WITH the weather starting to get a little colder, households across the country will once again be fearing the return of mould.
During the colder months, a dark and damp home can certainly be a big issue, as it offers the ideal environment for it to grow.
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Drying your clothes inside and opening windows less often can all cause humidity and make a mould infestation worse.
Tell-tale signs include black, white or green patches appearing slowly on ceilings, walls or tiles, along with a musty smell, making the home uncomfortable.
Not only is mould unsightly, it can also cause a range of different health conditions, including respiratory issues and headaches.
Thankfully, there are plenty of budget-friendly steps you can take to battle mould, but first, you need to know where to look.
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We reveal four hidden mould hotspots around your home, and how to fix them for as little as 20p.
Carpets – £20
While you would probably associate mould with walls and ceilings, sometimes it can be invisible and right under your feet.
If a carpet gets wet, it will soak up and hold onto the water making the perfect environment for mould to grow.
You might even be able to smell it, but other times it’s difficult to know before it’s already taken hold.
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Experts at Only Radiators recommend investing in a high quality carpet padding, or underlay.
This can be pretty pricey though, with B&Q charging £28 for 9.76m² of mildew-resistant underlay.
Or you can pick up 5m2 of foam underlay panels for £19.25 from Screwfix.
Mattress – £2
Most of us wouldn’t expect to find mould in our bedrooms, but it could be lurking on your mattress of all places.
As our bodies swear, the moisture along with dead skin can cause mould to develop.
If you notice it forming, you will need to vacuum both sides of the mattress.
Plumbing expert, Mark Davies, from Cardiff-based M&M Plumbing, previously told The Sun that you should then clean the black patches with a damp and soapy cloth.
You should then leave it to dry, outside is deal, or somewhere well ventilated.
Moisture in your bedroom can also come from breathing and causing condensation.
You should use interior dehumidifiers to remove moisture from the air.
You can pick up a pack of four microfibre cloths from Asda for just £2 if you don’t have any already – and you’ll have a few left over too.
Shower curtains – 20p
With windows staying shut to trap warm air inside, this means your home will not be property ventilated which can lead to a build up humidity and moisture.
If you have a shower curtain in your bathroom, it can be a breeding ground for bacteria and mould.
Make sure that you stretch out your shower curtain fully after bathing to ensure that it dries out completely each time.
You can also wipe it down with a microfibre cloth.
If it still looks a little dirty, running it through the washing machine is a quick and easy way to get it clean once again.
Uswitch estimate that the cost of one washing machine cycle is around 20p, under the current energy price cap.
Just make sure to check the label on yours to find out what temperature to wash it at.
Toiletries – £2
Many of us are guilty of hoarding a whole host of products in the shower.
But you leave multiple shower essentials in the corner of your unit, they all become covered in slimy scum which can turn into mould.
A better approach is to put shampoo bottles and other bits and pieces on a rack immediately after you’ve showered.
The excess water will then dry out more quickly, meaning there’s less chance for mould to grow,
At Tesco you can buy a plastic hook-on shower caddy for £2.
What if I already have mould in my home?
Many experts say that bleach is all you need if you neither own nor want to buy specialised cleaning sprays and paints.
If using bleach, mix four parts of water with one part bleach
You’ll also need a stiff brush, a bucket of water with cloth, and another cloth for drying
Apply your solution to the affected areas (including a few inches around visible mould to kill any mould not yet visible)
Scrub it firmly with a strong brush
Wait for as long as possible or until the mould completely disappears from sight and rinse the treated areas thoroughly.
Pat dry the area and allow it to completely dry before moving any furniture or placing items in front of the area.
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Meanwhile, we spoke to a property pro to find out how to prevent mould in your home this winter.
Plus, we tried four tricks to get rid of condensation and mould and we were surprised by the results.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].
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