7 Ways to Tackle Mould at Home
Living in a clean and healthy environment is essential for a good quality of life so it’s important to take proactive steps when looking after your home and look out for common issues. One such issue that can arise, especially during wet seasons, is mould. Mould not only affects the way your home looks but it can also have adverse effects on your health. Here at North Wales Housing, we’ve put together a few tips to tackle mould around the house.
1. Keep Water Out
Preventing water from entering your home is your first defence against mould. Regularly inspect your home for any leaks, both inside and outside. Pay close attention to areas such as windows, roofs, and pipes. If you find any leaks, ring us immediately on 01492 572727 and our friendly team will arrange a surveyor to come and inspect as soon as possible.
2. Let Light in
Mould thrives in dark and badly ventilated areas. Allowing natural light to enter your home can help tackle mould growth. Make sure your curtains and blinds are open every day, and open your windows during the daytime as much as possible to increase airflow and reduce moisture. An extra step you can use if you’re worried about mould is to use light-coloured paint on your walls and ceilings to reflect more light into your home.
3. Dry Your Clothes Outside Whenever Possible
Drying clothes indoors can significantly increase humidity levels, which is how mould thrives. Whenever possible, hang your washing outside to dry. If indoor drying is necessary, use a well-ventilated area with good air circulation, such as a bathroom equipped with an extractor fan.
4. Inspect Outside Gutters and Drainpipes.
Blocked or damaged gutters and drainpipes can lead to water finding its way into your home’s walls and foundations, creating the ideal breeding ground for mould. Regularly checking and maintaining your gutters by ensuring they are clear of debris and functioning properly helps reduce this risk. If you find that your gutters or drainpipes are broken, blocked, or not working as you expect them too, then contact our customer service team through our chatbot, by email or by phone, and they will organise a surveyor to come as soon as possible.
5. Tackle Condensation Hotspots.
Condensation aids mould growth in most problem areas in the home, such as bathrooms and kitchens. By using an extractor fan or opening windows while cooking, showering or using appliances that generate moisture you can fight back against condensation build up. You can also wipe down surfaces prone to condensation regularly to prevent water building up.
6. Get Mildewed Clothes Dry Cleaned
If you discover mould on your clothes, it’s important not to brush or vacuum it. These actions can release mould spores into the air, potentially exacerbating the problem. Instead, take a mild detergent and water solution to gently clean affected surfaces. Wear protective gloves,
a mask, and ensure proper ventilation while cleaning to minimize your exposure to mould spores.
7. Avoid Vacuuming Mould
When attempting to clean mould yourself, avoid crushing or vacuuming it, as these actions can cause mould spores to spread throughout your home. Instead, use a mild detergent and water solution to gently clean affected surfaces. Wear protective gloves, a mask, and ensure proper ventilation.
Ultimately, taking proactive measures to tackle mould in your home is essential for maintain a healthy home. We hope by using the tips and tricks above you can effectively combat mould growth and ensure a safe, mould-free environment for you and your family. However, if the problem persists, please reach out to the customer service team on 01492 572727, through our chatbot function on the website or by email.
