Mould is something that’s often associated with cold and damp weather in the dreary winter months, but it can still be a problem even when the weather warms up.
Temperatures tend to fluctuate in spring and summer, bringing frequent rain showers and high levels of humidity, and these conditions can cause condensation and dampness in your home – providing the ideal environment for mould growth. While the go-to solution in the warmer months may be to throw open your windows to allow air to circulate and ventilate rooms, experts say there is another method that works much better.
Using a dehumidifier in your home is considered a more effective and efficient way to combat mould than opening windows as it helps to better control moisture levels inside rooms.
Dehumidifiers work by removing moisture from the air, which then lowers the humidity and makes it more difficult for mould to thrive.
By comparison, opening windows can often introduce even more moisture from outside, particularly if conditions are humid, and so the ventilation is more inconsistent.
Stephen Hankinson, heating expert at Electric Radiators Direct, says: “Be sure to control indoor humidity. As spring and summer roll in, humidity levels naturally rise, creating the perfect conditions for mould to thrive.
“To combat this, aim to keep your indoor humidity between 30-60%. If you have areas prone to moisture, such as bathrooms, basements, or kitchens, a dehumidifier can help keep things balanced.”
He adds: “Keeping mould at bay during the spring and summer doesn’t have to be a hassle – making some simple adjustments to your heating, humidity levels, and airflow, you can create a home that’s dry and mould-free.
“Whether it’s using a dehumidifier in key areas, leaving a bit of space around your radiators, or occasionally heating those often-overlooked basement or garage spaces, you can stop mould before it starts and enjoy a healthier, more comfortable home all year round.”
Experts say dehumidifiers can be used in combination with opening windows to help prevent mould growth as this will ensure good ventilation throughout your home.
It’s a good strategy to open your windows after spells of rain, after a shower or cooking to allow air to circulate and release any moisture that has entered your home, then use a dehumidifier to further reduce humidity levels.
Hardware retailer Screwfix adds: “Dehumidifiers vastly improve damp and condensation problems in a home because they reduce moisture levels.
“They’re most useful in rooms where there’s a lot of humidity. For example, a kitchen or bathroom, a room where clothes are dried, or in a bedroom where condensation builds up from the heat caused by breathing.”