The gross reason you shouldn’t take long showers in the winter – it’s not just your bills that go up

THERE'S nothing better than a nice hot shower when it's cold outside, but it's not just your bills that will suffer if you do it too often.

According to new research from property experts, steamy showers could be increasing the risk of mould in your home - and there are more everyday habits that could put your home in danger too.

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So, here are the habits you probably don't think twice about that could lead to mould thriving in your space.

Leaving wet towels on the floor

Wet towels left on the floor can be a breeding ground for mould, especially in a moisture-filled room like a bathroom.

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.

If conditions are right, your towel can start mildewing in as little as 12 hours. 

Make sure you hang your wet clothes or towel on a rail to significantly reduces the chance of mould, and always make sure they're properly dry before throwing them in the laundry hamper.

Having longer showers 

If the bathroom lacks proper ventilation, the excess moisture from longer hot showers can become trapped, exacerbating the issue. 

That being said, we all love a hot shower - but be mindful and ensure the room has adequate ventilation after.

Opening the door a crack, turning the fan on and opening a window all help to get rid of moisture following a long shower.

Improper use of dehumidifiers

Most people purchase a dehumidifier to help reduce moisture in the home, however MyJobQuote advises that incorrect use can actually do the opposite.

Placing the dehumidifier in the wrong location too far away from the source of moisture - such as a bathroom - stops the dehumidifier from removing moisture from the air.

Not only that, but neglecting to clean and maintain your dehumidifier regularly can also lead to mould growth within the unit itself.

Having a cluttered and poorly organised home 

Having an overly cluttered and poorly organised space can stop airflow, making it challenging to spot early signs of mould growth.

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, they all can lead to grim mould forming.

Leaving laundry in the washing machine 

Leaving damp laundry in the machine for a long time can create a moist environment, leading to mould growth in your washing machine and clothes.

Mould can also grow inside in the washing machine when not in use, so it's a good idea to leave the door open after each cycle.

The study comes after finding that searches for ‘how to get rid of mould’ have increased 388% in the UK in the last 12 months. 

Matthew Jenkins, Heating Expert at MyJobQuote says, “Everyday habits play a significant role in the prevalence of mould in our homes.

"A combination of neglecting proper ventilation and careless daily habits can fuel mould growth.

"It’s crucial for homeowners to be mindful of their daily habits and take proactive measures to mitigate moisture levels.

"By encouraging ventilation and maintaining a clutter-free environment, we can reduce the risk of mould infestation.

"Ultimately, understanding how our daily actions impact indoor moisture levels is key to creating a healthier and mould free living environment."

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