As we settle into the heart of winter, it's time to stay cosy indoors. Unfortunately, the shorter days and reduced sunlight mean our homes can become colder and more damp - creating the perfect conditions for mould to thrive. With a growing awareness of the dangers of mould to our health, it’s a good idea to proactively work to prevent mould in your home rather than remove it once established.
So how do we protect our homes from mould?
Let there be light
Open the blinds and curtains during the day to let as much light into your home as possible. Sunshine literally kills mould thanks to its ultraviolet rays which have germicidal properties. The heat of the sun also keeps the moisture and chill factor at bay, both of which allow mould to thrive. If you do find blankets or clothes have a mildewy smell, get them aired out on a sunny day for a few hours to refresh and kill those spores.
Ventilate and voila!
Many people choose to keep windows closed when it’s cooler. Even if it’s cold out, ensure you let some fresh air into each room, even just briefly, every day. Ideally first thing, especially in bedrooms to help freshen up the air. Bathrooms especially need ventilation especially after hot water has been used or steam generated (such as during showers or running baths). Use a heat light and your ceiling exhaust fan (if you have them) while in the shower/bath, and then once you’re done open the windows for added ventilation and to remove all traces of steam and condensation out of the room.
Clear condensation
Wipe away condensation on windows in the mornings daily with a dry cloth or paper towel. Bedrooms tend to build up condensation on windows due to temperature differences between the indoor bedroom environment and the cold glass surface of the window, humidity and lack of ventilation. Humans naturally release water vapor through breathing and perspiration, especially during sleep, which adds to the humidity levels in a room.
Turn up the heat
Heating (when used efficiently and mindfully) can help to dry out the air in your home, reducing moisture build up and therefore the possibility of mould. Infrared heaters have been promoted as one of the best heating systems to help with mould as they address dampness first. Infrared units warm the walls which then absorb the heat, which will help to leave your home warm, cosy and damp-free. If you have dampness in your walls, a wall mounted infrared heater may just help keep that dampness at bay (though of course no heating system is fully efficient without first addressing ventilation, water leaks/seepage and adequate insulation). That being said, any heater will help to dry out a space and reduce dampness, be sure to choose a model with a high safety rating and never leave a heater unattended.
For new builds or serious renovations underfloor heating may be considered as a long-term investment, energy efficient and cost-effective option to prevent moisture and mould. Electric underfloor heating to south facing rooms or wet areas such as bathrooms and kitchens will maintain temperatures and may help to keep mould at bay.
Breathe easy
Consider vaporising a combination of tea tree, cinnamon bark, lemongrass and clove essential oils* in your home to not only bring a wonderful and comforting smell into your home, but to also send out little molecules of anti-fungal oils into the environment. While vaporising oils won’t stop a serious or established mould issue, it may help to kill mould spores in the air. Added benefits are that these essential oils are also anti-microbial so might even help to kill airborne germs and viruses in the air too!
Move moisture
Did you know your air conditioning unit could help prevent mould? Use the ‘dry’ mode on your AC to help dehumidify rooms if your unit has the mode. Not all units have this option, but many do. If you’re due for a new air-conditioning system and have a mould issue or dampness problems, consider installing a HVAC system to replace regular AC which is generally considered more effective at managing humidity levels throughout the entire home (crucial for preventing mould).
For high humidity areas and serious damp issues or reoccurring mould, mildew or mustiness invest in a dehumidifier to target and remove serious amounts of moisture from the room. Some units remove up to 10L of moisture out of a room!
Natural remedies
White vinegar with a few drops of clove essential oil is a natural and effective method for cleaning surface level mould in many cases. For some in-depth natural mould cleaning instruction including safety recommendations visit: https://www.perfectpotion.com.au/blogs/blog/diy-3-ways-to-rid-mould-naturally-with-essential-oils
Mould is not a welcome house guest in any season, but in winter it can definitely overstay its welcome. Prevention is always better than finding a cure, and hopefully the above tips will keep your home mould free this winter.
*When purchasing essential oils ensure they are 100% pure and not a fragrance oil. Essential oils should always have the botanical name listed on the bottle as well as a used by date, while a fragrance oil will not. Price will also usually indicate quality and purity. For high quality essential oils from an Australian owned and ethical company try Perfect Potion.
Alison Gallagher is a freelance writer, resourcefulness expert and entrepreneur. She has been featured in various publications including Stellar Magazine, Australian Health and Fitness Magazine, and Cleo Magazine. Alison is particularly passionate about sharing practical tips on how to live simply, sustainably and seasonally.
