Mould in the home presents dangers both to health and to the structure of the property. The experts from HG explain the problems and how to solve them
What are the causes of mould in the home?
Mould issues in homes can stem from various factors, most of which are related to excess moisture and poor ventilation. Some common causes include dampness, condensation, poor insulation, flooding or water damage, and lifestyle factors such as drying clothes indoors, not using extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms, or keeping furniture close to walls which can contribute to moisture accumulation.
What are the main areas where mould is likely to develop?
Mould can be found in various places within a home or building in the UK where conditions are conducive to its growth. Common areas where mould tends to develop include:
• Bathrooms: Especially around showers, tubs, sinks, and in corners where moisture tends to accumulate.
• Kitchens: Around sinks, near dishwashers, and in areas with poor ventilation where moisture from cooking can build up.
• Basements and Cellars: These areas can be prone to dampness and poor ventilation, providing an ideal environment for mould growth.
• Crawl Spaces: Underfloor areas with inadequate ventilation can trap moisture, leading to mould.
• Walls and Ceilings: Particularly in areas with leaks, condensation, or poor insulation that create damp spots.
• Windowsills and Frames: Condensation can accumulate here, providing moisture for mould growth.
• Behind Furniture: Areas where there’s limited airflow against walls can become breeding grounds for mould.
• Closets and Storage Areas: Poor air circulation in these spaces can lead to mould growth on stored items.
What are the signs of mould in the home?
Detecting mould in your home in the UK involves being attentive to several warning signs:
- Visible Growth: The most obvious sign is seeing mould growth on surfaces. It can appear as patches or spots, often in areas prone to moisture, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and around windows.
- Musty Odour: A musty or earthy smell, especially in closed or damp spaces, might indicate hidden mould growth. Even if you can’t see it, the odour can be a clue to investigate further.
- Water Stains or Discolouration: Stains or discolouration on walls, ceilings, or floors could signal previous or ongoing water damage and a potential breeding ground for mould.
- Condensation: Excessive condensation on windows, walls, or pipes suggests high humidity levels, which can contribute to mould growth.
- Allergic Symptoms: If you or others in the household experience increased allergy symptoms, such as sneezing, coughing, or skin irritation when indoors, it might be due to mould presence.
- Dampness and Humidity: Persistent dampness, especially in basements, attics, or areas with poor ventilation, can create an environment conducive to mould growth.
- Past Water Damage: Previous incidents like leaks, flooding, or plumbing issues could lead to mould growth if not properly dried and remediated.
What are the health risks of mould?
The key concern with mould isn’t its appearance but rather the potential health hazards it poses. Moulds, as well as being unsightly, can produce allergens, irritants, or even toxins that, when inhaled or touched, can cause health issues. People with allergies, asthma, or compromised immune systems are more vulnerable to these effects. If you suspect mould in your home and are concerned about its potential health risks, it’s advisable to have a professional assess and address the issue. They can identify the type of mould present and advise on the best course of action for removal or remediation.
What are the risks to the fabric of property from mould?
Mould poses risks to property fabric by causing structural decay, discolouration, and staining of surfaces. It can weaken building materials like wood and drywall, leading to compromised structural integrity. Mould growth also emits musty odours, affects indoor air quality, and can trigger health issues such as allergies and respiratory problems. Additionally, mould can damage personal belongings and result in legal and insurance complications. Prompt identification, remediation, and prevention of mould are crucial to mitigating these risks.
What are HG’s most popular cleaning products?
For sure our HG Mould Spray and HG Mould Foam Spray are extremely popular, as evidenced by thousands of outstanding ratings and reviews that can be found online hailing their effectiveness and ease of use. And beyond Mould, HG has an incredibly broad assortment of products each known for their unique effectiveness in addressing specific cleaning challenges around the home. From our powerful Unblockers, to tackling the most stubborn Limescale, Grease, Grime, Stains, Streaks and far more across all areas, surfaces, indoors and outdoors.
Where can I find an HG stockist?
HG is widely available in store and online. It can be found in the likes of Tesco, Asda, Morrisons, B&Q, Homebase, Wickes, Ocado, Amazon, Robert Dyas, Lakeland, Amazon, Travis Perkins, as well as many fantastic independent and regional retailers across the UK.
How is HG working with Shelter?
Incredibly exciting and rewarding in equal measure, the work Shelter do and everything they stand for is inspiring, and being able to support them in that work and help to spread their message is a privilege and an honour. The people at Shelter are also fantastic and a pleasure to work with. HG seeks to make a real and positive difference in the world, and this is another great way we can do that through this amazing partnership.
What’s the story behind HG?
The letters HG are derived from the name of a Swedish businessman, Håkan Gip, who in the early 1960s commissioned the University of Stockholm to develop unique high-quality cleaning products. Since then, HG has expanded over many years to become a leading international brand in the cleaning industry, known for its innovative and effective solutions. HG products are developed using advanced technology and rigorous testing to ensure superior performance. With a commitment to excellence and sustainability, HG continues to provide trusted cleaning solutions that make chores easier and homes cleaner worldwide.
Where can I find out more about HG products?
There is a lot of information on HG products, the full range, as well as useful cleaning hints and tips on our website www.hg.eu/uk. On the website you can also contact us directly and you are able to subscribe to our newsletter and automatically have a chance to win a great HG package worth around £70. Every month we raffle 3 HG packages! You can also find us on Facebook and Instagram (@hg.uk).
