Preventing Mould in the Cost-of-Living Crisis

Winter in the UK creates the perfect conditions for mould to take route and spread throughout a property. At the best of times this can create dangerous conditions for many people unfortunate enough to experience mould growth in their properties. However, now more than ever many homes across the UK area at risk of mould proliferation due to the recent and ongoing cost-of-living crisis. In the case that mould growth does occur you will need to seek the help of a professional mould removal service provider like Ideal Response.

Get Your FREE mould removal estimate NOW.

Start Your Estimate

The cost-of-living crisis has seen electricity prices increase by 54%. Making day to day life a struggle for many families across the UK. This drastic increase in the price of electricity has unfortunately been inflicted on the UK just at the time of year when temperatures naturally drop. For many of us affording to comfortably heat your home because of the price increase is difficult if not impossible. With this inability to heat homes and the conditions that winter brings, mould has the conditions it needs to grow in your property.

As the temperature drops air is unable to retain moisture and will settle on cooler surfaces. In winter this often comes in the form of window condensation. As the air outside is much colder than inside the windows will naturally be the coolest surface in your home and the moisture in the air will collect there. It is the moisture that creates a breeding ground for fungi and allows mould to take root, grow and spread. In certain situations you may need to hire a room dehumidification service if your property is particularly damp.

What Are The Risks of Mould?

Both the WHO and the NHS agree that exposure to mould can cause an increased risk of experiencing respiratory symptoms, infections, allergic rhinitis and asthma. Inhaling or touching mould spores can also cause allergic reactions such as sneezing, a runny nose, red eyes and skin rashes. Mould is also cited as a cause of asthma attacks. If you find mould inside your property you should immediately seek the help of a professional mould removal service provider.

Speak to our restoration experts now

01622 926 505

How to Prevent Mould in a Cost-of-Living Crisis

Circulation

The most important factor to consider when preventing mould growth is air circulation. Allowing fresh air in and the damp air out will remove the moist air. This will help to dry out any damp walls or areas in the property. In addition it will also reduce/ prevent condensation and damp. An alternative to opening windows (which is less than ideal in winter) you can use extractor fans. This will do a great job of removing damp or saturated air from your home. Extractor fans will most commonly be in the bathroom or kitchen areas. Using these won’t add much to your electric bill but it will help reduce moisture and prevent mould growth.

Condensation

Simply wiping away any condensation on surfaces will help to reduce the chances of mould growth in your property. Applying antibacterial spray to the areas you have wiped down will prevent any bacteria or organic growth that may be present surviving. It is important to note that windows and glass are not the only places that condensation can form. The walls around your windows are also a very common area to find condensation building up. If you notice a build up of moisture on any surface, we recommend that you wipe it off immediately. This will help to prevent condensation and mould during the cost-of-living crisis.

Steam

Steam is water that has been heated to the point of evaporation. This will saturate the air with moisture which will eventually collect on a surface in the form on condensation. By limiting the amount of steam, you allow to saturate the air of your home you will effectively be reducing the amount of condensation that can form on surfaces. The most common sources of steam in your home will be showers, kettles, and cooking pots. Luckily the areas that these sources will be in will usually have a built extractor. You should always use your extractor fan or open a window when there are steam producing situations.

Limiting the amount of steam that is produced will help reduce the amount of moisture in the air and subsequently reduce the chance of mould growth. One helpful tip is to reduce the duration of your showers. Additionally another would be to reduce the number of pans you use when cooking. Naturally using your kettle less will also help but in winter there is nothing better than a hot drink. So, why don’t you try boiling the kettle when it’s full and any water you don’t use for your drink you pour into an insulated flask for later. The insulation will keep the water hot. Not only reducing the amount of steam produced by your kettle. But you’ll also save yourself some money on your electric bill during the cost-of-living crisis.

The greatest contributors to your electricity bill will be items that are used to heat or produce heat. For example, your showers and taps, heating and kettles are all items that require a lot of energy when used.