People will find more mould and damp inside their homes as the colder weather sets in
UK households are being told to open their windows during these exact hours to prevent mould and damp.
As the UK heads into autumn, the cooler, wetter weather brings with it the common problem of condensation, which leads to mould growth and damp.
Whilst your instinct may be to shut windows to keep the cold out, a windows expert warns that this could be trapping moisture inside, creating the perfect breeding ground for mould.
According to Gov.co.uk, a recent average of 4 per cent of households in England had damp in at least one room.
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Allan Reid, windows expert at Art Windows and Doors, says that taking a proactive approach to ventilation now is essential to avoid a bigger problem as we head into the winter.
“Mould thrives on moisture. When we’re cooking, showering, and even just breathing, we’re releasing warm, humid air into our homes,” he says.
“If that air has no escape, it condenses on cold surfaces like windows and walls. This is what leads to those tell-tale black spots of mould. The solution isn’t to open windows all day, which would make the house cold, but to ventilate smartly and at the right time.”
How to stop mould and damp from taking hold this autumn:
You should avoid opening windows during the day when it’s cold outside. Instead, open them for just 10 to 15 minutes between 7am and 9am.
The outside air is often drier than the humid air trapped inside overnight, allowing you to flush out moisture without letting too much cold in.
If your modern windows have a night vent or tilt-and-turn setting, use it overnight in bedrooms to allow a small amount of airflow while keeping the window securely locked.
Always use extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms when cooking or showering to remove excess moisture at the source.
Air-drying laundry on radiators or racks is one of the biggest contributors to indoor humidity and mould. Avoid doing so and use a tumble dryer or air the clothes outside if possible.
A well-sealed home is less prone to mould because it better controls airflow. Inspect your windows and doors for gaps and seal them with draught-proofing strips if necessary.
By taking these simple steps now, Brits can enjoy a warm, dry home this autumn without the worry of unwelcome damp and mould.
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