MOULD is not just unsightly – it can cause serious health problems.
But cleaning experts have shared their tricks to eradicate it from your home – and it could cost you as little as 55p.
Mould shows itself on areas such as walls, ceilings windows sills and fabrics as small black dots.
Untreated it can spread, ruining the appearance of your home and causing serious health difficulties, particularly with breathing.
But, dealing with mould need not break the bank.
If you catch mould quickly it can be cleaned and, when you’ve removed it, you can take action to prevent it from returning, such as by increasing ventilation in a room.
Sara San Angelo, aka the Cleaning Lady, has been a professional house cleaner for 20 years.
She said: “If you have a little mould or mildew growth, such as in the shower or tub, you can use things you may have in your cabinet already.
“Bleach is the most common thing used on mould and mildew. Dilute one cup of bleach in one gallon of water.
“Putting it in a spray bottle is most effective. Make sure you wear gloves. Spray the area and let it sit for 15 minutes. Then scrub and rinse.”
The cleaning expert stressed the importance of making sure a room is ventilated before you use bleach and of using gloves and protective eyewear.
She also stressed that you should never mix bleach with any other cleaner as the combination could cause toxic fumes.
Most households will have bleach in their cupboard but, if not, Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda and Morrisons all sell 750ml of thick bleach from around 55p
If you are looking for a non-toxic alternative to bleach the Cleaning Lady suggested white vinegar, which can be used undiluted in the same way.
White vinegar is available from Sainsbury’s for £1.85, from Tesco for £2, Asda for £1.60 and Morrisons for £1.
The expert said that if you have extensive mould, mould that returns after cleaning or mould in your heating, ventilation and air conditioning system you should call in professional help to eradicate it.
Mould flourishes where there is condensation, which occurs when warm air hits a cooler surface and creates moisture.
Nicholas Donnithorne, UK technical services manager at property preservation specialists Peter Cox, explained that mould spores are present in the air year round and spread when dampness is present for six hours.
In the home this dampness is normally caused by condensation, which occurs while showering, drying clothes or cooking.
Mould can grow anywhere in a property and can be identified as black speckled marks or grey growths on window sills, woodwork, painted walls, ceilings, wallpaper or fabric.
Mould is not just unsightly, it can have serious health consequences.
In 2020 youngster Awaab Ishak tragically passed away after living in a one-bedroom housing association flat in Rochdale, Greater Manchester, that was riddled with mould.
If you find mould it’s vital to act quickly.
Government guidance read: “Damp and mould primarily affect the airways and lungs, but they can also affect the eyes and skin. The respiratory effects of damp and mould can cause serious illness and, in the most severe cases, death.”
As well as the dangers to health mould can damage your home.
Mr Donnithorne said: “Damp problems can lead to side-effects such as unpleasant odours, dark stains on walls and surface
damage to paintwork.”
Combatting mould is relatively simple, particularly if you’re able to increase ventilation in affected areas.
Mr Donnithorne said: “Fortunately, issues with condensation can be addressed.
“More often than not, just making sure that there’s adequate ventilation in your property will solve the problem.”
He advised:
If mould becomes a reoccurring problem you may need expert help.
Mr Donnithorne stressed the importance of finding the root cause of the problem to prevent it from reoccurring.
He said that treatment with biocidal products, which contain active
agents designed to eradicate or inhibit the growth of unwanted organisms, may also be needed.
The expert added that for persistent mould problems there are several specialist treatments available, such as the installation of positive pressure and heat recovery ventilation systems.
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.
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