With the cost-of-living crisis, many households have been battling damp conditions this winter as they try to save money on energy bills by air-drying washing indoors. Chris Michael, MD of Meaco, a specialist air treatment brand, explains how this is causing outbreaks of mould and how to treat and prevent mould infestations.
Mould is a symptom of excess moisture and poor ventilation, which is most noticeable on walls and soft furnishings within the home. Mould, which is a type of fungi, will form on a surface when its moisture content is too high. The rate at which the mould grows will be determined by the room’s relative humidity (RH). If it is above 68% RH, then the mould will get larger, but if it is below 68% RH, then it will stop growing.
If left untreated, mould can cause damage to both health and home. It thrives in warm conditions and spreads through the air as mould spores. Humidity inside homes may also be higher this year from drying washing naturally to avoid using a costly tumble dryer. With warmer temperatures on the way this springtime, it’s important to treat and prevent mould before it turns into an infestation.
Find the problem
To treat and prevent mould, the first step is to identify the cause of the problem and fix it. Common sources are excess moisture from drying washing indoors, a lack of an extractor fan in the bathroom or kitchen, a leaking pipe, or external cracks in the walls or around windows. If the moisture problem can be fixed, households can prevent mould from coming back once it’s been treated.
Manage humidity levels
Reducing humidity is another important step. If excess moisture causing the mould is from everyday activities such as air-drying washing, cooking or bathing, opening windows will help to recycle the air. However, when the temperature outside is too cold to let out precious warmth, households might want to consider using a dehumidifier. An energy-efficient dehumidifier will work towards reducing the moisture to the recommended indoor humidity level of 55% RH before switching itself off, only turning back on again if it detects a rise in humidity using a humidistat. Dehumidifiers with a dedicated laundry mode will also save energy by switching itself off after six hours.
Remove dirt
Cleaning regularly is an essential preventative method, as mould and mildew love dirt. Pay particular attention to areas where mould might become a problem. Specialist mould and mildew cleaning products from a supermarket or DIY store can be used to treat mould, or households can use traditional remedies such as white vinegar or baking soda. These solutions are great at breaking down mould spores.
To prevent the return of mould, an air purifier should also be considered to remove any remaining mould spores from the air. This prevents the mould from spreading and the occupants from breathing in potentially harmful mould spores. An air purifier is an important part of the toolkit to stop the mould from spreading and growing elsewhere.
Improve air quality
An air purifier also adds value as we move into springtime and summer and open the windows more often. The best ones are designed to remove 99.9% of harmful particles, including allergens, mould spores, smoke, pollen, pet dander, dust, smog, and contaminants as small as 0.1 microns in size. This can significantly improve the quality of life for asthmatics and allergy sufferers and protect younger or older family members from developing any related breathing issues.
Combating mould requires a combination of preventative measures and treatment, and the addition of a dehumidifier and air purifier can help to reduce moisture and remove remaining mould spores from the air. By following these steps, households can effectively treat and prevent mould and damp and ensure a healthy and safe living environment.
