The cheap £2 trick I always use as a builder to reduce the risk of mould and keep your bathroom tiles white
MOULD is a nasty fungus you might see appear in your home where it’s damp or humid.
It’s most often found in the bathroom or kitchen as that’s where it’s most likely to be moist, but it can grow anywhere if the air gets damp.
The problem is, mould doesn’t just look unpleasant - it can be very harmful for your health if left untreated.
And if you want to sell your home it could knock thousands off the value, as buyers will have to factor in getting it treated.
Saga says that the cost of mould removal per room can range from £200 to £400, and up to £1,200 for the whole house.
So, we caught up with Steven Hammerton, founder of
www.southwarkhandyman.co.uk and Jack Garratt, managing director of Garratts Damp & Timber to get their top tips for tackling mould more cheaply.
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Here's what they said.
Why you get mould in your house
Hammerton told The Sun that bathrooms are usually the worse place for mould simply because of the steam caused by bathing and showering.
"You’ll see it on the ceiling or in between the tiles," he said.
“Regrouting is very time consuming if it’s done properly as it requires removing some of the grout and putting new grout in, and this can end up looking patchy.
"Removing grout from in between tiles can also cause damage to the tile if not done correctly and it isn’t the easiest thing to DIY, so it’s best to not get to this point with mould.”
Garratt added that bedrooms can also be a hotspot for mould because they typically exist in low air pressure zones within a home.
He explained: “Because moisture is an airborne substance, it naturally moves from areas of higher pressure to those with lower pressure, putting bedrooms in the frontline of excessive moisture.
"Additionally, bedrooms often contain bulky furniture that is placed against external walls.
"This hampers the ability of central heating systems to warm these surfaces, creating cooler spots that attract and condense moisture from the air."
The number one cheap trick for getting rid of mould
Hammerton cautioned that grout whiteners are a cosmetic fix which just mask mould issues and don’t deal with them properly.
“You’re wasting your money as it’ll quickly come back," he said.
Instead, he recommends a readily available product that will cost you just a few pounds - hydrogen peroxide 3%.
“Hydrogen peroxide 3% is the best and most affordable stuff for mould, spray it onto the mould, leave it for about ten minutes then scrub it off and wipe dry," he advised.
You should wear gloves for this and make sure the space is ventilated.
And an old toothbrush is a good way of getting into small spaces and in between tiles.
If you're buying a new home
SEARCHING for a new property is an exciting time, but it can be easy to miss potential warning signs that could result in costly repairs when you do find a property.
Saga's property expert Anna Thunstrom says: “Take the opportunity to examine the walls and ceilings to notice any potential damp and mould problems, such as stains, damp patches upon touch or a musty odour.
"This can indicate water damage to the property which is costly if left untreated.
"Sellers are legally obliged to disclose damp or mould issues.
"Ask the owner or agent if you have any concerns, or if the property is freshly painted which can sometimes cover such signs."
Remember, mould is a symptom of a damp problem, so ask what the root cause is.
You may be able to haggle the price down if the seller won't fix the issue themselves.
You can pick up hydrogen peroxide for just £2.99 from Amazon, and it’s also widely available in most pharmacies.
Improving ventilation
Once you’ve got rid of the mould, it’s important to improve your ventilation or it will come straight back.
Hammerton’s top tricks include:
- Open a few windows to create a flow of air.
- Keep bathroom doors shut while showering
- Make sure your extractor fans are working properly and are clean
He added that while no cleaning products will combat the effects of poor ventilation, daily shower products you can find cheaply on Amazon can help to slow mould growth down.
"Make sure you adequately ventilate any rooms which are prone to moisture," he said.
"The installation of a humidistat extractor fan to the bathrooms and kitchens will help to regulate levels.”
Drying clothes
Drying clothes inside can also add to humidity, which creates mould.
Try not to dry clothes inside if you have no other option always keep a window open and if you dry a lot inside think about buying a dehumidifier.
Dehumidifiers often cost more than £100, but it is possible to get one on a budget.
You can pick up disposable ones for a couple of pounds for homestores like The Range.
But if you want a product that is tried and tested, you can check out our reviews.
Rule out sinister causes
Although the main causes of mould in a bathroom are usually poor ventilation and air flow, it is important to rule out larger issues like rising damp, broken pointing, or an issue with guttering.
Hammerton explained: “A lot of the properties I look after are Victorian and they simply weren’t built to deal with steam and moisture that modern buildings are now.
"So, if you are trying the at home remedies and improving your air flow, and it’s still coming back then you might need to call a professional to come and look.
“If it’s in the silicon around your bath you won’t be able to remove that – that will need redoing which again can be time consuming.”
Garratt added: “Check the outside of walls for any evidence of penetrating damp and assure furniture is not placed against cold walls.
"Make sure there are gaps between any furniture and the wall internally to allow for movement of air and heat.”
Keep your heating on
Homeowners also need to be aware of fluctuating internal temperatures.
When the central heating is on and the house is warm, the air can hold more airborne moisture without it turning into condensation.
But when the heating goes off and the internal temperature drops, the colder air can no longer hold the same amount of moisture which, with the right conditions, turns into condensation.
This is why bedrooms can feel particularly cold and damp if you’re returning from a winter holiday.
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“If you do go away during the winter, keep the heating on low to avoid fluctuations in room temperature throughout the house," Garrett advised.
"Try and identify and rectify any persistent cold spots to prevent them from becoming excessively cold and attracting moisture."
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