How to prevent mould in your home this winter

Dealing with mould in your home is no laughing matter. It’s unsightly, has an unpleasant odor, and can be a hassle to eliminate. What’s more, it poses a threat to our health and safety.

how can we prevent it from taking hold in the first place?

To shed some light on this issue, we spoke with Scott Lambert, Managing Director of Doctor Damp, to get some expert advice on keeping mould at bay and tackling it if it rears its ugly head again.

Getting Rid of Mould “If you have someone allergic to mould or experiencing health issues due to it, it’s best not to take any chances,” Lambert advises. In such cases, it’s crucial to seek professional assistance for proper treatment.

However, if you’re dealing with household mould on your own, there are some essential guidelines to follow:

Avoid bleach- While bleach is effective on tiles and hard, non-porous surfaces commonly found in bathrooms and kitchens, Lambert advises against its use for mould elsewhere in your home. “In my experience, bleach may bleach the mould, making it invisible, but you’d need dangerously high levels to kill it,” he explains. While professionals like Doctor Damp have access to potent bleach, it’s not readily available to the public.

Stay away from sugar soap. Lambert recounts a case from 20 years ago when sugar soap and water were commonly used to remove mould. However, this method can backfire, as the sugar soap may actually feed the mould, leading to its return and potential worsening.

Wear protective gear- Cleaning mould requires caution. Lambert emphasizes the importance of wearing a mask and gloves to protect yourself from harmful mould spores and gases released during the cleaning process.

Consider vinegar and water- An effective DIY solution for mould removal is an 80 percent vinegar and 20 percent water mixture. Spray it onto the affected areas, wipe it off, and then focus on reducing moisture to prevent mould from returning.