Mould warning to anyone with dehumidifier as simple mistake could cause problems

28 February 2024 , 09:24

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The heating expert warned about dehumidifiers (Stock Image) (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

It's that time of year when everyone's desperately trying to dodge mould from taking hold in their homes.

Thanks to condensation, lack of proper ventilation, and careless daily habits, you may be noticing it throughout your homes, especially on windowsills and in bathrooms. It can be seriously dangerous and detrimental to health if left untreated, and the NHS warns "inhaling or touching mould spores may cause an allergic reaction, such as sneezing, a runny nose, red eyes and skin rash". It adds: "Moulds can also cause asthma attacks."

Matthew Jenkins, heating expert from MyJobQuote, has warned, however, that your dehumidifier may be making the mould problems in your home worse, not better.

Matthew said: "Everyday habits play a significant role in the prevalence of mould in our homes. A combination of neglecting proper ventilation and careless daily habits can fuel mould growth. Homeowners must be mindful of their daily habits and take proactive measures to mitigate moisture levels.

"By encouraging ventilation and maintaining a clutter-free environment, we can reduce the risk of mould infestation. Ultimately, understanding how our daily actions impact indoor moisture levels is key to creating a healthier and mould-free living environment."

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‌Matthew explained that improper use of dehumidifiers can increase the risk of mould in your home instead of getting rid of it. "Placing the dehumidifier in the wrong location too far away from the source of moisture - such as a bathroom - hinders the dehumidifier from removing moisture from the air, allowing mould friendly conditions to persist", he shared.

‌Matthew continued: "Neglecting to clean and maintain your dehumidifier regularly can also lead to mould growth within the unit itself. Dust, dirt and moisture can accumulate in the dehumidifier's reservoir, providing an environment for mould spores to flourish. Additionally, it's crucial to set your dehumidifier to the correct setting.

"Leaving it running continuously without monitoring can lead to excessively dry conditions - while it may seem counterintuitive, excessively dry air can cause certain materials such as wood to shrink or crack, causing small crevices where mould can take hold and grow."

‌There are other mistakes you could be making too, which could be allowing mould to take hold, Matthew shared. Leaving wet towels on the floor could be a breeding ground for mould, especially in a bathroom, which is filled with moisture. If towels are left in a heap on the floor and there's no air circulation, towels become an incubator for black mould colonies.

The time it takes for a towel to mould will depend on how hospitable your bathroom is for mould and mildew - but if conditions are right, your towel can start mildewing in as little as 12 hours, so it's best you pop them on a rail. Also, before you put them in the laundry basket when they need a wash, ensure they're dry to prevent mould growth there.

‌Taking long showers can also increase the risk of mould in your home, especially if the bathroom lacks proper ventilation. The excess moisture from longer hot showers can also become trapped, which can make the issue worse. Opening the door after, turning on a fan, or opening a window can also help get rid of moisture - and if water spills on tiles or on the side, ensure that you clean up the excess water with a mop, or a clean, dry cloth so mould cannot become an issue.

Having a cluttered home can stop airflow, making it tough to spot early signs of mould growth. This especially applies to areas of high moisture, including kitchens and bathrooms.

‌Whether your clutter is piles of clothing, too many empty bathroom products that you need to get around to throwing out, or just unused items lying around - these all create pockets of stagnant air where moisture can accumulate, fostering mould growth. Regular decluttering and organising can improve air circulation and therefore, minimise mould spores - and maybe you can make some money from your unwanted goods.

Something else Matthew warned about is leaving laundry in the washing machine. If you're smelling a damp, musty odour when you take the clothes out of your washing machine, it's due to mould growing on your clothes. Leaving damp laundry in the machine for an extended period can create a moist environment conducive to mould growth in your washing machine and therefore, on your clothes.

‌Mould can also grow inside of the washing machine when not in use - the washing machine is typically a damp environment and even after use, it's best practice to leave the door open. Modern washing machines are designed to be airtight and this environment, combined with residual moisture can promote mould growth which can transfer to your clothes, which is really not ideal.