One simple habit to prevent mould in your home – it only takes 20 minutes

As the winter chill firmly takes hold, the temptation to keep windows tightly shut grows.

However, a closed-up home increases the risk of unwelcome mould due to reduced air flow and trapped humidity from daily activities such as showering.

Mould isn't just a nuisance. It poses serious health risks and could even damage the structure of your property.

Tackling this issue head-on is crucial and fortunately, a remarkably simple solution can be woven into your morning ritual.

To cut down on humidity and stave off mould, experts at MeandMyGlass.co.uk recommend a quick burst of heating each day.

They said: "Putting the heating on for around 20 minutes in the morning can help control the humidity in the room. Open the windows first to get a healthy airflow going, then put the heating on to stop the windows from steaming up."

A quick burst of heating each day might keep the mould away (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

In the colder months, the exterior air is cooler than that inside your home, leading to window condensation that can foster mould.

John Cutts, glass expert from MeandMyGlass.co.uk, said: "It's common for people to find their windows have steamed up overnight which often results in a damp windowsill.

"While condensation may not seem like an issue, it can become a serious problem once mould growth starts to happen which can easily spread across the room."

He recommends "taking time in the morning to wipe condensation off windows, opening them up to allow for more ventilation and sealing any window cracks which could be making the issue worse".

Should you notice excessive condensation, he advises wiping it down with paper towels or getting plants such as orchids, which help reduce moisture levels, reports the Mirror.

The health implications of mould owing to condensation and related humidity can be grave.

If unchecked, mould can affect the immune system, elevate the risk of respiratory issues and asthma, and trigger allergic reactions.

Particularly vulnerable groups include infants, the elderly, individuals with pre-existing lung conditions or atopic eczema, and those with compromised immune systems, as stated by the NHS.