Preventing mould – understanding causes and measures
A visitor that no one wants in their home: mould. It is unsightly, but above all it is hazardous to health and can cause or exacerbate infections and respiratory problems. If you are wondering how it develops and how you can prevent mould, then this article is just right for you. We explain the causes of mould, how to recognise mould growth and how you can prevent mould.
What is mould? 🧐
Mould is a generic term for various fungi that are part of our natural environment. The fungi colonise various surfaces as a network (mycelium) and thrive in damp environments. Mould forms fungal threads that produce microscopic spores. There are black, green, red, white and yellow moulds, among others. Moulds play an important role in the natural cycle, such as decomposing organic material. In foods such as cheese, there is noble mould, which is even considered a delicacy. In your home, however, mould can endanger your health, furnishings and building fabric.
Preventing mould: how it works 💡
What can you do about mould? Prevent mould from forming. The most important thing you can do to prevent mould is to ensure that your building is structurally sound and that you have a healthy indoor climate. The former can only be ensured during the planning and construction phases. However, you can actively influence the indoor climate. This includes, among other things, an optimal relative humidity of 40 to 60 percent, proper heating and proper ventilation. We explain exactly what you need to bear in mind in more detail here.
1. Use a dehumidifier
A dehumidifier reduces the moisture in the air and thus ensures ideal relative humidity. All Stadler Form dehumidifiers are equipped with a hygrostat that automatically switches off the device as soon as the desired humidity is reached. If the humidity rises above the set value again, the dehumidifier switches back on automatically.
2. Ventilate properly
The magic word is "shock ventilation". Ventilate properly several times (2–4 times) a day for 5–10 minutes throughout the year – don’t just tilt the windows. This ensures good air circulation. In summer, draughts should be created in the morning and evening if possible. The greater the difference between the room temperature and the outside temperature, the shorter the ventilation time. This means that in autumn and winter, the number of times you ventilate should be increased, but the duration should be reduced slightly. Incidentally, permanently tilted windows can promote mould growth on the facade. This usually occurs above the window, where warm air constantly meets the cold outer wall and condenses.
3. Heating correctly
It gets colder in autumn. Some people love it, others less so. It is important that the room temperature is not too low. As a rule of thumb, it should not be below 18 °C. See also the table "Ideal values for different rooms". It is also important that the radiator is not covered and that the heated air can circulate in the room, but also between walls and furniture. You can find out more about how to prevent mould by heating correctly here.
4. Close doors
If there are significant temperature differences between rooms, you should keep the doors closed. This will save on heating costs and prevent warm air from flowing into cooler rooms, where it condenses and promotes mould growth.
5. Use a hygrometer
Place a hygrometer in each room to monitor the temperature and relative humidity. The ideal value is 40 to 60 per cent at 20–23 °C. The recommendation depends on the room. Here you will find an overview of ideal values for each room. With regular checking, you can identify fluctuations and an increase in humidity and take appropriate measures before mould forms.
6. Furniture placement
As a general rule, there should be at least 5–10 cm between the outer wall and the furniture to allow air to circulate. Closed cupboards should not be placed directly against cold walls.
7. Reduce sources of moisture
If possible, do not dry your laundry in your flat or follow our tips on this. Air the room immediately after showering or bathing. If available, always use the extractor fan when cooking. Ensure that the moisture produced is quickly removed to the outside to prevent mould growth.
8. Water damage
Whether it’s a burst pipe, flooding or other damage of this kind, repair the damage immediately and dry the affected materials as quickly as possible. In the event of major damage, you should contact your property management company or a specialist company directly.
Important: these are tips. Following them will help, but does not guarantee that you will be able to prevent mould in every case. In many cases, the construction method is to blame for the formation of mould, or there are already mould spores in the walls. In this case, these tips will not help. If mould is already present, a specialist must always be consulted.
Formation and causes of mould 🍄
Too much moisture creates the ideal breeding ground for mould. When mould spores come into contact with damp surfaces, they can sprout unnoticed until the mould infestation becomes visible.
Condensation and water damage are not the only causes of mould. Mould spores can enter rooms from outside. However, structural defects and excessive humidity can also promote mould growth. The risk of mould increases if the relative humidity exceeds 60 per cent for a prolonged period. However, incorrectly placed furniture can also promote mould growth, such as large pieces of furniture that are too close to cold exterior walls. The furniture prevents the exterior wall from warming up and the lack of space prevents air circulation between the furniture and the wall. This creates the perfect conditions for mould growth. Unconscious everyday habits such as insufficient ventilation, excessively low room temperatures and insufficient heating also contribute to the problem, but too many plants, shower steam and cooking steam can also cause excessive moisture and thus promote the development and cause of mould.
How can I recognise mould growth? 🔍
It is important to know and recognise the early signs. This will help you minimise health risks and prevent more serious damage. Mould spores are coloured and form corresponding spots as they grow, but there are other indications too. It is important to check your home regularly for the following signs. These may be indications of mould infestation.
🍄 Musty, mouldy, rotten smell
🍄 Coloured or dark spots or stains on walls, ceilings or furnishings
🍄 Condensation on windows
🍄 Damp walls
🍄 Wavy or peeling wallpaper
🍄 Unexplained breathing difficulties or allergic reactions
A hygrometer helps you to keep an eye on the humidity. This allows you to detect when it is getting too damp and react accordingly.
Tip: regularly check behind furniture that is close to walls.
⁉️ Do you suspect mould? Then contact the property management immediately or, if you own the property, a specialist.
Help! Mould in my home 😱
If you discover or suspect mould, report it to your landlord immediately. Document the infestation with photos and describe the damage in as much detail as possible. Landlords are obliged to remove mould and its cause. They are also responsible for proving whether the mould infestation was caused by the tenant’s misconduct or whether it is due to structural defects. If nothing is done about the mould in your flat, you can consider taking legal action or – for the sake of your health – moving out. If you own your property, it is essential to consult a specialist to ensure that the mould is thoroughly treated.
Quick answers about mould in the home
Below, we provide quick answers to frequently asked questions about mould in indoor spaces.
Mould is the generic term for types of fungi that grow as a network (mycelium) on surfaces in damp environments.
With moisture, heat and an organic breeding ground (building materials, walls, furniture, textiles) or with construction defects.
Yes. It depends on the type of mould, but mould in indoor spaces is always harmful to health.
Yes, you can prevent mould by ventilating properly, heating evenly, placing furniture correctly and reducing sources of moisture.
With spots in corners, on walls or furniture. With a foul, musty odour that does not disappear with ventilation. Or with signs such as condensation on windows and cold, damp walls.
By maintaining an optimal indoor climate in a well-maintained building. Monitor the humidity in the room with a hygrometer, inspect the rooms regularly, including behind the furniture. And use a dehumidifier.
If you discover or suspect mould, report it immediately to the property management or, if you own the property, consult a specialist. Document the mould infestation with a description and photos.
Avoid mould growth: Formation and causes of mould
In this blog post, you will find out how mould develops, which factors promote its formation and, above all, how you can effectively prevent mould in your house or flat.
Products to help prevent mold
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