Mould and dampness are big problems in homes, especially in winter and there is a simple way to get rid of them using one natural household item — and it costs £2
Mould and dampness in your home can be a significant worry in the colder months, but there’s an easy way to tackle them without resorting to harsh chemical products. Many people keep their windows shut during cold weather, leading to condensation buildup in homes, particularly when drying laundry indoors.
This condensation causes moisture to linger on surfaces, eventually morphing into mould, which can ruin your wallpaper and furniture while posing a serious health risk. However, Lucy Steele, an expert from Valspar Paint, has revealed a simple method to keep mould and dampness at bay using one inexpensive household item.
She said: “How you fix the damp depends on the cause of the problem. If you think there’s a problem with your exterior wall, roof or you have rising damp, call a specialist who will help identify the cause and fix the problem.”
“However, if it’s something you can tackle at home, try using white vinegar for areas of mould found on porous surfaces.
“This trick is especially useful if the damp has extended below the surface. The vinegar costs as little as £2 and will penetrate to kill the mould and mildew at the root, preventing it from regrowing.”
White vinegar contains acetic acid, which boasts antifungal properties. This acid will eliminate any bacteria and mould spores that have embedded themselves in your walls, reports the Express.
Mould can only thrive in an alkaline environment, and white vinegar’s acidic nature prevents mould from regrowing once it has been broken down.
The beauty of white vinegar is that it evaporates incredibly quickly when applied to a surface, thus reducing the amount of moisture and dampness in a room.
How to naturally remove dampness and mould from your home
Simply fill a spray bottle with white vinegar and generously spray the affected area.
Allow the white vinegar to sit for at least 15 minutes, though waiting at least an hour is preferable. This gives the solution time to kill the mould spores.
Once the time is up, don a mask and gloves and brush away any visible mould. The mould should come away easily, leaving the wall clean again.
Wipe the wall with clean water, dry it thoroughly with a cloth and the wall should be completely free of mould.
Lucy further advised that the best way to prevent mould from growing back is to keep an eye on wet areas around the home and ensure that rooms are well-ventilated and dry.
She said: “Repairing leaks and also managing ventilation of your home, to get rid of condensation inside windows, for example, is key to preventing black mould from growing.
“Keep problem areas like bathrooms, kitchens, or laundry rooms heated, as this will help to reduce the chances of mould growth simply because mould has an ideal temperature and moisture range in which to live and thrive.”
