WITH the chilly weather now officially here, many of us are wondering about the same thing - how to keep mould at bay.
According to the data by , the problem is huge in the UK - their research revealed that a whopping 58% of privately rented households across the nation are struggling with mould, condensation and damp.
But not only black mould spores can make for an unsightly mess, the common fungi, as well as dampness, can also have a negative impact on your health.
The NHS warned that those particularly vulnerable are people with respiratory problems, respiratory infections, allergies or asthma, as well as newborns, young children and the elderly.
Being exposed to and inhaling the mould spores can cause a range of issues, such as sneezing, a runny nose, red eyes and skin rash.
In some cases mould can also cause asthma attacks.
READ MORE ON HOMES
With winter now in full swing, thousands of Brits have been taking to social media to seek tips and advice on how to tackle the common issue, including one Mrs Hinch fan Samantha Repetto.
Sharing a grim snap of the furry mould that had grown on her walls, the Facebook user wrote: ''Anyone got any tips on keeping mould/wall damp at bay?
''I’ve got a humidifier in the room (which is almost full after 3 weeks) but I’m really struggling with our living room.
''It wipes away fine, but this is after 5 days (behind our sofa, under the window so coldest wall admittedly).
Most read in Fabulous
''It’s more how quickly it’s coming back and the amount. I get mould elsewhere but it doesn’t come back nearly half as quick as this wall!''
Luckily for Samantha - any anyone else on the lookout for purse-friendly ways to banish the unwelcome guest - was soon inundated with heaps of responses.
Dozens of savvy fans of the cleanfluencer flooded to comments to share their top remedies, which ranges from using a special mould paint to more simple suggestions, such as ensuring good ventilation.
However, there was also a less popular remedy for dealing with mould - and no, it's not running to the kitchen for some white vinegar or bleach.
A few social media users advised Samantha to try tea tree oil, which you can snap up from Amazon for as little as £4 and other high street retailers.
''Someone wrote recently that the best thing is tea tree oil! Hope that helps you.''
What is mould and how to get rid of it?
Mould is more likely to grow during the winter months.
Olivia Young, Product Development Scientist at revealed exactly why this is.
"Unfortunately, mould is a common problem many people face during winter. It thrives in conditions that are warm and damp, so your bathrooms are likely to be the most affected place.
"That said, during the colder months most rooms in your home could be vulnerable to mould growing.
"This occurs primarily from condensation that builds up on your windows when you’ve got your radiators on.
"If you think about it, when windows and doors are closed, there's not much chance for the air to circulate and the moisture to make a swift exit.
"This build up is what can cause dreaded mould to make an appearance, especially in bathrooms, as it creates that warm and wet environment that is a breeding ground for mould.
"If left untreated, not only is it unsightly but it can also pose a serious risk to your health, so it’s really important you treat it.
"The key to tackle mould is to act fast.
"Try to come into as little contact with it as you can. So, grab your gloves, tie up your hair and get to work to remove any signs of mould as soon as you notice them.
"To keep mould at bay, there are some simple solutions you can introduce throughout home.
"The first is keep it ventilated. Yes, even in the cold winter months try to leave your bathroom window open for at least 10/15 minutes post shower or bath. This will get rid of any excess moisture quickly preventing mould gathering.
"If you’re having a repeat problem with mould in one particular area, it might be because the humidity levels are too high. You can get a dehumidifier that will help keep the levels low and reduce the risk of mould returning.
"The golden rule to remember when dealing with mould is the quicker you can treat it, the better. If you leave it, it will only get worse so never ignore it!
"To successfully get rid of mould every time, I recommend opting for the , that effectively removes mould and mildew stains almost instantly, with no scrubbing necessary."
Another chimed in, raving about the affordable solution: ''We have been wiping the walls with tea oil in warm water recently to prevent mold and was utterly surprised.
''It's antibacterial and antifungal so great at preventing it developing. And only £2 for a bottle at home bargains. Hope this helps.''
According to the experts at , tea tree oil is one of the most effective ways to tackle mould spores - not only is it affordable but also a totally natural remedy.
''Tea tree oil is a natural antifungal and antibacterial agent. It can be used to kill mould and it also helps prevent it from coming back.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
''To use tea tree oil to kill mould, mix 15 drops of tea tree oil with 2 cups of water. Spray the affected area with the solution and let it sit for 60 minutes.
''Then, scrub with a brush or a soft cloth depending on the surface, and wipe clean,'' they advised.