*** This is a collaborative post ***
Mould can be a big problem in anyone’s home, and not just because it’s unpleasant to look at; it can be dangerous too, and it’s especially bad for your health if you suffer from respiratory problems. It can even damage furniture and other belongings. So of course, it’s best to try to prevent mould from occurring at all. Here are some of the best ways to do it.
Keep Your Bathroom Door Shut
Mould loves damp conditions; this is how it grows and spreads. The bathroom is a prime place to spot mould because it’s the room with the most excess moisture, although the kitchen comes a close second due to the steam produced there.
With this in mind, make sure you always shower, take a bath, or generally use the hot water with the door closed. This will stop the moisture from spreading through the house, taking the mould with it, or at least laying a path for the spores to follow. The same is true when you’re cooking; keep the kitchen door closed.
Don’t Dry Clothes Indoors
This is a hard rule to follow, and it’s one that we have all probably been guilty of from time to time. However, drying your clothes indoors without the right ventilation means that the moisture coming from those clothes will leach into the walls, carpets, and ceiling. Over time, this will contribute to the mould issue and cause more problems.
Although it might cost more in electricity, investing in a tumble dryer is a good option as it will save your home from mould. When the weather is good, always hang your clothes outside if you have the space; not only will this prevent mould, but it makes your clothes smell and feel wonderful too. At the very least, if you have no option but to dry your clothes inside, make sure you open the windows.
Check Your Insulation
When it comes to mould prevention, insulation can be both a blessing and a curse. It can be a bad thing because it can become damp and hold onto moisture, meaning that mould can form anywhere in the house at any time. However, when you use the right materials, or you add materials such as Visqueen to your insulation, you can use it to protect against mould instead.
Check your insulation, if possible, to see if it feels damp. Although you might not be able to get to the insulation within the walls, you will be able to get to the insulation in the loft, and this will give you an idea of what the rest is going to be like. If need be, replace your insulation or add the damp retardant materials, and this will help to reduce your mould problem.
Clean Carpets Regularly
Your carpets might be harbouring mould right now, and you would never know. The only clue might be a slight damp odour every now and then, and, of course, when the mould itself spreads to the walls and ceilings.
If you vacuum regularly, this will help to remove the mould spores that could easily have settled in the carpet, but to make sure that you’re removing everything, a carpet cleaning service might need to be employed.
Leave a Reply