‘Will make things worse’: The ‘best’ way to cope with a mould-infested property

Deborah Lendrum shows off ‘extensive’ mould inside her caravan

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Mould is an unsightly occurrence when it begins to develop in a home, but this potentially dangerous growth can also begin to form in places homeowners may not realise. Not only can mould growth be unsightly, but if the fungus is allowed to build up it can lead to serious health conditions and lead to homeowners spending thousands on property repairs. One property expert has shared a wide range of tips on how homeowners can battle a mould problem in their home.

Jonathan Rolande, from the National Association Of Property Buyers and director of House Buy Fast explained how the cost of living crisis is affecting the number of people having to live in mould-infested properties.

He said: “There’s no doubt the cost of living crisis is impacting this and it will make things worse. 

“The best way to deal with any mould infestation is to keep homes ventilated which means, where possible, opening windows and letting air in.

“But right now with families understandably trying to save every bit of heat in their homes they are unlikely to do this. 

Fortunately, Jonathan has shared a number of ways in which homeowners can combat mould.

Keep the home warm

Easier said than done, but keeping the home warm is an important part of the equation. 

This can help to reduce condensation.

Condensation and mould often form in rooms that are unused or under heated

Condensation seeks out the coldest surfaces in the home so keeping it warm will help to reduce condensation and mould.

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Keep bathroom and kitchen doors open

To stop moisture from spreading, keep the internal bathroom and kitchen doors shut during the day.

Also keep these rooms well ventilated especially during and after bathing and cooking.

This can be done through using extractor fans in bathrooms and kitchens where they are fitted.

Allowing air to circulate around the home will help reduce condensation and mould.

Opt for a vented tumble dryer

Homeowners should opt for a vented tumble dryer to avoid mould growth in the home.

Luckily, modern ‘condensing’ tumble dryers seem to offer the convenience of an appliance that can be located anywhere in the home, and the effectiveness of a ‘vented’ dryer (that is a drier that has an exhaust vent through the wall to the outside). 

Condensing tumble dryers capture the humidity as water in a compartment that is then emptied.

Unfortunately, in reality a lot of humidity escapes condensing dryers. 

So it’s best to store a condensing drier in a room where the windows can be opened when it’s in use, or even better store it in a garage or out-building if Britons have one.

Opening windows for a short while 

Homeowners should leave their bathroom and kitchen windows open slightly for 20 minutes once they have finished cooking, showering or bathing.

This will help to keep the home ventilated.

What’s more, if windows have trickle vents fitted Britons should leave these open as this will provide a steady flow of fresh air

But it’s important to remember to shut the windows before going out.

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