The exact temperature your home should be to prevent mould – and the emergency 35p item that rubs it away
Scroll down to see what warning signs you should watch out for too
MOULD in the home is very common, especially at this time of year.
And it can serious problems if it is ignored or goes unnoticed.
Paul Kershaw, founder of , a leading supplier of building materials, says the best way to deal with mould is to prevent it happening in the first place.
But if it does take hold in your home, you should know how to spot it and remove it as quickly as possible.
Here, Paul reveals his top tips on preventing mould and how to get rid of it if needed.
He said: “Mould in the home poses serious health risks and can significantly degrade your living environment.
“Its unsightly appearance and unpleasant odour can also negatively impact your well-being.
“Early detection of mould growth is crucial for preventing potential health issues and property damage.
“Prompt treatment can effectively eliminate mould without compromising your interior design. This not only safeguards your health but also maintains the aesthetic appeal of your home.”
Mould forms when moisture accumulates in areas without enough ventilation.
Water intrusion from bathrooms, showers, or faulty windows can create dampness, providing the perfect environment for mould to thrive.
Warmer temperatures and higher humidity levels can also accelerate mould growth, particularly on walls that back onto exterior walls.
Paul says: “Proper ventilation is the cornerstone of mould prevention.
“Even during winter, it’s crucial to regularly air out your home. Ensure that fans and ventilation systems are functioning optimally, and seal windows and doors to prevent moisture intrusion.
“Inspect pipes for leaks and the roof for potential water damage.”
And the settings you keep your thermostat at could make all the difference.
“Maintaining a consistent indoor temperature above 15 degrees Celsius can help deter mould growth”, Paul adds.
In its early stages, mould can be easily overlooked – often manifesting as small, discoloured spots on walls.
But as it progresses, these spots enlarge and merge to create larger, more noticeable patches.
Mould can also appear in various colours including green, black, or white, and may initially resemble stains while larger patches of mould have a fuzzy texture.
Paul says: “Attempting to remove mould with water can exacerbate the problem, causing it to spread and further stain the wall.
“But there are several effective approaches yo tackle mould growth in your home.
“Begin by testing a small, inconspicuous area of your wall with warm, soapy water to ensure it’s washable.
“Vinegar is a natural remedy that can be applied to mild mould infestations. Simply wipe the affected area with vinegar and rinse thoroughly with hot water. Avoid excessive scrubbing to prevent damage to the walls.”
Scotland’s ‘mouldiest city’ revealed
SOME areas of the UK suffer from mould more than others, according to experts.
This could be down to several different factors, like some areas having worse weather than others, construction problems, or even maintenance issues.
And homes that have poor airflow could retain more moisture than others, which could also exacerbate the problem.
This also applies to houses that have leaky roofs, cracks in the walls, or outdated plumbing.
Property experts Gaffsy has now shed light on the top cities in the UK that are most blighted by mould.
And they have also revealed which city in Scotland has come out on top for having the most mould.
Edinburgh came up as the city in Scotland with the most mould, with an average of 250 monthly searches for ‘how to get rid of mould’ and ‘remove mould’ combined.
However, another major Scottish city followed close behind with an average of 230 monthly searches.
Residents in Glasgow were found to struggle with the fungus and was the second worst city in the country.
With white distilled vinegar costing as little as 35p in Tesco, it’s a handy product to have – and is likely already lurking in your kitchen cupboard.
“For more severe mould problems, consider using commercial mould and mildew cleaners available at hardware stores”, Paul goes on to suggest.
“These products are designed to remove mould from walls, windows, and bathroom surfaces.
“Promptly addressing mould growth can help prevent its spread. In addition to cleaning, improve ventilation in the affected areas to reduce the risk of future mould issues.
“If you’ve moved into a home with pre-existing mould, redecorating can help address the problem. Stripping the walls and treating the mould will be beneficial in the long run.”