Chilly weather starting to get you down? There’s one pesky problem you don’t want added to that equation - mould and mildew. Unfortunately, the wet season tends to give mould spores a new lease on life, especially when it’s coupled with lovely indoor heating. As your parents used to say, prevention is better than cure - so here are a few simple tips for making your home as unwelcoming to the inconvenience as possible.
First things first, get rid of any existing mould lying in wait in the shower, bath, vanity cabinet, laundry sink or kitchen splashback. A solid scrub with bleach should get these areas squeaky clean and dry. Another area to double-check is the fridge/freezer unit, where drip trays may occasionally build up mould if the door is not routinely sealed.
Air circulation is vital in keeping a good clean home. Any gas heaters or wood burners should be thoroughly cleaned and check that the fan mechanisms in the bathroom and kitchen are working smoothly and any clothes dryers expel air outside. Make sure you’re in the habit of using these exhaust fans whenever you’re producing moisture - remember, condensation is thy enemy!
Doors and windows harbouring tiny cracks and holes should be sealed with putty or an appropriate hardware product. Repair any neglected water leaks and clear the gutters from leaf litter to ensure the rain has an easy path off the structure. The parts of a home most vulnerable to mould growth are the wetrooms and any basement or attic space - as well as the crawl space under the home’s foundations.
If you’ve recently been engaging in a bit of gardening, or are just looking to spruce up the backyard, remember to leave a healthy distance between plantlife and the exterior walls of your home. The foundations of your property may result in water or rainwater flowing to and accumulating around the house. Even if you only switch the sprinkler on occasionally in summer, ensuring it keeps its distance is a great way to prevent moisture absorption and damage which may render some materials more susceptible come cooler weather.
Keep lids on pots when cooking, try not to dry clothes inside, keep the bathroom, kitchen and laundry doors closed, check that air vents aren’t blocked by furniture and keep windows clean from condensation with a good old-fashioned cloth wipe!