During the winter months, many properties suffer from mould due to poor ventilation. Condensation is one of the main reasons for mould growth in the home, as this occurs when warm, humid air comes into contact with cold surfaces.
Another thing that can cause mould to grow in your home is drying clothes indoors. Damp fabrics expel moisture, and condense on cold surfaces like a window or a mirror. And if left untreated, this can cause mould – which in turn can lead to worrying respiratory issues.
TikTok hygiene expert Mary Futher, also known as Madame Sweat, recently took to the platform in response to a podcast where air quality educator Mike Feldstein warned: “Never hang dry your clothes indoors. That is the number one reason why people have mould, especially in laundry rooms and basements.”
In response to the video, Madame Sweat said she “didn’t know that” but that it was “good advice”. However, she also said there’s “a way around” not being able to dry your clothes indoors, which will prevent mould from forming.
She explained: “Remember that if you live in a modern condo or apartment you will have a fan in your bathroom. So if you’re leaving your clothes in, you just need the fan on so that it circulates that moisture, so that you don’t get mould. Or open a window so that you get air circulation and you don’t get the moisture maintaining in the room.”
In the comment section of the video, many suggested getting a dehumidifier if you’re going to dry clothes indoors. One person said: “Best thing I did was get a dehumidifier. Paid for itself after a ridiculous amount of mould in previous years.” Another added: “I hang dry stuff all the time in my basement. I have a dehumidifier running with a fan blowing on the clothes. No mould.”
Dehymidifiers are commonly used in areas of the home with high levels of humidity. When warm, humid air hits the coils within the machine, it condenses and forms droplets of water, which are collected in a tank. The air is then reheated before being released back into the room, creating a stable humidity level.
According to the NHS, if you have mould or damp it’s important to find out why. When you find the reason, if it’s due to leaking pipes, rain seeping in because of damage, or rising damp in basements or ground floors, a professional will need to help you.
The government says damp and mould primarily affects the airways and lungs, but they can also affect the eyes and skin.
There are specific sprays that can help you remove mould, but other alternatives involve using a mix of white vinegar, a bit of dish detergent and water, or a solution of one part bleach and four parts water.
