MOULD MISSION
I’m a home expert – try these five £1 hacks to banish mould and condensation this winter
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A HOME expert has revealed five simple tricks to banish mould and condensation from your home.
Now that summer is well and truly behind us, you may notice that the cold weather has caused moisture to appear on your windows.
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Condensation occurs when warm, moist air comes into contact with a cold surface, causing the water vapour in the air to condense into liquid water.
This can then lead to mould growth on walls and ceilings, which can cause a wide variety of health problems, including asthma and rashes.
It can also cause damage to your home and furniture, so it's best to find the root cause of the issue, and fix it.
With this in mind, Allan Reid, home expert of shared five simple things you can do to banish mould from your home.
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Vinegar
White vinegar contains acetic acid, which penetrates deep into surfaces, killing mould spores and making sure they don't come back.
It is also super cheap, and can be picked up from B&M for just 79p.
To use it, simple mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle, and apply it to the affected area.
Allan said: "Let it sit for at least an hour, then scrub and wipe clean."
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Baking soda
According to Allan “baking soda is an excellent natural cleaner and deodoriser".
Simply make a paste of baking soda and water, and apply it to the mould.
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Once it's dried, scrub the area and then wipe the baking soda away.
You can pick up baking soda from Asda for just 65p.
Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil has antifungal properties, which can help remove mould.
Mix 10 drops of tea tree oil with a cup of water in a spray bottle, and then spray it on the mouldy areas.
Allan advised: "Don't rinse it; let it air dry."
Common Bathroom Habits That Increase Mould
Plumbworld, a leading expert in bathroom and kitchen products, has shared the daily habits that increase the chance of mould growing in homes.
Leaving wet towels and bathmats on floor
Wet towels and bathmats on the floors after a shower or bath can increase humidity levels which provides a perfect breeding ground for mould spores.
To prevent this, hang towels and bathmats in an area where they can dry quickly and to wash them regularly.
Not turning on the fan
An exhaust fan is critical in reducing moisture levels in the bathroom.
When taking a hot shower or bath, steam increases the room's humidity level, creating an ideal setting for mould to flourish on walls, ceilings, and other surfaces.
An exhaust fan helps by moving the moist air outside, significantly reducing the risk of mould growth.
Experts suggest running the fan during the shower and for at least 20-30 minutes afterwards to lower humidity levels.
Ignoring small leaks
Even minor leaks from the sink, toilet, or shower can contribute to increased moisture levels in a bathroom, fostering an environment where mould can thrive.
Over time, these leaks can cause significant water damage, promoting mould growth in less visible areas such as inside walls or under flooring.
Fix leaks promptly to prevent mould and potential structural damage.
Keeping shower curtains or doors closed
Keeping the shower area closed after use traps moisture inside, delaying the drying process and creating a humid environment conducive to mould growth.
Mould can easily develop on shower curtains, doors, and in tile grout if they remain wet for too long.
To avoid this, leave the shower door or curtain open after use to improve air circulation and allow the area to dry more quickly.
Storing too many products
Shower caddies and corners filled with bottles and accessories may seem harmless, but they can obstruct airflow and trap moisture and creates hidden, moist niches where mould can grow unnoticed.
Keep shampoo and shower gel bottles to a minimum, and regularly clean and dry the areas underneath them to prevent mould growing.
Lemon juice
The acid found in lemon juice helps to break down and remove mould.
Apply lemon juice to the mould and let if sit for 5-10 minutes before scrubbing it and wiping it clean.
Regular cleaning
Allan said: “Often, simple soap and water can remove mould from non-porous surfaces.
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"Use a scrub brush and soapy water to clean the affected areas thoroughly.
"Then rinse and dry.”
What is condensation?
Condensation is water droplets that form on a window when moist air comes into contact with a cold surface.
Condensation occurs when:
Air cools
Warmer air can hold more moisture than cooler air. When moist air touches a cold surface, like a window, the water vapour in the air turns into liquid water droplets.
Windows are colder than walls
Windows are often colder than insulated walls, so condensation is more likely to occur on them.
Windows are poorly insulated
Poorly insulated windows can lead to condensation, especially if they are made of aluminium, which conducts heat quickly. If left untreated, it can lead to mould and other serious problems.
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