Five little-known ways to spot if mould is hiding in your home -and easy and FREE tricks to get rid of it
UNSLIGHTLY marks and stains are tell-tale signs that there's mould in your home - but they're not the only giveaway.
You might not realise that mould isn't always visible and can be hidden in many prominent places around your home.
This can make it even more dangerous because it's more likely to go unnoticed and untreated.
Mould can cause a range of different health conditions, including respiratory issues and headaches.
And it can be exacerbated by simple tasks, like drying your clothes inside and opening windows less often.
Luke Smith, managing director at Build Test Solutions, said: "An unsightly black damp patch usually means mould, but what if you could detect it before it appeared?
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"Mould occurs when moisture, poor air circulation and lack of heat combine to create the perfect breeding ground.
"There are tools that can help you detect where mould is, even when you can’t see it. But there is a lot that people can do themselves."
We asked Luke to talk us through some little-known ways to spot mould hiding in your home when it's not in plain sight.
Condensation on your windows
You might have noticed condensation starting to appear on your windows, which can lead to damp.
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Luke said: "Make sure to check there is enough ventilation and airflow in higher-risk areas such as bathrooms and kitchens.
"If you have window trickle vents, check that they are open."
Opening the trickle vent in your window frames is a good way to make sure your home is ventilated without letting heat escape.
It's also important not to block trickle vents in windows because this can cause condensation as the moisture has nowhere to escape.
Paint and wallpaper bubbles
"If you notice paint bubbling or wallpaper peeling, moisture has got in and mould is not far behind," Luke said.
The only way to check if mould is hiding behind there, is to strip the paint or remove the wallpaper.
But you need to be sure to check what is causing the mould to form.
Luke added: "Check the wall for damp patches, or check if the room is under heated, poorly ventilated or not well insulated."
Use technology
Low-cost temperature and humidity sensors set up in your home can be used to assess the risk of mould forming in a room.
"They can then be used to give overall mould risk scores, and individual rooms, based on a colour-coded traffic lights system," Luke said.
The wireless sensors monitor the temperature and humidity levels and alert you to severe temperature drops or humidity levels that can cause damp and mould.
The cost of these devices can vary from £10 on Amazon, to £150.
Surface discolouration
If water has damaged a surface, it can leave water marks or discolouration.
Luke says this can highlight where water and moisture are impacting the surface and where mould could develop in the future.
He told The Sun: "Simply run your fingers along surfaces as you walk through your home and if it feels clammy to the touch, investigate further as the moisture or damp issue is still very much present and must be addressed."
Showers and kitchens
Where we wash and cook are typically the highest risk areas for mould and condensation.
Luke advises turning your extractor fan on when you use the shower or bath and leave on for a few minutes after getting out.
"Closing the bathroom door will ensure that the high humidity in that room is dealt with at source by the ventilation fan," he said.
"When cooking, open a window or make sure the extractor fan is on.
"Using pan lids when cooking will contain moisture rather than letting it escape to cause problems."
How can I remove mould if I can see it?
Bleach is usually all you need if you neither own nor want to buy specialised cleaning sprays and paints.
If using bleach, mix four parts of water with one part bleach.
You'll also need a stiff brush, a bucket of water with cloth, and another cloth for drying.
Apply your solution to the affected areas (including a few inches around the visible mould to kill any mould not yet visible)
Scrub it firmly with a strong brush. Wait as long as possible or until the mould disappears from sight and rinse the treated areas thoroughly.
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Pat dry the area and allow it to completely dry before moving any furniture or placing items in front of it.
Meanwhile, a property expert has revealed seven things to do in your bathroom to help prevent and get rid of mould.
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