The big mould mistake that could end up costing you £1,200 to fix – my six tips to tackle it without breaking the bank
As the cold and wet weather sets in, there’s an increased risk of finding mould in your home.
You might have already spotted signs of a black, white or green fuzz growing on your walls, ceilings and tiles.
In some cases it may even have made its way onto furniture and carpets.
Mould and mildew are caused when there is a high level of moisture in the air.
But not only is this fungus unsightly, it is also harmful to your health.
New findings from Homebase reveal a huge one in five people sleep with dangerous mould in their bedroom.
By doing this, they are putting themselves at risk of a host of conditions, including wheezing, other respiratory issues, allergies and rashes.
Further findings from the retailer show other ‘hotspots’ include the bathroom and kitchen.
One clever trick to help reduce the risk of mould growing in your house or flat is to invest in “anti-mould paint,” according to Jimmy Englesoz, DIY expert and product manager at Ronseal and Homebase.
“These paint products make it unconducive for mould to live on the surface of your walls,” he said.
“Some will use a chemical such as biocide, which repels living microorganisms such as mould and fungus.
This can make a huge difference, protecting your walls for up to six years.”
That said, Jimmy warns there is one common mistake you need to avoid – or it could end up costing you a lot more if you end up with a major mould problem.
“Don’t fall into the trap of using anti-mould paint and then painting over this with a colourful shade of ordinary paint of your choice,” he said.
“To work correctly, anti-mould paint needs to be your top coat, with the biocide protecting the surface of your walls.
If you paint over it, you’re painting over the protective barrier. By doing this, you are giving mould a surface to live on.”
If you end up having to deal with a particularly bad mould problem across your entire property, you could face a hefty bill.
According to Checkatrade, to get the professionals in for a major mould removal job, you could be looking at between £700 and £3,000 – with the average bill standing at around £1,200.
Top tips for tackling mould
Another top tip from the DIY supremo is to try and avoid condensation building up while the anti-mould paint sets.
Jimmy said: “You want to try and prevent this from happening for a full 24 hours if you can.”
He also advises against taking a shower straight after painting in a bathroom.
“If you do this, this will allow moisture into the room,” he said. “This will impact upon the finish – and therefore on the effectiveness of the biocide.”
Mould can be really problematic between October and April due to the especially wet, humid and damp conditions during the winter months.
Matters are also made worse at this time of year by a lack of sufficient ventilation, as people are less likely to open their windows when it’s cold outside.
This can create the perfect conditions in which mould can grow.
While any type of fungus in the home can be dangerous, black mould is particularly toxic, according to Jimmy.
“It can cause a huge range of health issues for humans and even for pets,” said the DIY pro. “And children are at a greater risk.”
Jimmy urges care when trying to get rid of it.
“It’s important to know how to clean and remove it so it doesn’t continue to develop and grow,” he said.
“You need to ensure you’re doing this safely.”
First off, you need to wipe down walls and surfaces with a fungicidal wash.
“This can be left for 24 hours before thoroughly rinsing with clean water,” said the painting and decorating whizz.
“Wear protective gear such as rubber gloves and a face mask, as mould spores can travel in the air when cleaning.”
At Tesco, you can pick up the Cillit Bang power cleaner black mould remover spray (750ml) for £3.50.
At Asda, the Astonish mould and mildew blaster spray (750ml) which one reader swears by, is just £1.19.
For an even cheaper alternative to a shop-bought spray, some experts say a mixture of vinegar and water (usually a ratio of 2:1) can work well.
On Amazon, you can pick up a 5L container of white vinegar, and this can be used not only for cleaning, but also for cooking.
Other simple steps you can take to reduce the risk of finding yourself with a mould problem include opening windows – even just for a short time – using fans, or investing in a dehumidifier.
These devices improve the quality of the air around you by removing excess moisture.
This can help to discourage the growth of mould spores, dampness and bacteria.
Another low-cost way to banish mould from your home is by investing in a plant, such as peace lily, which absorbs extra moisture in the air through its leaves.
Plants such as this are idea for bathrooms where you are likely to get lots of moisture build-up. Homebase is selling the peace lily for £5.50.