Record-breaking amounts of rain have seen cases of mould explode in the UK – with a quarter of residents in Britain struggling with the problem.
According to data from MyBuilder.com, the reliable way to hire tradespeople, 24 per cent of people living in Britain admit to seeing higher levels of mould than in previous years. Interestingly, the problem seems worse among younger households, with 33 per cent of 18-34s admitting to the issue, compared to just 14 per cent of over 55s.
Mould commonly affects UK households due to the damp climate. Whether you have a new or old property, and regardless of location, many of us will have to battle this issue in our homes. It is generally caused by poor ventilation, and once the problem starts, it can be difficult to rid yourself of it. This is problematic as its not just unsightly and offputting to potential purchasers should you be on the market – it can also produce allergens, irritants, mould spores and other toxins that are harmful to health.
But help is at hand with a new German technique called “stoffluften”. Literally translated as “shock ventilation”, the technique involves opening all your windows, several times a day, for a short period of time – whatever the weather.
The recommendation is that the windows are left open for between 5-10 minutes a time in winter, up to 15 minutes in spring and autumn, and 30 minutes a time in summer. The technique is feted to not only improve ventilation and air quality, keeping mould at bay, but also in improving our health and general wellbeing.
Combining Stoffluften with “Querlüften” can have even better effects. Querluften involves opening windows and doors on opposite sides of your home, creating cross ventilation. Allegedly, this can not only prevent condensation, but increase the air quality and therefore health of those living in the house.
An expert from MyHammer, MyBuilder’s sister company based in Germany, says Stoffluften is widely used in Germany.
“Airing your house regularly not only helps prevent condensation, and therefore mould, but is also reported to bring many health benefits. Millions of households in Germany use this method – it’s free, beneficial to your home and health – so why not give it a try?”
Andy Simms, expert from MyBuilder.com, said that ventilation is often key to keeping mould at bay.
“Ventilation really is key to preventing and treating most cases of mould. Opening windows is a simple, free, and effective way to provide your home with the ventilation that it needs. However, in these winter months, your heating bill won’t thank you!
“Stoffluften and Querluften are probably effective ways to treat the problem, but if your mould issue is caused by more than just condensation caused by bad ventilation, you might need a professional to come in and solve the problem.
“And even if it is a condensation problem, leaving your windows open in freezing or wet weather might not be palatable to many. In case it’s not for you, we’ve put together some simple tips to help you deal with mould in your home – but if it’s more than condensation that’s the issue, get the specialists in.”
How to deal with mould – the British way!
Check your whole house
It may be that mould is growing in a number of different places in your home. Ensure you check the whole house, including any areas with high humidity, a lack of air flow, or areas that are likely to have any water damage. Ceilings where the roofline is, and around the bottom of walls on ground floors, are good places to start. If you don’t treat all areas, you won’t get rid of it.
Identify the problem
Identify what’s causing the problem. Mould can be caused by a number of factors including lack of ventilation, a leak, condensation, structural issues such as a bridge in cavity walls, blocked gutters, a breach in a damp proof course, or poor temperature control. Treating it without understanding the source is a waste of time, effort and money. If you aren’t sure where the problem stems from, it’s a good idea to consult a professional.
If it’s condensation that’s causing the problems, try these tips:
Ventilation
If condensation is the cause of your mould problem, better ventilation to the affected area will mean it is unlikely to return. There are a number of methods to improve the ventilation in your home via trickle vents in windows, extractor fans and airing the house regularly. Simply opening the windows while cooking or showering can make a massive difference. Dehumidifiers can also be very helpful as a short term aid.
Keep it constant
Experts advise that the temperature of a room should be as constant as possible to avoid mould growth. Fluctuating temperatures can actually cause the problem to be exacerbated. Try and keep your room temperature to between 16C and 18C at all times.
Remove the mould
To do this, first ensure the affected area is dry. Then use mould killer or mould spray to remove the mould. Ensure you have the correct protective equipment including gloves and ideally a face mask and ventilate the room when removing the mould.
Anti mould paint
Once the mould has been removed, you could use anti mould paint to treat the affected area. This will add a layer of protection to help ensure the mould does not return.