Mould is one of the most dangerous silent dangers of a home (Image: Getty)
Mould can be a nightmare for homeowners, not just due to its unsightly appearance but also because of the serious health risks it poses. Left unchecked, mould can trigger allergic reactions, exacerbate respiratory issues, and even create long-term damage to the structure of your home.
If you’ve ever had to deal with the high cost of mould removal – which can set you back up to £300 for even a small patch – you’ll understand why prevention is key. thrives in conditions where moisture is prevalent, and during the winter months, many households struggle with keeping their homes dry. With the cold air outside and the inside, is common, creating the perfect environment for mould to flourish.
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Mould is unsightly and the spores can be harmful when breathed in (Image: Getty)
Use a fan
It’s easy to think of fans as devices for cooling down in the summer, but according to experts, they can also be effective weapons against mould growth.
Condensation occurs when warm air inside your home meets a cold surface, and this is especially problematic behind large furniture, such as beds, sofas, and wardrobes, which block airflow and create pockets of cool air where moisture accumulates.
Without proper ventilation, moisture can build up behind furniture, creating the ideal breeding ground for mould. This issue often goes unnoticed until the mould is already spreading, hidden out of sight.
A solution might be a small USB fan. For as little as £3, you can set up a USB fan behind your furniture, creating a constant flow of air that prevents condensation from forming.
The fan helps ensure that the air remains evenly distributed, reducing the chances of moisture settling and leading to mould growth. It’s a simple, cost-effective fix that can save you from the high cost of future mould remediation.
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Mould can hide and grow on windows, ceilings and behind furniture (Image: Getty)
Rice
Windowsills are another common culprit when it comes to mould. Cold windows allow moisture from warmer indoor air to condense, quickly leading to damp windowsills and, over time, mould growth. While some people turn to chemical dehumidifiers to tackle this issue, others suggest a cheap and natural alternative: a DIY rice sock.
Rice is a natural desiccant, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air. By filling a sock with rice and placing it on or near your windowsills, you can effectively absorb the excess humidity before it can settle and cause mould. A bag of rice can fill multiple socks, making this an affordable option for treating multiple areas in your home.
Even better, rice can be reused. After absorbing moisture, spread the rice on a baking sheet and place it in a low-heat oven for about 10 minutes to dry it. This allows you to continue using your homemade humidifiers without buying new rice every time.
Chalk
Mould doesn’t just appear on windowsills; it can also affect cupboards, wardrobes, and other small, enclosed spaces in your home. These areas often suffer from poor airflow, making them prone to dampness and the perfect environment for mould to thrive.
Like rice, chalk—made from calcium carbonate—is a natural absorbent material that works by pulling excess moisture out of the air before it can settle on surfaces. Placing a couple of sticks of chalk in problem areas will start to reduce the humidity that could otherwise lead to mould growth.
One key benefit of this method is that chalk is completely safe to use around food, clothes, and children’s items, making it an ideal choice for households with young families. Plus, like the rice sock, chalk can be reused.
To keep the chalk effective, dry it in the oven at 100C for around 10 minutes. While many focus on removing mould once it’s already a problem, Adeel from Bunk Beds points out that prevention is far more effective in the long run.
“Mould can cause serious health conditions for your family and can creep up on you without you knowing,” he says. “Using these simple and affordable hacks can keep your family a little safer during the winter and will stop your home from getting damaged too.”
And it’s not just about preventing mould; keeping your home’s humidity under control is also important for maintaining good air quality. High humidity can cause issues beyond mould, including a musty smell, mildew growth, and even the attraction of dust mites, all of which can contribute to respiratory problems.
In addition to the three hacks, you can further reduce moisture by ensuring proper ventilation in your home, particularly in areas like the kitchen and bathroom. Keeping windows slightly open or using extractor fans can help reduce humidity and improve airflow, reducing the likelihood of mould growth.