In England alone, as many as two million people are living with significant damp and/or mould, according to The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
The problem often lies in penetrating or rising damp, which are both structural issues in a building.
But a more easily-modifiable reason your house might see more spores is condensation and poor ventilation, which Helen O’Connor, a product manager at 247 Blinds, said can be managed by “burping” your home.
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What is “burping” your home?
It’s a little like German stoßlüften, or “shock ventilation”. It airs your entire home at once, helping to improve airflow and wick away excess moisture.
To do it, you need to open as many of your windows as possible for 10 minutes at a time.
“Burping your home encourages the circulation of fresh air and prevents condensation – which in turn prevents the growth of mould,” O’Connor explained.
“Mould thrives in areas with high moisture and humidity paired with low air circulation – and will grow quickly in places where water is present or air is stagnant.”
Victoria Robinson, interior expert at Hillarys, said there’s a big misconception that windows need to be left slightly open all day to ‘burp’ your home. She added: “In many cases, a short burst of ventilation can be far more effective.
“Opening windows wide for five to 10 minutes creates a rapid exchange of humid indoor air without allowing walls, floors and furniture to cool significantly. It’s particularly effective after showering, cooking or drying laundry indoors.”
She recommended opening windows on opposite sides of the home where possible to create cross-ventilation and maximise the air change.
Mould might be more common in autumn
Mould and damp most often occur due to condensation, which takes place when a warmer surface (your home’s walls and windows) comes into contact with a colder vapour (the air outside) – or the other way around.
Aside from increasing ventilation, “burping” your home helps to equalise the temperature, decreasing the likelihood of this happening.
And burping your home might be especially useful in autumn and spring.
“Mould often becomes more of a problem when seasons change, and homes are often not experiencing constant airflow from a heater, fan, or air conditioners,” O’Connor said.
High-humidity areas like bathrooms and kitchens are especially prone to developing mould, she added.
Consider leaving these windows open while cooking or taking a steamy shower, regardless of when you “burp” the rest of your home.
