A bathroom and kitchen expert shared five money-saving tips to help prevent mould and condensation in your home this winter without turning up the heating.
As winter draws near and energy bills climb, a fresh health concern is developing in homes across Britain: mould. Mould can damage not just your property but your health too, making it crucial to tackle it the moment you spot it.
Whilst it might be appealing to crank up the heating, this can prove costly. Thankfully, there are alternative methods to prevent condensation and mould whilst keeping your bills down.
Bathroom and kitchen specialist Nancy Emery from Drench revealed five budget-friendly, mould-busting tips to help you stay dry and healthy this winter. The first suggestion is straightforward and can eliminate up to 75 per cent of moisture from your home in less than five minutes.
She explained: “Up to 75 per cent of moisture, which will lead to mould, can be eliminated by wiping down wet surfaces immediately. Any surface that collects water, for instance around the kitchen sink after washing up, or on the bathroom tiles and floors after getting out of the shower, should be wiped down after use.
“Accumulated water on tiles, no matter the room, can get into the grout and silicone, which is where a build-up of mould is likely to develop.”
Her other key recommendation is to make use of your extractor fans. Some people may be deterred by the sound of a fan, but they function to stop mould growth by extracting damp air from spaces such as kitchens and bathrooms.
These fans should always be switched on when cooking or showering and should remain on for at least half an hour afterwards to guarantee they work effectively. Improving the performance of extractor fans is straightforward – simply maintain them properly, as accumulated dust can seriously reduce their effectiveness.
As temperatures drop, many people resort to drying washing indoors, but specialists caution against hanging garments over radiators. Nancy points out that this apparently economical approach can actually be counterproductive.
She explained: “Although it may seem like an easy way to cut costs, drying clothes on the radiator instead of the tumble dryer or drying rack can lead to higher amounts of condensation accumulating from the lack of airflow.”
This additional moisture can remain and promote mould development, creating an unpleasant smell throughout your property. As an alternative, Nancy advises investing in a heated clothes airer or towel rail for effective indoor drying without the danger of mildew.
For households struggling with excess moisture, Nancy suggests a dehumidifier as a worthwhile purchase, especially in frequently-used spaces or wherever you hang wet laundry.
She said: “In rooms with heavy use, like your bathroom, living room, kitchen and bedroom, it may be a good idea to use dehumidifiers. There are a range of types available, from more expensive heavy-duty appliances to everyday affordable options that can be found in supermarkets and home retailers.”
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