Households across the UK are being urged to open their windows twice a day in November, even during freezing cold weather. The advice comes from bathroom and kitchen experts at Drench, who say that regular ventilation is vital to combat mould, damp and mildew during the colder months.
Opening windows might seem counterintuitive when households are battling high energy bills and trying to keep homes warm, but the practice is essential to reduce the risk of mould. Mould spores, caused by excess moisture, can have devastating effects on both health and property.
Health and Property Risks of Mould
Left unchecked, mould can damage a home's walls, rot joists and spread to carpets, clothing and furniture. Mould and mildew spores can also cause infections, coughs and ill-health for residents.
Nancy Emery, a home and cleaning expert at Drench with over 17 years' experience in the lifestyle and interiors sector, highlighted the dangers. She said: "The UK's wet weather means mould is a common complaint for homes. Whether the unsightly slime of black mould in your bathroom or blue and green mould on walls, the presence of any mould in your home can be dangerous."
Simple Steps to Reduce Moisture
Emery advised that opening windows a couple of times a day, especially after showering, bathing or cooking, is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to help moisture escape. She noted that mould thrives in warm and wet environments, making ventilation particularly important in colder months when prolonged time indoors leads to heat building up from central heating, bodies and breath.
She also stressed the importance of wiping down surfaces, stating: "Up to 75% of moisture, which will lead to mould, can be eliminated by wiping down wet surfaces immediately." Any surface that collects water, such as around the kitchen sink after washing up or on bathroom tiles and floors after a shower, should be wiped down after use.
Dehumidifiers for Drying Clothes
For those drying clothes indoors, Emery echoed advice from Martin Lewis about dehumidifiers, urging households to consider one to collect moisture from wet laundry before it turns into mould. 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."
