As the November chill sets in across the UK, experts are issuing a crucial piece of advice to households: open your windows every day. Despite the dropping temperatures, sealing up your home against the cold can inadvertently allow a hidden and hazardous problem to develop – damp and mould.
The Unseen Danger in Your Home
Ben Snape from IntelOptic, a domestic health application, warns that mould can start developing behind walls, under floorboards, or in attics long before any visible signs appear. This hidden growth can persist for up to 18 months before it becomes apparent on the surface.
Early warning signs are often overlooked. These include a persistent musty smell, unusually cold walls, and soft, bubbling paint. Mould can begin to form in as little as 48 hours when humidity levels exceed 70%.
Health Risks and How to Spot the Signs
This is far more than just an aesthetic issue. Mould exposure can provoke asthma, persistent coughing, skin irritation, exhaustion, and sleep problems. Children and the elderly are most vulnerable to these health effects.
It is vital to distinguish between condensation and a more serious damp problem. Condensation typically forms on glass and mirrors and dries out once a room is aired. Damp, however, lingers on walls, ceilings, and skirting boards, often in the same spot, and brings a persistent earthy smell.
Experts advise looking out for these key indicators:
- A persistent earthy smell behind furniture or in corners.
- Cold and damp patches on walls and skirting boards.
- Frequent condensation in the same area.
- Shadowing or discolouration on paint.
- Small black dots on bathroom silicone or grout.
The Simple Solution for a Healthier Home
If you spot any of these signs, the immediate action is to improve airflow. This can be done by opening windows, moving furniture away from walls, and monitoring humidity with a hygrometer.
Avoid using bleach to clean affected areas, as this can ironically lead to deeper mould growth.
For everyone, the recommended practice is to open windows for short, intense periods of five to ten minutes, once or twice a day during November and the following winter months. The ideal time is when it is warmest and sunniest. Creating a cross-breeze by opening windows on opposite sides of the house is most effective.
This simple act allows fresh air in, reduces condensation, prevents mould growth, and flushes out stale, polluted air that builds up in sealed homes. This not only protects your property but also your health, as poor indoor air quality can lead to headaches, nausea, and respiratory infections.
