AS colder days approach and energy bills soar, many Brits are grappling with mould and dampness while trying to save on heating.
Fortunately, you don’t need to spend a fortune tackling the issue – a savvy homeowner has shared a budget-friendly hack to banish mould in no time.
Condensation forms when warm, moist air meets a cold surface, causing water vapour to condense into liquid.
This moisture can lead to mould growth on walls and ceilings, which not only poses health risks such as asthma and skin irritation but can also damage your home and furniture.
To address mould effectively, it’s crucial to identify and fix the root cause.
Kiraa, known as ‘@cleanwith_kiraa’ on TikTok, revealed her top tip for dealing with stubborn mould around window seals. In her viral video, she explains:
“I noticed a lot of mould growing around my window seals, so I wanted to show you my favourite way to get rid of it.
“I started by removing all the moisture on my window, then sprayed the mouldy areas with Astonish Mould and Mildew Remover – my absolute favourite.”
Astonish Mould and Mildew Remover is currently on sale at Dunelm for £2.
Kiraa continues: “Next, I place cotton pads over the sprayed areas.
“This keeps the product moist and helps it work more effectively.
“I leave it for about an hour before removing the pads and wiping down the surface.”
Demonstrating how quickly it disappears, Kiraa shows how the mould completely disappeared.
She adds: “It was a bit tricky to reach the higher spots because I’m short, but the results are amazing.”
A pack of 100 cotton pads currently costs £1.50 from Boots.
Kiraa’s video gained a lot of attention with many rushing to the comments section to share their thoughts.
Mould is more likely to grow during the winter months.
Olivia Young, Product Development Scientist at Astonish 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 UK’s No 1 Mould & Mildew Remover, that effectively removes mould and mildew stains almost instantly, with no scrubbing necessary.”
Advising on mould issues, one also said: “HG mould spray is a god send.
“Found myself de-moulding weekly with a Dettol de-moulder because I have wooden windows.
“I used HG about a month ago and it’s not come back since.”
A second added: “How refreshing to see real issues that we actually all have and never shown in these ‘perfect’ houses… well done.”
Another suggested: “Put white vinegar on it after. Stops it coming back!”
And someone else said: “You can also use some bleach, mixed into warm water and a cloth. It wipes straight off and doesn’t come back!”
We previously also revealed some other advice from a Reddit user who asked for the best ways to get rid of mould and prevent its return.
One helpful response suggested: “Make sure furniture isn’t blocking airflow along your outside walls.
“If you have cabinets, chairs, or sofas against the wall, check behind them regularly for 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.
Another shared their success: “I moved furniture away from external walls, treated the area with mould spray, and painted over it.
“The mould never came back.”
