03 December 2023 , 11:47
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A cleaning expert has shared a simple trick which could help prevent mould from forming in your home.
During the winter months, many households suffer from dampness and mould growth in their home due to condensation. Mould is a form of fungus and can come in different forms. Some mould looks blackish and patchy whilst other types can be green and textured.
If left untreated mould will continue to grow in your home and could - in some cases - severely impact your health. To help households avoid mould developing, cleaning expert from Tap Warehouse Nancy Emergy has shared one "window trick" to try.
Nancy explained that mould "thrives" in cold, damp and humid environments which is why you typically find it in the bathroom, around shower or bath edges, the sink, the toilet and on the walls, as well as windows and window sills. However, it can also be commonly found in other rooms of your home.
She added: "It's very common to find mould in areas of the home like bedrooms, utility rooms, kitchen and areas around heating and cooling appliances, such as radiators and air conditioning units."
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There are lots of reasons for mould to form but Nancy noted that it's most likely down to poor ventilation and lack of insulation within the home, which promotes a colder and more damp environment.
Nancy says one of the most "effective and affordable ways to combat mould" is to invest in window insulation films. This is a thin plastic film that is applied directly to a window which can help limit or prevent condensation. This in turn reduces the risk of mould and mildew growing.
She explained: "Investing in window insulation film for the windows in the coldest rooms of your home, or the rooms where you tend to see mould forming the quickest. It's like adding an extra layer of glazing to the window by restricting the convective air flow onto the inside glass surface but at a snip of the price."
"The film can either be directly applied to a window using a hairdryer to shrink the film around the glass or can be attached to the window ledge to create a still air layer around half an inch thick using pressure-sensitive tape. Be sure to check the size of the film is correct for your window."
Nancy says this "simple fix" will not only keep your house warm, but it will also stop heat from escaping through tiny droughts meaning less energy. According to the expert, the film costs as little as £3 on sites such as Amazon. You can also purchase it from shops such as B&Q and Screwfix.
Nancy noted that alongside this you should also be checking the common areas in your home for mould as it's always best to catch it earlier rather than later. This includes things you wouldn't always think to check like mattresses, curtains, indoor plants and under the kitchen sink. Other ways to help improve insulation in the home include replacing silicone sealant on the window edges which often deteriorate over time.
Nancy added: "Resealing window edges with silicone sealant is not only simple but can do wonders in your home to insulate heat. A tube of sealant will cost less than a fiver from either Amazon or your local DIY supplier and is easy to apply. Once dry it will provide months and months of protection."
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