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Embarrassing shower habit can cause mould to lurk in your home, expert warns

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Daily habits can contribute to mould (Image: Getty Images)
Daily habits can contribute to mould (Image: Getty Images)

It’s so simple and easy to prevent excessive mould growing in parts of your house if you stop making everyday mistakes.

Mould and mildew seems to be a never-ending issue for many households and the increasingly wet British weather goes against us especially in the colder months. Recent searches for ‘how to get rid of mould’ have apparently risen by 388%, so if yours is one of the homes suffering from this unsightly problem, you’re not alone.

As well as looking awful, mould is bad for our health if left untreated. According to the NHS, it produces allergens that can cause an allergic reaction, irritants and, occasionally toxic substances. If it is inhaled or touched, the spores can result in sneezing, a runny nose, red eyes and skin rash and in severe cases, asthma attacks.

It is particularly problematic for babies and children, older people, those with existing problems such as atopic eczema or allergies and asthma. Anyone with a weakened immune system, such as chemotherapy patients, need to stay away from damp and mould.

It is caused by excess moisture in the home and poor ventilation but our everyday actions can also contribute to the problem. One expert points to one particularly lazy habit that adds to the levels of mould in the home and can easily be stopped.

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If you or any members of your family are guilty of leaving towels on the floor of the bathroom, it’s time to shape up and pick up. Matthew Jenkins, Heating Expert at MyJobQuote says, "Everyday habits play a significant role in the prevalence of mould in our homes.

Embarrassing shower habit can cause mould to lurk in your home, expert warnsWet towels left on the floor can breed mould (Getty Images)

"A combination of neglecting proper ventilation and careless daily habits can fuel mould growth. It’s crucial for homeowners to 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. "

Wet towels left on the floor of an already moisture-filled bathroom can be a breeding ground for mould because it thrives on things with little or no circulation or light, like a heap of towels, which becomes the perfect place for colonies to grow. Matthew says that depending on how damp your bathroom is, your towel could start mildewing in as little as 12 hours.

To prevent this, you can simply hang your towels on a rail which will significantly reduce the speed of growth. You need to be careful when it comes to washing them as well though if you don’t want it to spread to other clothes and parts of your home. To stop this, ensure the towels are dry before putting them in the wash bin.

"Ultimately, understanding how our daily actions impact indoor moisture levels is key to creating a healthier and mould free living environment," Matthew says.

Are you guilty of leaving towels in a heap on the floor? Let us know in the comments below.

Beth Hardie

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