Expert's hacks to tackle mould caused by wet weather - Exactly when to open your windows
With summer’s golden days well behind us, many Brits aren’t looking to open their doors or windows to the winter cold anytime soon. However, some quick action now could help stop the build up of mould as your home becomes humid with the use of radiators and heating devices to keep the cold at bay.
Ventilation expert Peter Foldbjerg shared four simple hacks you can use to stop mould from taking root in autumn, that don’t cost a penny in the midst of the cost of living crisis. Starting off, the Daylight, Energy & Indoor Climate Director at VELUX shared the ideal time of day and duration to leave your windows open without cooling your home too much.
Opening windows can help ventilate your home, bringing in fresh air and removing the humid conditions that mould thrives in. The expert urged people: “Opening the windows immediately after you wake up and before you go to bed can make a big difference to the air quality within your home.”
Doing this in your bedroom can also help balance the temperature in your room and help promote a better night’s sleep too. Peter advised keeping the windows open for 10-15 minutes to air out your home, and doing this three to five times a day is ideal.
He also recommended turning down the heating while you’re sleeping and opening the curtains during the day to allow natural light in can also lend a helping hand to staving off mould as well as improving the atmosphere in your home.
The expert encouraged people to create their own routines to stop mould in their homes by analysing their routines and habits that are putting them at risk. Peter explained: “Understanding the everyday home life activities which cause indoor pollution, such as cooking, cleaning, showering, lighting candles, air drying clothes indoors and even sleeping and breathing is key to tackling the issue. These can, over time, lead to mould and damp homes, impacting our overall wellness.”
Lastly, homeowners should be looking to make their home as energy-efficient as possible with changes like double-glazing and cavity wall insulation. He explained that this can keep energy bills down, protect against cold weather effects and, as a result of both of these, help stop mould growth.