Why mould seems to occur more during colder seasons is rooted in two simple factors: moisture and warmth. There is a distinct connection between cold weather and increased mould growth – and your home can become a haven for these destructive colonies warns Foothills Properties Management team.
ICE Cleaning is a trusted company for eliminating mould, with an extensive track record in the business. Within hours, they can dispatch their expert cleaners to your location and provide valuable advice on how to prevent mould from coming back.
Read on to learn some practical tips to keep your home mould-free in winter and effective steps for spotting and addressing mould issues.
Understanding the cold-mould connection
Colder weather creates a perfect environment for mould to grow in our homes. This is because, as we turn up the heating to keep warm, it can cause condensation.
Mould spores are always present in our environment, but need certain conditions to thrive and multiply. These include damp or high humidity levels triggered by activities like cooking, showering, or breathing.
During winter when we tend to keep windows closed, there is less ventilation, which lets these conditions persist inside our living spaces, making them ideal breeding grounds for mould growth.
Mould needs three key things: moisture, food (organic materials), and suitable temperatures – typically between 5°C and 40°C. When all these factors combine with inadequate insulation or poor air circulation you will see the signs of mould.
Mould exposure can have health implications, especially if you are asthmatic or suffer from allergies. Mould releases tiny particles called ‘spores’ into the air, which, when inhaled, may lead to symptoms such as sneezing, coughing and wheezing.
Preventive measures for winter mould control
The key to protecting your home begins with good insulation. It helps maintain a consistent temperature inside your home, which deters condensation – one of the main causes of mould.
Ensuring your walls and roof are properly insulated will reduce dampness and save you money on heating bills. Besides insulation, adequate ventilation plays an important role.
A well-ventilated space ensures moisture does not linger long enough for mould to accumulate. Using exhaust fans or even just opening windows can significantly improve airflow in your property.
Paying attention to high-risk areas such as bathrooms and kitchens is crucial because they produce more humidity due to cooking or showering. Drying out these spaces promptly after use prevents lingering moisture from turning into a mould problem.
Spotting and addressing mould issues
The first sign of a mould problem is often an odd, musty, or damp smell. If your allergies seem worse than usual or there is an unexplained increase in respiratory problems among household members, it might be due to mould.
If you have spotted small patches of mildew, you may be able to prevent mould development. Use a damp cloth soaked in soapy water to clean off visible mildew spots from hard surfaces, and clean the surface afterwards with a mould cleaner of your choice.
However, when the growth has developed into a mould colony, you must contact a mould specialist. When dealing with porous materials like wood or plasterboard, which cannot easily be cleaned, calling in professionals ICE Cleaning can help.
ICE Cleaning is a mould cleaning company with years of experience in the industry. Its cleaners can be on-site within a few hours of your first call to assist and will provide professional guidance to prevent mould’s return in the future.
To learn more, visit their website today for a free site survey and no-obligation quote.