradicated from your home.
Mould growth can affect both wooden and uPVC windows, causing damage over time.
In winter, a build-up of condensation on window sills is more common due to excess moisture having ‘nowhere’ to go, coupled with windows being kept closed to retain heat in the cold weather.
If you spot mould on your window sills, it's important to identify the cause, as mould typically grows from either a leak or excess condensation. Preventing mould growth on windows is essential, not only because it creates an unattractive appearance but also because it poses serious health risks. To address this, remove any mould promptly and regularly check your windows after rain for potential leaks to prevent future growth.
Preventing and treating mould growth on window sills is essential for maintaining a healthy home. One effective way to prevent mould is by ensuring proper ventilation to allow excess moisture to escape. This can be achieved by regularly opening windows and using dehumidifiers. You can also consider using mould-resistant paints on window sills, which can prevent the growth of mould.
Treating mould can be as simple as using a white vinegar and baking soda cleaning solution. Allow for the vinegar solution to sit for an hour before wiping the area clean with cold water and a cloth.
Then spray the affected areas once more and allow them to air-dry, ensuring the mould is completely eliminated.
For more stubborn mould problems, contact mould treatment experts, who will effectively get rid of mould.
Aside from poor ventilation, there are other factors that can lead to mould growth on window sills and throughout your home:
Guttering Issues: Blocked or leaking gutters can cause damp, as they can allow water to seep into walls and window frames. To prevent these issues, it’s important to schedule regular inspections with gutter specialists. Routine maintenance should include clearing debris buildup before it causes drainage problems, as well as checking for separations, rust, or physical damage that may require repair or replacement
Unheated Homes: Homes that remain cold and damp due to inadequate heating or homes that are not in use are at a higher risk of mould growth. Ensuring your home is consistently heated during colder months, you can minimise dampness and condensation, which in turn reduces the likelihood of mould developing.
By addressing these common causes coupled with maintaining good home care practices, you can protect your property from mould and create a healthy living environment.
Dealing with mould is an overall frustrating experience, which can lead to expensive repair and treatment jobs. But it doesn’t need to as mould is largely preventable.
Start by identifying and addressing any leaks and call a plumber if needed.
Once the source of the moisture is found, treat the existing mould using commercial mould remover sprays.
However, if you’re facing large or recurring patches of mould, we recommend calling the Able plumbing team, who will safely and effectively remove mould from your home.
With preventing mould growth proper ventilation in high-moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms is key. Consider installing extractor fans and dehumidifiers with the help of an electrician.
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