As December approaches and the cooler weather approaches, most of us will be running the heating for longer periods of time.

But this means our homes may be more humid; especially if we are trying to dry damp laundry directly from the washing machine.

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This can lead to the growth of mold and mildew, which can be dangerous to our health if left untreated.

It can also be painful to get rid of and look awful around the house.

Lack of ventilation, leaky pipes and faucets that seep into walls and floors, and damp grout provide ideal breeding grounds for mold.

Luckily, an expert has stepped in to help with top tips on how to combat mold if it starts growing in your home this winter.

London House Clearing Company Rainbow Garbage Removal He shared seven tips to keep your home safe and clean.

And their ‘burp rule’ is key to preventing buildup in any room of the house.

Miroslav Radov, owner of Rainbow Bin Clearing, London House Clearing Company, said: “With November’s rising humidity in the UK, keeping the house clean and tidy is crucial in combating mould.

“A tidy, organized space not only improves air circulation, but also minimizes areas where moisture can linger, creating an environment less hospitable to mold growth.

“By maintaining regular cleaning and maintaining air flow in your home, you can proactively reduce the risk of mold during cold, wet months.

“This helps keep your home healthier and your space more inviting for the festive season.”

1. Declutter for freedom

It may not be obvious, but experts say keeping your home organized can help prevent problems like dust, mold and mildew from occurring.

This is because all of these can be hidden under piles of clutter.

They said: “November is the perfect time to rethink bulky items that are never used, from old, leaky dryers to sofas that block airflow – letting go of the old ones can help freshen up your space and prevent damp build-up.

“Ensuring you live in a tidy, clean space will promote quality airflow and reduce humidity levels as removed items will encourage air to circulate freely, keeping surfaces dry and reducing trapped moisture and minimizing the conditions for mold to grow.”

2. close your doors

You may want to leave doors open to ventilate rooms, but experts say this is the exact opposite of what you should do.

They explain: “Keeping doors closed in rooms prone to moisture, such as the bathroom or kitchen, can control humidity and limit airflow to help prevent mold growth.

“It will limit the spread of moisture and mold spores to other parts of the home, reduce condensation on surfaces and allow ventilation systems to work effectively.

“When showering, bathing, boiling a kettle or cooking on the stove, keeping doors closed during these tasks is a simple way to minimize the risk of growth, especially in ceilings where air rises.”

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3. Burp your rooms

As mentioned before, the experts’ ‘burp rule’ is key to preventing mold growth.

They say: “Mold spores need warmth and moisture to grow, develop and take over a home.

“If it’s cool and dry outside, opening a window, known as ‘burping’ a room, helps release dangerous spores and mycotoxin buildup, especially around surfaces like window panes where mold expands rapidly.”

“Although it may be too cold this winter to keep all windows open all the time, try opening the windows on the opposite side of your house for at least 10 minutes each morning to allow moisture to escape from your home.

“If you have vents in your windows, you should aim to leave them open year-round.”

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4. Clean carpets regularly

Carpets are the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew to grow and fester, so cleaning them regularly can help prevent them from setting up home there.

Experts recommend: “Rooms without hardwood floors are often most affected by mold; dust mites, dirt, hair and fungus all potentially make a home in your carpet.

“These can worsen breathing conditions, as well as cause bad odors to spread throughout your home and reduce air quality.

“Whether your entire home is carpeted or just certain rooms, it’s important to clean them thoroughly regularly and ventilate the space well to reduce humidity.”

Scotland’s ‘moldiest city’ revealed

Some parts of the UK are more affected by mold than others, experts say.

This can be due to a few different factors, such as some areas having worse weather conditions than others, construction issues, or even maintenance issues.

Homes with poor air flow can retain more moisture than others, which can worsen the problem.

This also applies to homes with leaky roofs, cracks in the walls, or old plumbing.

Property experts Gaffsy now sheds light on the cities most affected by mold in the UK.

They also revealed which city in Scotland ranks first for the most mould.

Edinburgh is the city with the most mold in Scotland, with searches for “how to get rid of mould” and “how to get rid of mould” totaling an average of 250 searches per month.

However, another major Scottish city followed closely behind, with an average of 230 searches per month.

Residents of Glasgow have been found to be struggling with fungus, making it the second worst city in the country.

5. Increase the temperature

This can be difficult to do due to rising energy bills; But experts say keeping the heating on low can protect your home from mold damage this winter.

They recommend: “As homes across the UK look to save on heating and energy costs, one of the best techniques to prevent mold growth is to keep your heating system on.

“The heat helps warm the surfaces and walls, which prevents water from condensing.

“To prevent mold growth, houses should be heated to at least 16 degrees Celsius and not lowered below 14 degrees.

“Cold rooms draw in moisture, allowing mold spores to survive and thrive throughout the home.”

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6. Dry your clothes outside

This is another thing that can be difficult to do in the winter when it’s too cold to hang your laundry outside.

But even switching from drying clothes on a hot radiator to a room with open windows can make a big difference.

Experts say: “Although it may seem like the easier option, drying clothes on a radiator or at home can create condensation and prevent your heating system from working efficiently.

“A load of laundry can hold more than two liters of moisture, which quickly fills the room, creating a damp environment that encourages mold growth.

“If possible, hang your wet clothes outside or near an open window for ventilation to protect both the home and its occupants from mold growth during the colder months.”

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7. Keep an eye on the plants

For those with indoor plants that need care, keeping an eye on them is key to preventing mold growth.

Experts say: “Excessive water or poor drainage in plant pots can lead to waterlogging in the soil, creating a moist environment for mold to grow.

“The impact of fallen leaves or dead roots can decompose and cause increased humidity in the home.

“Using pots with drainage holes to prevent the risk of mold and placing saucers underneath to catch excess water is a great way to prevent plants from rotting.

“Also remember to regularly inspect and remove any dead elements to check moisture levels and reduce the potential for mold.”

What is mold and how do we get rid of it?

Mold is more likely to grow during the winter months.

Olivia Young, Product Development Scientist amazing revealed exactly why this was happening.

“Unfortunately, mold is a common problem that many people encounter during the winter months. It thrives in warm and humid conditions, so your bathrooms are likely to be the most affected area.

“However, during the colder months, many rooms in your home may be vulnerable to mold growth.

“This is primarily due to condensation collecting on your windows when you turn your radiators on.

“If you think about it, when the windows and doors are closed, air doesn’t have much of a chance to circulate and moisture to escape quickly.

“This buildup can lead to terrible mold growth, especially in bathrooms, because it creates the warm, wet environment that is a breeding ground for mold.

“Not only can it be unsightly if left untreated, but it can also pose a serious risk to your health, so it’s really important that you treat it.

“The key to fighting mold is to act quickly.

“Try to have as little contact as possible. Grab your gloves, tie up your hair and start working to eliminate traces of mold as soon as you notice them.”

“There are some simple solutions you can apply around the house to keep mold away.

“The first is to ventilate it. Yes, even in the cold winter months, try to leave your bathroom window open for at least 10/15 minutes after a shower or bath. This will quickly remove excess moisture and prevent mold growth.”

“If you’re experiencing recurring mold problems in a particular area, it may be because humidity levels are too high. You can get a dehumidifier to help keep levels low and reduce the risk of mold recurring.

“The golden rule to remember when dealing with mold is the sooner you treat it, the better. If you leave it, it will only get worse, so never ignore it!”

“To get rid of mold successfully every time, The UK’s #1 Mold and Mildew Eliminator“This effectively removes mold and mildew stains almost instantly, with no scrubbing required.”