A DIY expert has recommended a £22 DIY buy that could help avoid a mould outbreak.
A mould outbreak is caused when there is a high level of moisture in the air. Infestations can often begin with condensation.
Mould can be dangerous to your health as well as unsightly[/caption]
A 750ml tub of Ronseal anti-mould matt paint costs £22 at The Range[/caption]
Matters can be made worse at this time of year by a lack of sufficient ventilation, as people are less likely to open their windows when it’s chilly outside.
Not only is this toxic fungus unsightly and notoriously hard to get rid of, it is also harmful to your health.
It can potentially cause skin conditions and respiratory complications.
“One simple hack involves you purchasing some ‘mould-resistant paint’,” said Thomas Goodman from trades matching site, MyJobQuote.co.uk.. “It can be a great way to help prevent mould growth on areas such as windowsills.”
At The Range, you can pick up a 750ml tub of Ronseal anti-mould matt paint for just under £22.
At Wickes, a 2.5l tub of ‘mould protect’ emulsion paint costs £25.
Thomas said: “Anti-mould paint contains fungicides that can effectively create a barrier to stop the fungus from growing.”
It can be especially effective in high-moisture places such as bathrooms and kitchens.
“A layer of black mould around windows and on windowsills can become a serious problem if left untreated,” said Thomas. “Not only does it look unpleasant, it can damage windows, surrounding areas and most importantly, your physical health.”
Before cracking into your tin of paint, it’s important to prepare the surface properly, according to the property whizz.
“First off, you need to thoroughly clean the windowsill with a solution of warm water and detergent,” said Thomas. “Take care to remove any dirt, grime – or existing mould – with a suitable product.”
At Sainsbury’s, you can buy Cillit Bang power cleaner mould remover spray (750ml) for £4, while at Poundland, you can purchase Dettol antibacterial mould and mildew remover (500ml) for £2.50.
At Wilko, you can get Astonish mould and mildew blaster (750ml) for £1.49.
We previously reported how you can use vinegar as a more natural – and cheaper – way to dispense with the black fuzz.
On Amazon, you can find a five-litre tub of white spirit vinegar for just under £6.
Always remember to wear protective gear such as a face mask and gloves.
Thomas added: “Before you start applying the anti-mould paint, make sure the window is completely dry. Lightly sand the windowsill as this will create a much better surface for the paint to adhere to.”
Thomas also recommends sticking masking tape to the edges of the windowsill to protect the surrounding areas.
“Apply the anti-mould paint in thin, even coats,” he said. “Allow each one to dry completely before applying the next one. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions printed on the can for application techniques and drying times.”
Don’t make the mistake of using anti-mould paint and then going over it with an ordinary paint. If you do this, you won’t get the benefit of the protective barrier. To work effectively, anti-mould paint needs to be your top coat.
Ensure the room is well-ventilated while you are working to avoid inhaling fumes.
“To maintain the freshly painted windowsill, you need to regularly clean it with a damp cloth,” said the property aficionado. “This will help prevent the build-up of dirt and moisture. Periodically inspect the paint for any signs of damage or peeling – and touch up as needed.”
Note that while you can tackle small areas of mould yourself, for larger outbreaks, you may need to call in the professionals. The experts will know how to eliminate the problem safely and efficiently.
According to MyJobQuote.co.uk, the average cost of dealing with mould is around £440, but if you need to get it removed from an entire property, this could set you back as much as £1,100.
Other possible causes of black mould
While black mould typically forms when there are unusually high levels of moisture in the air, there are other potential causes you need to be on the lookout for, according to Thomas.
These include:
- condensation
- leaking pipes
- rainwater leaking in through window frames
- rising damp
- inadequate heating causing the air in a property to become too cold
How to reduce the risk of a mould problem
The key thing you need to do is keep your home as moisture-free as possible, according to Thomas.
- Insulation – ensuring your property is well-insulated will help to maintain a consistent temperature. This, in turn, will reduce the risk of condensation forming.
- A dehumidifier – one of these units will remove moisture from the air. While this won’t get rid of any existing mould, it will help to discourage the growth of spores and dampness.
- Ventilation – extractor fans in bathrooms and kitchens can be used to remove excess moisture after activities such as showering or cooking. For a more natural approach, try opening your windows for at least 30 minutes a day (if outside temperatures allow for this). At the very minimum, do this for at least 15 minutes daily.
- Address leaks quickly – any leak within the home, be it from pipes, taps or outside rainwater seeping in, will significantly increase moisture levels. You need to get any such issues fixed promptly.
- Keep windows and surfaces clean – use a clean cloth to wipe away condensation as soon as it appears. Also wipe away any dirt and dust which has built up. These steps will go a good way towards preventing mould.
What is mould and how to get rid of it?
Mould is more likely to grow during the winter months.
Olivia Young, Product Development Scientist at Astonish revealed exactly why this is.
“Unfortunately, mould is a common problem many people face during winter. It thrives in conditions that are warm and damp, so your bathrooms are likely to be the most affected place.
“That said, during the colder months most rooms in your home could be vulnerable to mould growing.
“This occurs primarily from condensation that builds up on your windows when you’ve got your radiators on.
“If you think about it, when windows and doors are closed, there’s not much chance for the air to circulate and the moisture to make a swift exit.
“This build up is what can cause dreaded mould to make an appearance, especially in bathrooms, as it creates that warm and wet environment that is a breeding ground for mould.
“If left untreated, not only is it unsightly but it can also pose a serious risk to your health, so it’s really important you treat it.
“The key to tackle mould is to act fast.
“Try to come into as little contact with it as you can. So, grab your gloves, tie up your hair and get to work to remove any signs of mould as soon as you notice them.
“To keep mould at bay, there are some simple solutions you can introduce throughout home.
“The first is keep it ventilated. Yes, even in the cold winter months try to leave your bathroom window open for at least 10/15 minutes post shower or bath. This will get rid of any excess moisture quickly preventing mould gathering.
“If you’re having a repeat problem with mould in one particular area, it might be because the humidity levels are too high. You can get a dehumidifier that will help keep the levels low and reduce the risk of mould returning.
“The golden rule to remember when dealing with mould is the quicker you can treat it, the better. If you leave it, it will only get worse so never ignore it!
“To successfully get rid of mould every time, I recommend opting for the UK’s No 1 Mould & Mildew Remover, that effectively removes mould and mildew stains almost instantly, with no scrubbing necessary.”
