A DAMPENER
The 10 UK cities most blighted by mould & how to get rid of it for GOOD, according to the experts
Read on for more tips on how to get rid of mould
WINTER is here which means it’s officially cosy season - but it won’t be so comforting if your house is blighted with mould and damp.
Mould thrives in humid conditions and this is what happens to UK homes typically during the colder months.
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According to experts, certain areas of the UK suffer from mould more than others.
This could be for a number of reasons including maintenance issues, worse weather or construction problems.
Other reasons could be related to climate and weather conditions, as regions that experience a lot of rain or prolonged wet periods can contribute to dampness inside homes.
Homes with poor airflow are also more likely to retain moisture, as well as older homes or buildings with issues like leaky roofs, cracks in the walls, or outdated plumbing.
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Buying property experts at , have revealed the top ten UK cities that are most blighted by mould and how to get rid of it for good.
Birmingham came up at the top city for mould, with an average of 710 monthly searches for ‘how to get rid of mould’ and ‘remove mould’ combined.
Birmingham’s second biggest red flag when it comes to buying property is mould or damp, with 47 per cent of residents being put off if a property had mould.
Bristol and Manchester complete the top three, with 370 and 330 searches per month, respectively.
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Both cities’ said that their biggest property red flag is mould or damp, with 52 per cent and 50 per cent avoiding putting an offer on a home with this issue.
Leeds came fourth with 320 searches per month, followed by Liverpool with 260, and Edinburgh with 250 searches.
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Glasgow came seventh with 230 searches, whilst Sheffield had 220, and Newcastle at 180.
To finish off in tenth position, Coventry came in with 160 searches.
Max Royston, senior valuer at says: "Properties that are older may be more likely to have issues with mould due to the lack of mould-busting measures, such as proper ventilation, structural issues and inadequate insulation.
"Rentals may be more likely to have mould because each set of tenants have different living habits.
Turning extractor fans on and using a squeegee after showers can help reduce the risk of mould growing in your home
Max Royston
"Some may like to open windows to let the moisture out, with others not using extractor fans in the bathroom, for example.
"With just over half () of households owning a tumble dryer, simply drying wet clothes can lead to increased humidity and cause mould issues.
"Taking easy steps like ensuring windows are opened, turning extractor fans on and using a squeegee after showers can help reduce the risk of mould growing in your home."
They also revealed their top four hacks to help prevent or remove mould.
Ventilate
First off, open the windows when using the bathroom or shower.
This ensures that the bathroom won’t get too humid, and encourages mould to grow.
Leaving a window open or an extractor fan on for just 10-15 minutes after a bath or shower can prevent mould from growing.
Secondly, use a squeegee to remove excess water from bathroom tiles and shower screens after showering or bathing.
Remove water
Using a squeegee after a shower or bath not only removes the chance for mould to grow, it also removes the soap scum buildup, keeping your bathroom looking fresher for longer.
Next up, use a bleach solution.
Mixing one part bleach and four parts water will ensure that you can remove mould from walls or tiles.
Take a microfibre cloth with the solution and scrub gently until the mould has been removed.
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Clean
Bleach is also a disinfectant, so by using bleach to remove mould, you can also keep on top of the bathroom cleaning.
Finally, use a dedicated mould removal cleaner. Ensure you follow directions on the bottle and wear protective gloves.
What is mould and how to get rid of it?
Mould is more likely to grow during the winter months.
Olivia Young, Product Development Scientist at revealed exactly why this is.
"Unfortunately, mould is a common problem many people face during winter. It thrives in conditions that are warm and damp, so your bathrooms are likely to be the most affected place.
"That said, during the colder months most rooms in your home could be vulnerable to mould growing.
"This occurs primarily from condensation that builds up on your windows when you’ve got your radiators on.
"If you think about it, when windows and doors are closed, there's not much chance for the air to circulate and the moisture to make a swift exit.
"This build up is what can cause dreaded mould to make an appearance, especially in bathrooms, as it creates that warm and wet environment that is a breeding ground for mould.
"If left untreated, not only is it unsightly but it can also pose a serious risk to your health, so it’s really important you treat it.
"The key to tackle mould is to act fast.
"Try to come into as little contact with it as you can. So, grab your gloves, tie up your hair and get to work to remove any signs of mould as soon as you notice them.
"To keep mould at bay, there are some simple solutions you can introduce throughout home.
"The first is keep it ventilated. Yes, even in the cold winter months try to leave your bathroom window open for at least 10/15 minutes post shower or bath. This will get rid of any excess moisture quickly preventing mould gathering.
"If you’re having a repeat problem with mould in one particular area, it might be because the humidity levels are too high. You can get a dehumidifier that will help keep the levels low and reduce the risk of mould returning.
"The golden rule to remember when dealing with mould is the quicker you can treat it, the better. If you leave it, it will only get worse so never ignore it!
"To successfully get rid of mould every time, I recommend opting for the , that effectively removes mould and mildew stains almost instantly, with no scrubbing necessary."
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