Not only does mould look horrible, but it can have some pretty nasty effects on your health, putting you at risk of developing respiratory problems, allergies and even have a negative impact on your immune system, so it's important to get rid of mould as soon as you spot the first signs.
Not only is it important to get rid of mould, but it's also essential to tackle the cause of the mould to prevent it ever coming back.
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What is mould?
Mould is a fungus that thrives in the environment of our homes thanks to the warm and cosy climate. It grows in damp, poorly ventilated areas, which is why it commonly occurs in bathrooms. In the right conditions, mould can grow just about anywhere from carpets and walls to your loaf of bread.
How to spot mould
Most mould is easily identifiable, but sometimes, spots of mould can be small or hidden. There's also some other signs that mould could be lingering in your home...
Lingering cold or flu-like symptoms - try spending a few nights away from home to see if you start to feel any better.
A musty or damp smell
Nose bleeds
A history of flooding in your home
Difficulty breathing
Recent headaches that seem to be getting worse
How harmful is mould?
According to the NHS, mould can cause many health problems.
'Moulds produce allergens (substances that can cause an allergic reaction), irritants and, sometimes, toxic substances. Inhaling or touching mould spores may cause an allergic reaction, such as sneezing, a runny nose, red eyes and skin rash. Moulds can also cause asthma attacks.'
No one is immune to the effects of mould either and it can effect babies, children, healthy adults, elderly and especially those with weakened immune systems.
How to get rid of mould
- When removing mould, it's important to protect yourself from the spores. Try to wear goggles, rubber gloves and a mask to cover your nose and mouth. Open up the windows in the room if there are any, but be sure to keep doors closed to prevent any mould spores from reaching other areas of your home.
- Remove any soft furnishings, such as towels, curtains, toys, blankets, clothes and cushions. Make sure you clean them thoroughly at a high-temperature to remove any mould or spores.
- Never spray mould with chemicals as it causes the mould to disperse its spores into the air. Instead, use a bucket of warm, soapy water and carefully wipe the mould off with a rag – do not use a brush. Afterwards, put the rags in a plastic bag and throw them away.
- Wipe the surface dry with a clean rag, then vacuum the room to get rid of residual spores.
If the area of mould is larger than 1m sq in size, you'll need to get a professional in to clean it up for you.
How to prevent mould
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Try to dry clothes outside as much as possible. If you can't, dry your clothes in a room with the window open and shut the door to the room until it's dry.
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When cooking, put lids on saucepans, open the windows and put the extractor fan on.
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When showering, open windows and put the bathroom extractor fan on.
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Open the windows in the house as much as you can (at least 15 minutes each morning if it's chilly or raining out).
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Leave doors open as much as possible to promote ventilation.
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Try and keep the temperature of your home between 16 and 22 degrees, making sure it's always a little cooler in the bedroom.
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