Four gross habits creating a breeding ground for mould in your home
No matter the season it feels like we are constantly on alert for the presence of mould in our homes.
While there's only so much we can do about the impact the weather has on mould and sometimes the cause is a bigger issue, like a leak, there are things you might be doing on a daily basis causing avoidable mould and mildew.
Expert Matthew Jenkins from MyJobQuote told The Mirror these gross habits can "fuel mould growth".
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Mould is somewhat preventable if you follow a few tips. Getty Images/iStockphoto
The first is one we're probably all guilty of doing at some point in our lives and that's leaving wet towels on the bathroom floor.
"Mould thrives when towels are left in a heap on the floor as there's little air circulation, a damp environment and low light for parts of the towel when screwed up in a ball. This makes them an incubator for black mould colonies," he said.
So make sure you hang your towel up so it can thoroughly dry, especially if you plan to pop it in the laundry hamper as mould can grow there too.
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This is just begging mould to start growing. Getty Images/iStockphoto
Still in the bathroom, Jenkins also warned that longer showers can lead to mould by causing more moisture to build up on surfaces in the room.
If you are a fan of long showers then turning on the fan, if you have one, during the shower and leaving it on for 30 minutes afterwards is a must. Opening the window and door after your shower is also important to help ventilate the space.
Moving to the laundry, we're warned not to leave the washing machine door closed after use as the dampness left behind in the drum and dispenser drawer after use can start growing mould.
The fourth habit that can cause mould in the home is one you probably haven't considered before and that's clutter.
Piles of clutter can make it hard to spot mould and provide more surfaces for it to grow. Getty Images/iStockphoto
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Jenkins claimed this kind of mess impacts airflow and makes it harder to see patches of mould and mildew.
"Whether your clutter is piles of clothing, too many empty bathroom products that you need to get round to throwing out, or just unused items laying around – these all create pockets of stagnant air where moisture can accumulate, fostering mould growth," he said.
"Regular decluttering and organising can improve air circulation and therefore, minimise mould spores."
