If you’re starting to notice signs of mould at home, it’s important to tackle the problem sooner rather than later. Our expert tips will help you keep your home fresh and clean.
Mould is primarily caused by a high level of moisture in the air and can lead to a host of health issues, particularly if you have existing respiratory problems. But there are plenty of things you can do to prevent mould from working its way up your walls.
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How to get rid of mould
1. Invest in a Which? Best Buy dehumidifier
A dehumidifier could be a savvy purchase if you’re dealing with mould, because the best models will draw excess moisture from the air. Drier air is bad news for mould, which needs damp surfaces to thrive.
If you’re shopping for a dehumidifier, you’ll have to pick between two types of machine. A refrigerant (or compressor) dehumidifier draws air through a filter and across cold coils. These models are better-suited to a heated room than a chilly room, as the air needs to be warmer than the cold surface inside the machine itself.
Your other option is a desiccant dehumidifier, which uses an adsorbent material to extract water from the air and prevent mould. If you’re shopping for a dehumidifier that can work effectively in lower temperatures, this is your best bet.
Want to learn more about the benefits of buying a dehumidifier? Check our expert guide on how to buy the best dehumidifier.
2. Ventilate your home
Moist, warm conditions offer the perfect environment for mould to grow in. Leave window vents open and try to get into the habit of opening your windows every day.
If moisture can’t escape, it builds up in the air and makes itself comfortable on hard surfaces as condensation. Leaving internal doors can help to some extent as this allows air to flow through your home.
Avoid hanging wet washing indoors. This is because the moisture in the air will condense and stick to your walls. But, if drying your clothes inside is your only option, make sure you open a window. A dehumidifier can also lend a helping hand.
Explore our expert guide on how to improve your indoor air quality at home.
3. Use your extractor fan hood when cooking
Make the most of your kitchen extractor fan if you have one – if this leads to the outside of your house, moisture in the air has a way to escape. If your fan is one that pushes air through a filter and then back into the room, make sure you also open a window.
While we’re on the subject of tackling mould in the kitchen, make sure you don’t leave the kettle boiling. Rising steam from your kettle can potentially lead to ceiling mould. It’s also recommended that you close your door while cooking.
Fancy upgrading your kitchen? We’ve chosen the five best cooker hoods based on our rigorous lab tests.
4. Keep your home tidy so you can clean more easily
Mould is a fungus that grows from spores. Dusting and vacuuming your home regularly can help prevent mould from coming back. Keeping you home tidy will make it much easier for you to do that.
If your current vacuum cleaner isn’t particularly powerful, it might be time to upgrade. A strong vacuum can suck up dormant spores from your sofa or your rug, which is a big step towards preventing mould.
The best vacuum cleaners we’ve tested can power through any cleaning task, whether you’re hoovering the hallway rug or cleaning a hard-to-access spot behind the sofa. Our top-scoring upright vacuum cleaner is a good pick for pet owners and has no difficulties sucking up larger debris such as lentils either.
Whatever your budget, our expert reviews can help you pick the perfect vacuum cleaner for you. See our guide to the best vacuum cleaners for 2021.
5. Seal cracks in your walls with a caulk or sealant
Have a look around your home and see if you can spot cracked caulking. This is a problem, as cracked caulking can trap moisture and therefore lead to a build-up of mould.
In most cases, you’ll need to go a step further than simply wiping down the surface. Seal the cracks completely to prevent the mould problem from getting worse.
When cleaning up mould at home, it’s best to wear rubber gloves, goggles and a mask that covers both your nose and mouth.
Mould in rented accommodation
If you’re renting, as and mould has developed as a result of problem that needs repairing, your landlord should take action. Notify your landlord as soon as possible to get things moving in the right direction – describe where the mould is and what damage has been caused.
As a renter, your responsibility is to ventilate correctly and heat your property so that mould can’t build up over time. But problems with cracks in the walls, poor insulation, plumbing issues and rising damp fall to your landlord to sort.
If mould is found in your accommodation that was not there when you moved in, landlords can deduct money from your deposit if there’s proof the mould was caused by your own actions.
For advice on dealing with damp issues, consult our guides: How to get rid of damp and how to stop condensation.
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source https://www.which.co.uk/news/2021/11/five-easy-ways-to-get-rid-of-mould/