As the chill sets in and households crank up their heating, a less welcome visitor is making itself at home across the nation.
Lurking in the damp and warm corners of houses, mould, a type of fungus, can establish itself with alarming speed. Specialists are sounding the alarm that this increasingly prevalent problem could pose significant health hazards and should be approached with caution.
Mould spores have been associated with various respiratory conditions, including asthma, persistent sinus infections, and allergic responses. In severe cases, the World Health Organisation has estimated that it contributes to 3.2 million deaths annually around the globe.
Despite the potential dangers posed by mildew and mould, it’s crucial to remove it safely. Daniel Ufland, the founder of the online interior styling service Flitch, warns about the risks involved in disturbing mould.
He said: “Disturbing the mould releases spores into the air” reports the Mirror. He further cautioned that without proper airflow management, these spores could disperse to other parts of the dwelling, potentially leading to more extensive contamination.”
To tackle the issue effectively, the expert recommends that homeowners don protective gear such as filtered masks, gloves, and eye protection when dealing with mould.
Daniel said: “Masks must have a filter to catch spores, separating them from the air you breathe.”
“Gloves protect you from getting spores or harsh cleaning products all over your hands. Eye protection will shield your eyes from products like bleach while wearing overalls means your normal clothes won’t become contaminated by spores.”
While tackling mould, it’s also crucial to ventilate the area and isolate other parts of the home to stop spores from dispersing through the air.
How to get rid of mould from your home
Daniel outlines several methods to effectively remove mould:
Use special mould cleaners
These cleaners are typically designed for a particular task or serve as versatile solutions suitable for any space. Daniel noted: “Each product will have specific instructions on the bottle.”
Use bleach
Create a mixture with one part bleach to four parts water and apply it to scrub off the mould. Afterward, ensure the surface is dried with a fresh cloth.
Daniel added, “I recommend testing the bleach solution on an area of wall or tile first to ensure it won’t damage the paint.”
Use white vinegar
White vinegar is a safe option for cleaning mould in sensitive areas like kitchens. Mix equal parts of water and white vinegar, use a moist cloth to remove the mould from walls, then dry with another cloth.
Daniel emphasised: “Make sure to throw away all cloths used to clean mould, as they will be contaminated with spores.”