I’m a cleaning pro – why ‘burping’ your home could be the key to keeping condensation & mould at bay, and how to do it
THE colder weather is setting in, and the thermostats are going up.
And with that comes a dramatic increase in the amount of condensation in our homes and, in turn, mould.
But there's a new technique that cleaning experts are swearing by to keep both at bay - and it's called 'burping' your house.
And burping your home is easier than it might sound, as all you need to do is open the windows for short bursts - usually for around 10 minutes at a time.
"The idea of house burping came from a particular tradition in Germany," Helen O’Connor, Product Manager at 247 Blinds, explains.
"'Stoßlüften’ which translates to ‘shock ventilation’ in English, is the act of opening windows for short periods of time, even during the cold winter months, in order to circulate fresh air into the home and prevent mould."
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As an added benefit, having the windows open for short bursts of time can help boost your mood and improve stress levels.
One of the main areas you're likely to find condensation and mould is the bathroom and having a single-glazed or draughty window can make the problem even worse - having an impact on your curtains and blinds too.
"Bathrooms are the most susceptible to mould growth due to the high moisture levels from steamy showers and baths - a condition in which mould spores thrive," Helen adds.
"Not only this, bathrooms often have poor ventilation to allow moisture to escape, especially in the winter when keeping windows wide open is not always an option.
"This can lead to mould on the walls and even on your blinds."
An effective solution is to install anti-fungal roller blinds, which are specially coated to resist mould as well as other common bacteria.
Or, try a faux wooden blind, which is "water, warp and crack-resistant - meaning frequent cleaning won’t damage them."
And when it comes to fitting blinds, try and leave more of a gap between the window and the fabric of the blind, to ensure that moisture doesn't become trapped between the two surfaces.
There are some other clever tips and tricks that can help reduce mould in the bathroom too - one of which might come as something of a surprise.
Common Bathroom Habits That Increase Mould
Plumbworld, a leading expert in bathroom and kitchen products, has shared the daily habits that increase the chance of mould growing in homes.
Leaving wet towels and bathmats on floor
Wet towels and bathmats on the floors after a shower or bath can increase humidity levels which provides a perfect breeding ground for mould spores.
To prevent this, hang towels and bathmats in an area where they can dry quickly and to wash them regularly.
Not turning on the fan
An exhaust fan is critical in reducing moisture levels in the bathroom.
When taking a hot shower or bath, steam increases the room's humidity level, creating an ideal setting for mould to flourish on walls, ceilings, and other surfaces.
An exhaust fan helps by moving the moist air outside, significantly reducing the risk of mould growth.
Experts suggest running the fan during the shower and for at least 20-30 minutes afterwards to lower humidity levels.
Ignoring small leaks
Even minor leaks from the sink, toilet, or shower can contribute to increased moisture levels in a bathroom, fostering an environment where mould can thrive.
Over time, these leaks can cause significant water damage, promoting mould growth in less visible areas such as inside walls or under flooring.
Fix leaks promptly to prevent mould and potential structural damage.
Keeping shower curtains or doors closed
Keeping the shower area closed after use traps moisture inside, delaying the drying process and creating a humid environment conducive to mould growth.
Mould can easily develop on shower curtains, doors, and in tile grout if they remain wet for too long.
To avoid this, leave the shower door or curtain open after use to improve air circulation and allow the area to dry more quickly.
Storing too many products
Shower caddies and corners filled with bottles and accessories may seem harmless, but they can obstruct airflow and trap moisture and creates hidden, moist niches where mould can grow unnoticed.
Keep shampoo and shower gel bottles to a minimum, and regularly clean and dry the areas underneath them to prevent mould growing.
According to Lisa Naegele, the owner of cleaning company Mainland Housekeeping, we should be leaving the toilet seat UP to promote air flow.
"To remove and protect against mould in your bathroom, I recommend cleaning your bathroom at least once a week - wiping down and drying wet surfaces like faucets, bathtubs, sinks and shower curtains and scrubbing any existing mould with bleach," Lisa says.
“This coupled with good air circulation will ward off mould - for bathrooms that don’t get used often (garage bathrooms, etc.)
"I also recommend leaving toilet seats up to help promote airflow".
