Expert Tips: How to Prevent and Remove Household Mould This Autumn

POLICY WIRE — London, United Kingdom — As temperatures drop and households spend more time indoors, the risk of moisture buildup and subsequent mould growth increases significantly. Lynsey Crombie, a home expert known as the Queen of Clean, warns that failing to ventilate living spaces during the colder months creates the perfect environment for dampness to settle on cold surfaces.

Crombie emphasizes that maintaining airflow is critical, even when outdoor temperatures are freezing. She advises residents to open windows for at least 10 minutes after bathing or showering to allow trapped moisture to escape, preventing the dark spots that often appear in corners and along ceiling edges.

Windows and frames are primary targets for condensation, which can lead to mould if left to pool on sills and seals. Crombie recommends wiping away moisture immediately and using a squeegee on shower screens after every use to prevent soap residue and water from fostering mildew.

Kitchens and laundry areas also require vigilance. Crombie suggests checking inside cabinets for hidden moisture, leaving appliance doors open after cycles to allow drums to dry, and ensuring furniture is pulled slightly away from outside walls to encourage air circulation behind wardrobes and sofas.

For maintenance, Crombie advises cleaning refrigerator rubber seals monthly using a blunt knife wrapped in kitchen roll and white vinegar. She also suggests creating a natural room spray by mixing bicarbonate of soda with water and seasonal essential oils like orange and cinnamon to keep living areas fresh.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)