Five simple hacks to prevent mould in your home without turning on your heating this winter – wipe your sink for a start

WITH the weather getting colder and colder, if you’re reluctant to turn on your central heating, don’t worry, we’ve got just what you need.

And for those on a mission to battle mould this winter, fear not, you’ve come to the right place.

If you're looking to battle mould in your home this winter and are keen to avoid using your central heating, you've come to the right placeCredit: Getty

A kitchen and bathroom pro has shared five simple hacks to ensure your home is mould free this season, and you'll need to wipe down your kitchen sink for startersCredit: Getty

As many of us look for ways to cut costs and put the heating on less, a bathroom and kitchen expert has shared her five money-saving, mould-banishing tips.

So if you’re looking to leave your thermostat alone this season, but are keen to keep the nasties at bay, Nancy Emery, from Drench, has revealed all.

Nancy said: “The UK’s wet weather means mould is a common complaint for homes.

“Whether the unsightly slime of black mould in your bathroom or blue and green mould on walls, the presence of any mould in your home can be dangerous.

Regularly open the windows

For those looking to battle mould without turning their heating on, you’ll need to open your windows for a start.

You'll need to open your windows to stop mould growthCredit: Getty

Nancy explained: “It may seem counterproductive to open your windows in cold or wet weather, but it is essential to stop mould growth.

“Cracking open windows a couple of times a day, especially after showering, bathing or cooking, is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to help moisture escape.

“Mould thrives in warm and wet environments. So, it is especially important to increase ventilation in the colder months, when prolonged time spent indoors can result in heat building up from our central heating, bodies and breath.”

Wipe down surfaces

Not only this, but it’s important that you wipe down wet surfaces too, including your kitchen sink.

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Wiping down surfaces will ensure mould doesn't build up

Nancy added: “Up to 75% of moisture, which will lead to mould, can be eliminated by wiping down wet surfaces immediately.

“Any surface that collects water, for instance around the kitchen sink after washing up, or on the bathroom tiles and floors after getting out of the shower, should be wiped down after use.

“Accumulated water on tiles, no matter the room, can get into the grout and silicone, which is where a build-up of mould is likely to develop.”

Always use your extractor fans

In addition to this, if you’ve got an extractor fan, you’ll need to make sure it’s on when you’re cooking your next meal.

Using an extractor fan can reduce condensation and the potential for mould growth

The kitchen pro highlighted: “Extractor fans can be noisy, so you may prefer to just crack open a window while cooking or taking a relaxing bath to unwind, but this is a recipe for mould growth.

“Extractor fans work by removing moisture from the air, reducing the amount of surface condensation and the potential for mould growth. They should always be used during cooking, bathing and showering and kept on for at least 30 minutes afterwards.

5 Money-saving tips for autumn/winter

1. Draught-proof your home

It takes time and money to heat up your home, so it’s important that you do as much as you can to keep in the warmth. Close your doors and windows, and fill any gaps with a draught excluder.

2. Dial down your thermostat

According to Energy UK, turning down your thermostat by just one degree Celsius could cut your heating bill by up to 10%, and save you around £85 per year. Plus, if you don’t have a thermostat, installing one could save up to £70 per year!

3. Move furniture around

Make sure not big, bulky furniture like sofas are blocking radiators.

4. Wash clothes on a lower temp and add an extra spin

Unless it's bedding, towels or really dirty items, dial down the temperature to 20 or 30 degrees, and do a double spin to remove excess water.

5. Heat the person not the home

There's not point heating up a room that no one is sitting in, so be mindful about which radiators are on.

“Ensure that you are regularly cleaning your bathroom extractor fans as they can quickly accumulate dust, which limits their ability to work.”

Avoid drying clothes on radiators

And whilst many of us have resorted to drying clothes on our radiators, according to this expert, you’ll need to stop doing it immediately.

Stop drying your clothes on radiators if you don't want mould to growCredit: Getty

Nancy stressed: “Although it may seem like an easy way to cut costs, drying clothes on the radiator instead of the tumble dryer or drying rack can lead to higher amounts of condensation accumulating from the lack of airflow.

“This can lead to moisture lingering in your rooms and mould growing. A budget-friendly alternative is to use a heated clothes airer or your towel rack for speedy indoor drying that won’t leave clothes smelling of mildew.”