Keeping a constant warmth helps to prevent sudden surges of mould growth. A steady average, but lower temperature, is probably better than having cold and hot spots around the home, or than having a few hours a day only when the place is well heated. If you are exceptionally sensitive to moulds, and obliged to take extreme care, there are many things you can do to eliminate moulds from your environment. Even if this applies to you, no-one would expect you to do all of the things suggested below all of the time. They are things you might try that can be helpful. Pick and choose what seems relevant to you and do what you feel you can. These more intensive measures cover:
• Damp control
• Kitchens, bathrooms, laundry and clothes
• Plants and gardens
• Paper and books
• Antibiotics
Damp control
Keep your home as warm and dry as you can afford. The threshold for most mould growth on the organic materials on which they feed is a relative humidity (RH) of 65 per cent. As a guide, keeping the temperature indoors a steady 5°C (10°F) above the outdoor temperature should achieve this.
If you are seriously affected by moulds, your target should be to keep your environment, or at least one or two rooms where you spend most of your time at home, at between 50 per cent and 65 per cent RH. In most summers in the UK, the heat of the sun should be sufficient; heating will be required in the winter. If your house has penetrating damp, however, or is in a damp location, you will need to keep a temperature difference of more than 5°C (10°F) between indoors and outdoors, to achieve the maximum 65 per cent RH level, and may need to heat more. Use a humidity meter (from garden centres, DIY shops or jewellers) and a thermometer to guide you.
Use insulation, such as roof lining, double glazing and lined curtains, as far as you can to conserve energy and warmth. Do not cut out draughts altogether; keeping your home ventilated and aired also helps to keep down damp.
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