A NIFTY trick can help tackle mould and condensation inside your home.
If mould builds up, it could cause an issue with your health so it’s important to keep an eye on it.
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If left untreated, mould can pose a risk to vulnerable Brits with existing health problems like eczema or asthma.
But don’t worry – stopping the growth of mould can be as easy as keeping your windows open.
This is what’s known as the “stoffluften” trick which originates from Germany.
The term literally translates to “shock ventilation” and sees Germans often crack open windows to let stale air out and fresh, but cold, air in, even in the dead of winter.
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Matan Korin, the vice president of sales at Ecoline Windows, previously told The Sun: “[Stoffluften] sees several windows being opened in a house for no more than three minutes.
“This will create a draft, swapping most of the warm humid air inside the house with cold air from outside.
“As the fresh air’s temperature rises, it takes up the extra humidity in the house.”
While opening windows in the cold months may be the last thing you want to do, you don’t have to do it often.
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Some experts say that you should do it twice a day – in the morning and before you go to bed.
Others have recommended the best time to open up all the windows and use the method is after performing a task like showering or cooking where humidity levels are at their highest.
Some Brits and Germans alike have been using the method for decades and have shared how it helps combat nasty mould and condensation build up.
Taking to social media, one said: “My mother was German, she did this every day, however cold as I do too, really helps with condensation and airflow.”
Another wrote: “I always open all my windows every morning for half an hour too busy doing stuff to get cold and it’s good ventilation.
“We probably got the idea from the Germans.”
A third commented: “I lived in Germany for three years and did this, I always used to put the steppdecken (feather duvet) folded in the open window.”
A fourth posted: “I saw this the other day and I gave it a go.
“It actually works really well.”
While a fifth said: “Luften is a very big deal in Germany! Everybody does it several times a day, even in freezing cold weather.
“There are lots of videos on YouTube ‘taking the mick/tongue in cheek’ about this German tradition, but I personally think it’s a very good thing to do.
“The Germans also love their fresh air in general.”
Several homeowners queried what the method means for energy bills.
Leaving windows open made some fear that it would be a waste of money, while the heating is on during winter.
One wrote: “Must be nice to be able to afford to do it.”
But those who have tried the method, or have been using it for years say it shouldn’t be a concern.
One replied: “You don’t have the window open continuously, you do it for like five to 10 minutes.
“It brings clearer air in too, much less stuffy. Opening the window for a bit isn’t going to impact your heating costs massively but could improve lots of things.”
Another said: “This is actually one of the cheapest ways of ventilating a home and getting rid of damp stale and polluted air as indoor air in modern homes can easily be much more polluted than outdoors.”
And a third wrote: “I lived in Germany for 15 years. Every morning windows open and duvet thrown over it.
“Never cost me any more in heating.”
One also said that she started using the trick after visiting her sister in Germany.
She explained that not only does the trick help with air quality but it also helps with dampness.
She said: “I had the windows open yesterday morning for five minutes and that’s all you need really.
“And the heating cost won’t go up contrary to common belief.”
More ways to avoid condensation and mould
Opening your windows isn’t the only way to prevent mould build-up, there are several others too.
Firstly, make sure your extractor fans are working.
These are the fans you find in kitchens and bathrooms, and they help remove excess steam from the air and therefore prevent a build-up of condensation.
Old extractor fans can do a poor job, meaning that you have to open your windows for an extended period to get rid of steam and condensation.
Newer extraction fans can actually do such a good job that you will be able to keep window opening to a minimum, which is great when it comes to saving energy and keeping your home warm.
We also included the best way to clean your extractor fan in our guide.
You may also want to consider getting a dehumidifier.
Although dehumidifiers themselves use energy to work, they are a great help in removing vast amounts of condensation in a relatively short period.
Most good dehumidifiers are automatic, meaning that they will turn on and off when desired humidity levels are reached.
But always keep in mind that their efficiency depends on the model and the size of your home.
And do be aware of running costs.
How can I remove mould if it’s already there?
Bleach is usually 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 of 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 the visible mould to kill any mould not yet visible.
Scrub it firmly with a strong brush.
Wait as long as possible or until the mould 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 it.
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Meanwhile, a woman has shared her nifty trick for keeping condensation at bay as the temperature drops outside.
Plus, we reveal the mould mistake you must avoid or it could cost you £1,000 – and more tips for how to tackle it instead.
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