If you have spotted a patch of mould in the bathroom, or if you know that your home is being overrun with mildew, the sooner you address it, the better.
Leaving it will only cause it to get worse which makes it an expensive fix and can cause health issues.
To prevent mould, get rid of it and improve your home, use these tips.
Dry Your Clothes Outside
Condensation is one of the biggest causes of mold in the home.
Mould is a fungus that develops when spores become airborne.
Warm and damp conditions are where this develops the easiest and fastest.
The main reason for this is because there isn’t much airflow at all, which is why you tend to see more mold in your kitchen and your bathroom.
Drying washing indoors is a big cause of mould, as this creates condensation, and it also stops your heating systems from working as they should.
It’s also why condensation and mould growth speed up during the winter months.
One load of washing dried inside can cause over 2 litres of moisture to be released into the air.
If you have to dry your clothes inside, open the window and make sure you remove as much moisture as you can to reduce the impact.
Open the Window
When you have a shower or a bath, or use the kettle, the humidity levels in your bathroom increase.
Without some form of ventilation, such as an extractor fan or window, increased humidity can turn into condensation and spread throughout your entire home.
A simple fix is opening the window in that room or investing in an extractor fan.
Close the door when you’re in the bathroom or the kitchen to contain the moisture to that area and allow it to be dealt with through your fan or a window.
This means that the temperature of the air is not affected and it also means that the condensation does not end up settling on the walls or the windows.
Windows are an area that you have to keep an eye on.
If you notice that mould is starting to grow around your windows, you have an issue on your hands.
The moold may appear on your windowsill and around the frame and needs to be removed quickly or it will spread to blinds, curtains and walls.
If you want to avoid this then be sure to check your windows on a regular basis.
Pets are an Issue
You need to bathe your pets and wash any bedding they may have regularly but be sure to dry your pet and their bedding quickly and thoroughly.
Pets tend to spend more time indoors during winter, and this can increase the amount of fur that you have around the home.
If your pet has accidents in the house regularly, then this can also contribute to the amount of moisture in your home.
Wet carpets are also very prone to getting mouldy so you need to deal with it quickly.
If you want to help yourself dry a carpet that is wet, then consider hiring a wet carpet drying service.
Detox Your Home
Your home’s indoor environment can be significantly worse than outdoors.
Chemicals from your household cleaners, as well as hairsprays and air fresheners, often leave particles in the air and significantly influence air quality.
Open as many windows as possible to clear the air in your home regularly, not just when showering or cooking.
Declutter your home and stop shoving so many things into cupboards or storage areas.
Areas overloaded with stuff are ideal homes for mould as the air cannot circulate.
Pull furniture away from walls, clean behind them, sort your cupboards and detox your home.
Plants and Dehumidifiers
Dehumidifiers can be a great way to dehumidify problem areas and you can move it around to anywhere you need it.
Certain plants can also improve the air quality in your home, absorb moisture and make the home feel nicer.
Investing in both of these can help keep your home cleaner and free of mould.
Clove Oil
Put some drops of clove oil into a spray bottle with water and spray the mould.
Leave it for a while and wipe over it. Or spray some into a cloth and clean the mould.
Clove oil kills mould spores preventing it from returning.
Once you’ve killed it, you can then clean it thoroughly.
Doing this is much more effective than simply bleaching it every week plus is smells better.
Get Professional Help
If you have a serious issue then remember, it’s always a good idea for you to call in the professionals.
They will take care of your mould issues and give you advice for keeping your home mould free.
Unfortunately, if you leave it too long this might mean instead of simply being able to clean it, walls, carpets, curtains or flooring may need to be replaced which can be expensive.
Do what you can to prevent mould and if you can’t prevent it, clear it quickly.
