Though it seems a permanent fixture, a few cheap, easy remedies can curb household mould.
Many people turn to their kitchen cupboards for a quick fix, be it white vinegar or lemon juice, but property experts have suggested otherwise.
The team of window, door and conservatory specialists at KJM claim that in most cases of black mould, the solution is right where the problem is.
They shared their wisdom online: “Black mould is pretty indiscriminate. You can see it in new homes and older properties but what is consistent across the board is that ventilation and condensation is always an issue.”
According to the team at the Dorset-based windows and doors retailer, even new fittings, including triple-glazed windows, can be problematic.
They highlighted that it’s more about how windows are utilised than how new they are when tackling mould.
Of course, opening windows regularly is a must to vent damp air inside your home, but there’s a better alternative for the cold months.
The experts said: “If it’s too cold or you don’t want to, trickle vents, which can also be fitted retrospectively, can significantly improve ventilation inside your home, helping to remove the moisture, which is key to the growth of black mould.”
Trickle vents are background ventilators integrated into window and door frames, allowing a slow, ‘trickle’ feed of constant airflow from outside to an internal space.
This clever feature is essentially a slit in the frame, staggered on the inside and outside, with a cover that can be opened and closed.
Not all windows have trickle vents, but they are required for most new and replacement windows in the UK. Since June 2022, trickle vents have been mandatory for all new and replacement windows in the UK, regardless of whether the previous windows had them.
For those without trickle vents, extractor fans are a good alternative for improving airflow, especially in bathrooms and kitchens where there’s a lot of moisture.
Opening windows is another easy way to ventilate your home. It is recommended that you do this for a few minutes every day during the warmest part of the day—early afternoon in the winter.
As for cleaning small patches of existing mould from near windows or doors, the KJM team recommended a solution of chlorine bleach and water (one part bleach to three parts water).
They warned: “Make sure you wear protective eyewear, gloves, and a face-mask, as contact with the spores can be harmful to your health. Do remember to open windows/doors or use an extractor fan while working in the room.”
Mix the solution of bleach and water together then take a stiff-bristle brush (an old nail brush will do), and scrub the blackened area.
Rinse the area thoroughly and dry to reveal a clean surface.
