Your home is somewhere that you want to feel as clean and comfortable as possible.

Whether it’s just you in a studio apartment or you have a young family in a bigger property, you’ll want to ensure you always avoid having mould and mildew in your home.

What is Mildew?

Many people are familiar with mould but confused by the term ‘mildew’. Mildew is a form of fungus, which can grow on any type of organic matter. In the home, it is most often found on wood, walls and wallpaper especially during the damper times of the year.

Mildew is caused by a combination of humidity and moisture and as well as being incredibly unsightly, it is also able to cause decay and create bad odours.

Dangers of Mould and Mildew

It’s fairly obvious that no one will want mould and mildew in their home. It looks horrible, can smell bad but most worryingly it can be very dangerous.

Any growths can develop rapidly on a damp surface within 24 hours. These produce spores which travel through the air and can cause serious health issues for people. These can include eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches, sinus congestion. For those with existing respiratory conditions, mould and mildew can be even more dangerous.

Avoiding Mould and Mildew

Luckily there are many steps you can take to avoid mould and mildew growing in your home.

Firstly, you need the right tools to tackle mould and mildew. Here are a few things that will really help you in the fight against them:

• Rubber gloves
• Nonammonia detergent
• Disinfectant bleach
• Furniture Polish
• Buckets
• Mops and Sponges
• Vacuum Cleaner

You should also seriously consider the ventilation in your home – especially in rooms such as the bathroom and kitchen where the combination of moisture and humidity often leads to mould and mildew growth.

In the Bathroom:

• Always make sure towels and face cloths dry quickly and fully
• Choose a shower curtain that dries quickly or is easy to clean
• Ensure you have good circulation of air

In the Living Room

• Keep fabric and upholstery fresh and clean
• Launder any fabric with mildew with chlorine bleach and hot water
• Vacuum upholstered fabric regularly
• Clean mildew stained carpets properly

In the Kitchen

• Use dehumidifiers or fans wherever possible
• Always open windows when cooking to avoid moisture build up
• Fix any plumbing leaks as soon as possible
• If wooden furniture becomes damaged, treat immediately

Finally…

Although mildew and mould can be very common and often problematic, they are easily avoidable.

Always check your home regularly for any signs of these issues and repair or remedy immediately.