WINTER is around the corner and the cold damp weather that comes with it forms the perfect breeding ground for mould.
The fungus plays a major role in the ecosystem of the earth – but it can be dangerous in the home and costly to remove.
Mould is usually found on animal or plant matter, building materials like wood and plasterboard, and furnishings like curtains, carpets and boxes.
The NHS says the problem with mould is that it produces allergens, irritants and, sometimes, toxic substances.
When these are inhaled or they get into the skin, it causes nasty symptoms.
At first, these toxins may not cause any harm at low levels. But if they are consistently in the air, it starts to cause side effects.
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People who live in homes with mould are more likely to have respiratory problems, infections, allergies and asthma.
But mould can also damage your home.
So the key thing to do is try and ensure that you don’t invite mould into your home.
We spoke to Nancy Emery, cleaning expert at Tap Warehouse, to find out exactly how to keep your home mould-free this winter.
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Typically mould is caused by humidity and condensation. or poor ventilation.
Rising damp is also a reason your walls and ceilings could be mouldy.
Here are Nancy's seven ways to keep mould out of your home.
1. Keep your home and bathroom ventilated
Nancy said: "Ventilation is absolutely paramount for preventing future mould growth in your bathroom and other rooms of your home as mould growth is encouraged by moist areas.
"If you have a built-in extractor fan in the bathroom, try and turn it on during your bath or shower and leave it on for at least 5-10 minutes afterwards.
"This will ensure that any excess moist air in the room is removed and help the room to dry much faster."
Nancy recommends that if you don’t have a bathroom fan installed, open a window and let all the moist air out of the room after you've finished in the bathroom.
The same rule applies in rooms where you've got clothes drying on an airer.
2. Check for leaks and blockages
Sneaky leaks in the bathroom can be contributing to mould growth without you ever noticing.
Nancy said: "Always check the caulking around bath or shower edges and behind the toilet's waste pipe.
"If you see any signs of leaking or damp then it might be a good idea to invest in sealing the gaps to prevent future mould growth.
"A good plumber will have these common problems sorted in no time at all."
It costs around £330 on average to get a leaking pipe repaired, according to Checkatrade.
Leave it any longer and you good pay hundreds more if you need an emergency call out.
3. Regular cleaning
A dirty bathroom can encourage the build-up of both bacteria and mould growth, according to Nancy.
She said: "Taking the time to give the bathroom a weekly clean can reduce the likelihood that you'll ever have a mould problem.
"Make sure that you remove as much dust as you can as this is a food source for mould and will encourage growth,
"If like me, you're a bit lazy, then spraying a little vinegar around mould-prone areas will ensure that you never have a problem."
You can buy vinegar sprays from all major supermarkets and the cheapest we've seen costs 85p at Tesco.
4. Mould Resistant Paint & Grout
Nancy also recommends looking out for mould-resistant products to use in kitchens and bathrooms.
She said: "There are plenty of preventative measures you can take when installing a new bathroom or kitchen or renovating an old one.
"Mould-resistant products, such as paint, grout and caulking, are becoming ever more popular on the market today.
"They may be a little pricier but can save you a lot of money in mould repair and removal bills."
A 1 litre can of mould-resistant white paint would set you back £19.99 at Screwfix – just £3 more than the cheapest standard white emulsion at the same shop.
5. Check your shower curtain
If you have a shower curtain installed in your shower bath or shower, it can be a breeding ground for bacteria and mould.
Nancy said: "Make sure that you stretch out your shower curtain fully after bathing to ensure that it dries out completely each time.
"If it's looking a little dirty, running it through the washing machine is a really quick and easy way to get it gleaming once again."
Just make sure to check the label on yours to find out what temperature to wash it at is best.
6. Use a squeegee
Nancy said: "Although you may not think you have enough time in the morning, using your squeegee after every shower is a really easy way to prevent mould build up on your shower screen and surrounding area."
You can pick up a squeegee for as little as £5 online.
Some retailers including Ikea also stock floor squeegees for £4.50 to help you keep your floors dry without hurting your back.
7. Use that heated towel rail
Wet towels left on the floor are a perfect place for mould to grow.
Nancy said: "Not only is this unhygienic, it will also lead to an unpleasant musty smell.
"A heated towel rail will ensure your towels dry quickly before mould has a chance to develop."
If you don't have one built into your central heating system you can buy them from a number of major high street stores including supermarkets.
For example, Asda is selling a £42 heated towel rail right now and it costs just 5p per hour to run.
How can I remove mould if it's already there?
Nancy said that bleach is all you need if you neither own nor want to buy specialised cleaning sprays and paints.
If using bleach, mix four parts of water with one part bleach
You'll also need a stiff brush, a bucket of water with cloth, and another cloth for drying
Apply your solution to the affected areas (including a few inches around visible mould to kill any mould not yet visible)
Scrub it firmly with a strong brush
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Wait for as long as possible or until the mould completely disappears from sight and rinse the treated areas thoroughly.
Pat dry the area and allow it to completely dry before moving any furniture or placing items in front of the area.
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