As the weather cools and we start to spend more time indoors, there are a few common mistakes that could be creating the perfect environment for mould to thrive
Autumn has officially kicked in and our homes are starting to feel the chill. Many of us will resist cranking up the heating until at least November, which can lead to problems for our properties.
From adjusting the thermostat to pulling out the blankets, the appearance of a home can quickly transform as September and October come around.
However, one sight no one ever wants to encounter in their home is black mould. Regrettably, the damp, gloomy and cooler autumn weather provides an ideal breeding ground for spores that can rapidly spread across walls.
While mould and damp can spoil the aesthetics of a room, they can also be particularly harmful. Government guidance warns that inhaling these spores can be extremely detrimental.
They caution: “The respiratory effects of damp and mould can cause serious illness and, in the most severe cases, death.”, reports the Express.
“The tragic death of Awaab Ishak was the result of a severe respiratory condition due to prolonged exposure to mould in a home with inadequate ventilation.”
Fortunately, there are a few straightforward steps that can be taken to reduce the chances of mould appearing, and it doesn’t have to involve costly ventilation work or a dehumidifier.
“Most people don’t realise that their well-intentioned autumn habits could actually create the perfect environment for mould to thrive,” explains Dale Smith, Founder of Fence Guru, “The combination of increased moisture and reduced airflow that comes with cooler weather means we need to be extra careful about how we manage our homes during this transition period.”
Smith, who has spent years helping people protect their homes from mould, has identified several common autumn jobs that could be doing more harm than they might realise.
1. Heaping Wet Leaves Against External Walls
Whilst clearing up leaves from your garden is a typical autumn task, the soggy pile of leaves can become a mould hotspot if stacked against your property.
“Wet leaves create a moisture barrier against your walls that never properly dries out,” says Smith. “This constant dampness seeps through tiny cracks and gaps to create the ideal breeding ground for mould inside wall cavities.”
2. Over-watering Indoor Plants Brought Indoors
As temperatures plummet, people might bring their outdoor plants indoors for shelter. But with less sunshine and a chillier climate, plants require much less water than they did outside, and all that moist soil can release moisture into the atmosphere.
Over-watered indoor plants generate excess humidity in the air and stagnant water in saucers, which are both ideal conditions for mould spores to flourish.
3. Leaving Wet Boots, Coats, and Umbrellas Indoors
Autumn brings with it the inevitable rain, leading to damp clothes, shoes and umbrellas being brought indoors.
This often results in pockets of humidity as these wet items continuously release moisture into the air, particularly in poorly ventilated spaces such as cupboards or boot rooms.
4. Using Unventilated Spaces for Drying Laundry
One of the main culprits of dampness and high humidity is drying laundry indoors. Given the unpredictable nature of the rain, it’s not always possible to hang clothes outside.
If you must dry your clothes indoors, make sure they’re in a well-ventilated area. If that’s not an option, open as many windows as you can and try to do smaller loads of laundry.
5. Poor Heating and Ventilation Balance
As the temperatures drop, we naturally want to seal up our homes and crank up the heating. However, creating an airtight environment without considering ventilation can lead to mould problems.
Smith advises: “The key is finding the right balance between staying warm and maintaining healthy air circulation,” adding that “Complete air sealing without ventilation planning is asking for trouble.”
Even in cooler weather, it’s important to open windows for short periods each day and ensure exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens are functioning properly.