WITH winter now here in full force and temperatures plummeting, millions of households are dealing with the same issue – mould.
According to data by Homebrite, an astronomical 58% of privately rented households across England have reported damp, mould and/or excessive cold.
Not can only black spores make for an unsightly mess, the widespread fungi, as well as being exposed by dampness, can also have a negative impact on your health.
The NHS warned that those particularly vulnerable are people with respiratory problems, respiratory infections, allergies or asthma, as well as newborns, young children and the elderly.
Being exposed to and inhaling the mould spores can cause a range of issues, such as sneezing, a runny nose, red eyes and skin rash.
In some cases mould can also cause asthma attacks.
Hundreds of Brits have been taking to social media to seek advice and share their top tips to tackle mould.
Amongst them was also one Facebook user, Jayne Wiseman Leigh, who shared her woes on the popular Mrs Hinch Cleaning Tips page.
According to the woman, she had tried just about everything to deal with fungi – but with no luck.
She cried in her post: ”I have a on-going nightmare with mould!
”You name it I have tried it! Bleach,mould killer, vinegar, mould & mildew killer! Everything!
”And yes I have the windows open by day while everyone is out!”
Desperate for some advice, Jayne said: ”If anyone has any fantastic idears I’m up for trying anything now please.”
Fortunately for the woman, the post was soo inundated with dozens of replies, as fellow fans of cleanfluencer Mrs Hinch flocked to comments to offer a helping hand.
Although some suggested special sprays and others swore by snapping up a dehumidifier, there was also a lesser-known method to banish mould – using tea tree oil.
One fan of the alternative said: ”Tea tree oil, available on Amazon, is a natural fungicide and actually kills it.”
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.”
”Tea tree oil?” another suggested.
Retailing on Amazon for a little over £4, tea tree oil is one of the most effective ways to tackle mould spores – not only is it affordable but also a totally natural remedy.
”Tea tree oil is a natural antifungal and antibacterial agent. It can be used to kill mould and it also helps prevent it from coming back,” explained the pros at the Green Tulip.
”To use tea tree oil to kill mould, mix 15 drops of tea tree oil with 2 cups of water. Spray the affected area with the solution and let it sit for 60 minutes.
”Then, scrub with a brush or a soft cloth depending on the surface, and wipe clean,” they advised.
