Afraid to put the heating on-got mould
4 answers /
Last post: 12/05/2023 at 3:52 pm
I am really worried that our heating bills with be so huge that we won't be able to pay them and i do not want a prepayment meter-so I have just been keeping it switched off during the day and wrapping up warm.
I have to dry clothes in the house at this time of year (roll on summer!) but I've noticed bits of black mould appearing on a couple of walls.
How do I stop this, how do I get rid of what's there and stop it coming back?
Black mould grows best in damp conditions, so make sure you ventilate your house well, especially if you're drying clothes inside.
Open all your windows for at least an hour (and preferably longer) every day, to allow the air to flow and dry out the inside of your house. If you can leave the windows open in bedrooms while you sleep, even better.
Make sure that your windows are open while drying washing and while cooking.
You can remove existing mould with a bleach spray (again, ventilate the room while doing this).
It may also help to get some damp traps, and to regularly towel down any walls and windows that are showing signs of condensation.
I'd also advise that you get in touch with your energy supplier to see if they can help you afford your heating bills, and with Help for Households and charities such as StepChange and Christians Against Poverty, who can also give you advice about your bills.
To prevent mold from coming back, you need to address the underlying cause of the dampness. Here are some tips:
Improve ventilation: Open windows for a few minutes each day to allow fresh air to circulate in your home. You can also install vents or extractor fans in high-moisture areas like the bathroom and kitchen.
Reduce moisture: Use a dehumidifier to reduce the moisture levels in your home. Don't dry clothes indoors as it releases a lot of moisture into the air. If you have to dry clothes indoors, open a window or use a vented dryer.
Insulate your home: Ensure that your home is well insulated to keep heat in and reduce condensation. This can also help reduce your heating bills.
Address leaks: Fix any leaks in your home, including leaking roofs, gutters, and pipes, as they can contribute to moisture build-up.
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