DESPITE summer officially starting last month, the wet weather means that many of us are still struggling to keep our homes dry.
This means that stubborn mould and condensation could be clinging to your home and refusing to budge.
While it's often perceived to be harmless but annoying, mould can cause a myriad of health issues.
And it could also cost you a whopping £300 to fix if you end up with it in your home.
The issue is usually worse in humid rooms, like your bathroom, which can steam up after a hot shower.
So if there is there's any dampness in your property, you could be prone.
Luckily, one expert has revealed the common mistake you could be doing that could be making the situation worse.
Peter Clayton, from Trade Plumbing, has told how you are storing your towels could be causing bigger problems down the line.
Mould is a major concern within the home, and storing towels incorrectly plays a big part in its formation
Peter Clayton
It might sound trivial, but storing your wet or damp towels wrongly in the bathroom could exacerbate a mould problem.
Most homeowners pile their damp towels up and leave them to dry in non-ventilated areas.
But this creates constant moisture in the air, causing persistent dampness in your bathroom.
And this in turn leads to foul odours, harmful bacteria, and ultimately the development of mould.
Hung or piled wet towels scrunch together and disrupt airflow, which then prevents them from drying and puts excess moisture into the air.
Without any ventilation, Peter explains that the consistent dampness in the bathroom can result in the formation of mould
And it can cost up to £300 to get it professionally removed.
To avoid the hefty cost, Peter advises keeping towels in a ventilated area and separated out on towel rails.
This will help prevent dampness from rising and creating mould.
Peter explains: “Mould is a major concern within the home, and storing towels incorrectly plays a big part in its formation.
"Taking a couple of minutes out of your day to store them properly can result in a safer, cleaner environment, and will keep your towels in optimum condition”.
Mould is not only unsightly, but can also be a health hazard. When exposed to mould, respiratory illnesses and infections can develop, while current respiratory problems, such as Asthma, are made worse.
What is mould and how can you get rid of it?
Mould and mildew are caused when there is a high level of moisture in the air in your home.
It is something you can’t afford to ignore, as it can cause a host of health conditions, including respiratory issues and rashes.
But getting rid of it can be tricky.
How can I remove mould if it's already there?
THERE are several easy and low-cost ways to remove mould from your home.
Bleach is usually all you need if you neither own nor want to buy specialised cleaning sprays and paints.
If using bleach, mix four parts of water with one part of bleach.
You'll also need a stiff brush, a bucket of water with cloth, and another cloth for drying.
Apply your solution to the affected areas, including a few inches around the visible mould to kill any mould not yet visible.
Scrub it firmly with a strong brush.
Wait as long as possible or until the mould disappears from sight and rinse the treated areas thoroughly.
Pat dry the area and allow it to completely dry before moving any furniture or placing items in front of it.
Nicholas Donnithorne, UK Technical Services Manager, Peter Cox, who specialise in the preservation of properties, said mould-related problems can largely be resolved by addressing its key underlying cause; condensation.
Opening windows for short periods each day will stop moisture from being trapped, allowing your home to ventilate more efficiently, and help to prevent condensation.
When using showers or baths, keep a window open if possible, and extractor fans (where fitted) turned on.
Doors should be kept closed and the window open for a period after using the shower to allow excess moisture to escape.
How damp and mould can affect your health
If you have damp and mould in your home you're more likely to have respiratory problems, respiratory infections, allergies or asthma.
Damp and mould can also affect the immune system.
Babies, children, older people, those with existing skin problems, such as atopic eczema, those with respiratory problems, such as allergies and asthma, and those with a weakened immune system, such as those having chemotherapy, should all avoid mould.
Moulds produce allergens (substances that can cause an allergic reaction), irritants and, sometimes, toxic substances.
Inhaling or touching mould spores may cause an allergic reaction, such as sneezing, a runny nose, red eyes and skin rash.
Moulds can also cause asthma attacks.
If you have mould or damp it's important to find out why you have excess moisture in your home.
When you know what's causing the damp, you can make sure your home is repaired or take steps to limit the moisture in the air.
You may need to get a professional to remove mould for you, but if it's only a small amount you may be able to remove it yourself. (NHS)
Keep lids on pots and pans and extractor fans turned on while cooking.
Where possible, dry clothes outside. Alternatively dry clothes using a tumble dryer or in a closed room with the window open.
In cases where mould has already appeared, merely relying on soap and water to remove it is rarely effective in the long-term.
Instead, you should look to use a certified biocidal product, as these products usually incorporate active substances that effectively eliminate and/or prevent the growth of unwanted organisms.
Biocidal products are particularly effective because they contain active agents designed to eradicate or inhibit the growth of unwanted organisms.
If mould remains a persistent issue despite your best efforts, it may be prudent to seek assistance from professionals who can effectively address these problems.