One of the five hotspots for mould in the home is on the walls (Image: Getty)
One of the five hotspots for in the home is on the walls, which can start off as small black spots – usually on the side of external walls.
‘s DIY expert Jimmy Englezos said: ” is something that many homes suffer from due to its persistent nature and it can be difficult to get rid of.
“It tends to grow in more humid environments, which is why it can worsen in the winter months.” Mr Englezos cautioned: “It takes just 24 to 48 hours for spores to develop, and if the humidity rises above 60 to 65 percent, you can see signs within 24 hours.”
Yet, if the home is heated to the “optimal” temperature, then spores can be kept at bay. “One way to avoid in the home is to pop the heating on for a short time to keep the rooms from cooling,” said Mr Englezos.
“An optimal temperature for living rooms is between 20C and 23C, and for the bedroom and kitchen, it’s 16C. It is recommended to avoid the temperature falling below 14C.”
Don’t miss… [MOULD] [TIPS]
There is an ideal temperature to keep mould at bay (Image: Getty)
However, if you are not at home, paying money to warm the home may seem costly and unwise. Thankfully, there are other ways to minimise the risk of mould developing in the home.
Mr Englezos recommended adequate ventilation, the use of a dehumidifier, wiping down condensation, and checking for and fixing any leaks.
Elaborating on ventilation, Mr Englezos said: “As we know, opening windows in the winter months isn’t as enjoyable due to the colder weather, however, creating ventilation will help moisture escape.
“Opt for opening windows for an hour a day will help reduce the humidity and always make sure the extraction fan is turned on when cooking to prevent condensation.”
A dehumidifier reduces moisture in the air (Image: Getty)
As for a dehumidifier, Mr Englezos explained that the machine “removes moisture from the air and releases dry air back into the room”. He added: “This process reduces humidity levels and prevents condensation from forming.”
If condensation does form on windows, Mr Englezos said simply wiping away the moisture will help prevent mould from developing.
Mr Englezos added: “Check for leaks as leaking taps and pipes can encourage mould, especially in closed areas such as cabinets.
“Regularly check the roof, attic, gutters, window seals and plumbing systems to further prevent leaking.”