How to keep mould at bay this winter

It’s that time of the year when our living habits change the most. The weather cools, it’s cold and wet outside and we prefer the warm and comfort of our homes. So why does mould take hold during the colder months?

It is largely due to ventilation and the build up of condensation inside the house. If you think about it; we have the heating on, windows closed (particularly in the bathroom), we take longer hot showers, drafts are blocked up, humidifiers going at night in the kids’ bedrooms, and more often than not, the tumble dryer working overtime or the clothes hanging out to dry inside the house. This build up of moisture in the air that has nowhere to escape ultimately leads to the growth of mould spores.

So it this is the case, then what can you do?

Here are a couple of basic tips we share with our clients that can have a huge impact on reducing the moisture in the air:

Use Exhaust Fans

After showering, leave the exhaust fan on for another 5 to 10 minutes. Don’t just turn it off as soon as you finish in the shower as there is still so much moisture in the air that needs to be ventilated outside. Or leave the window slightly ajar while you shower to allow for the steam to escape. We also like to leave the shower door open after showering to let the shower dry off a little.

Dry Clothes in a Different Way

If you are using a tumble dryer, open a window just a little in the laundry room to allow the moisture to escape. Find a sheltered spot outside, and hang your clothes there to dry rather than inside where you are just increasing the dampness in the air.

When it’s not raining, during the warmest part of the day, usually around 2 to 3pm, open a couple of windows for half an hour. This helps to increase air circulation and releases the moisture that has built up from the day/night before.

Invest in a Dehumidifier

This is especially necessary if you are in properties that face South and get very little natural light and therefore more prone to damp issues. Also in climates which are tropical by nature.

If mould does start to appear, treat straight away with a microfibre cloth and white vinegar. This is the most effective natural way to keep on top of the mould and prevent it from growing and spreading.

On the positive side, your indoor plants (particularly those tropical ones) will thrive and look amazing! 🙂