How to stop mould growing in the winter?

As we get into the cooler months of the year, there’s one unwelcome visitor that might creep its way into your home. Of course, we’re talking about mould and below are some tips on how to stop mould growing in the winter.

Mould is at its most active during the cooler months, particularly in older homes or those with limited ventilation. Even if you haven’t had mould in previous years, that doesn’t mean that you might not experience it with the aging of your home. So, we’ve put together some tips on how to avoid mould growing in your home this year.

Why do you get mould in winter?

Mould usually grows due to the higher-than-normal humidity levels brought on by heating an internal environment. Which is why it loves winter. As we try and warm the insides of our homes from the outside elements, the external and internal environments clash and create condensation, the primary cause of mould.

This is caused by reaching what is called the ‘dew point’ earlier in the day. The dew point is known as the temperature that air must be cooled to before it’s wet with water. When air is cooled to or below this point, the water vapor condenses to become liquid, which is how both condensation and dew are formed.

In winter, the air cools to lower temperatures for longer periods of time, meaning that humidity levels inside are higher for longer. Creating the optimal environment for mould to grow. These are all good tips on how to stop mould growing in the winter.

What areas are the most common to grow mould?

Condensation is usually most obvious around your bedroom or lounge room windows, particularly those areas that you are heating artificially, or warming up by sleeping in overnight when temperatures become their coolest.

This is why soft furnishings like curtains and blinds may be more susceptible to mould growth, if they have been directly exposed to these moist conditions.

The other areas that experience internal organic growth most often are bathrooms, which create higher humidity due to longer, hotter showers. Without appropriate ventilation and extraction, condensation will occur more frequently in bathrooms in winter, promoting mould growth.

How do I stop mould in my cold room?

How do I stop mould from forming in my bathroom?

If not already installed, the best way to avoid mould in your bathroom is to install exhaust fans. Make sure you are cleaning the grills regularly to ensure any fans are working at their highest capacity.

If condensation is still prevalent after showering, then increase the air extraction capacity as the exhaust fan may need to be upgraded. This could be to a more powerful unit, or a larger fan that is more appropriate for the size of your bathroom.

And while we know you want to keep the outside elements out of your home, think about opening bathroom windows when possible during your bathroom routine. This creates good cross ventilation, which will not only reduce condensation but can also assist in drying the room out after showering.

How do I stop mould growing in my bedroom?

For warmer areas of the home such as a bedrooms or lounge rooms, undertaking a maintenance program during winter to combat condensation will go a long way to helping prevent mould in the long run.

Firstly, if condensation appears in and around windows, wipe any excess moisture away every morning and always keep your windowsills free of dust and debris. Mould feeds on dust, and when high humidity and moisture are present, it is the perfect breeding ground for organic growth.

You also want to try and ensure that window furnishings don’t get wet to avoid these areas also promoting growth. Keeping your window slightly open during the night will help reduce humidity levels in your bedroom, especially if pets or children are sleeping in the same room. However, only do this if it is safe to do so for all.

Finally, as we often install fans in our bedroom during the summer months to keep cool, we also recommend installing a small dehumidifier during the winter. These are very quiet and efficient to run and can further help reduce the humidity levels in the air.

How do I stop mound growing on my walls?

There are a few more initiatives you can take to prevent mould growing on your walls or in the bedroom.

For older homes with little ventilation, ensure you wipe down any dampness from the walls in the morning when you complete your window condensation routine. Make sure to check behind areas such as bedheads, particularly if they are against an outside-facing wall.

Installing moisture buckets can also help extract moisture from the air, though do ensure that pets or children cannot get access to them. Make sure to follow the instructions on each bucket for how often these should be replaced.

Finally, if applicable, don’t overheat the house prior to bedtime, and don’t leave heaters on during the night. We know it doesn’t always feel that way in the morning, but your room will heat up just with you snuggled under the blankets without having to leave the heater on, particularly if you sleep with the door shut.

By combining some, or all, of the recommendations above, you can help reduce not only the humidity levels within your home but also the opportunity for mould growth across the winter months.

However, if you would like an expert to help assess mould risk or remediation, our team at Jim’s Hazardous Material Removal is happy to help. We can undertake a mould report, moisture readings, and thermal imaging to locate any unforeseen hotspots within your properly and provide a quote for mould remediation and drying if, and where, required. Contact us online or give us a call on 131 546 today.