Experts reveal how long you should keep your windows open to stop mould
We all love a warm home, but doing this is important to prevent an unpleasant surprise
![small windows in bathroom](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/vzVJGMQGxMMUDg7pXaXerV-415-80.jpg)
If damp and condensation have been causing you issues this week experts have revealed the exact amount of time you need to keep your windows open to stop mould.
With the cold weather among us, many of us know all too well to expect condensation high and rife in our homes. While condensation itself isn't all that bad, its effects if left alone are. If you're here, then chances are you're trying to figure out ways to get rid of damp to stop mould. Oftentimes, a solution lies in opening windows, but the question is how much or how little?
Does opening windows stop mould?
The short answer? Yes. 'Ventilation is key to preventing mould growth,' says Jordan Chance, product manager at PlumbNation. 'Make sure to leave bathroom windows open for at least 10 minutes after showering and bathing in order to clear excess moisture from the atmosphere.' It also helps to turn on your bathroom extractor fan.
But this practice extends just the bathroom. Lily Cameron, cleaning supervisor at Fantastic Service recommends ventilating your entire home for a minimum of 30 minutes daily by opening the windows.
'However, cross ventilation is necessary, so interior doors should also be opened along with the windows. Doing this lets excess moisture exit outside instead of settling on the walls, floors, and ceiling,' she adds.
Along with increasing ventilation, some may even opt to pick up the best dehumidifier or the best plant to prevent mould in bathrooms. Many have even tried a viral TikTok hacks to stop condensation on windows that uses a bowl of salt.
Although keeping windows open can help prevent mould, it is just one way out of many to try. In a twist, Lily Cameron at Fantastic Service advises us to keep doors closed when doing certain things like showering or cooking, waiting until afterwards to crack the windows open.
Get the Ideal Home Newsletter
Sign up to our newsletter for style and decor inspiration, house makeovers, project advice and more.
Overall, the best course of action you can take to stop mould is to be proactive at controlling moisture inside your home.
When you wake up in the morning, wipe down your windows (either with a cloth or a window vacuum), and try to avoid air-drying clothes inside unless accompanied by a dehumidifier or using a heated clothes airer.
So go on, open that window you've been meaning to get to.
Jullia Joson is a Junior Writer at Ideal Home. She's always loved all things homes and interiors, graduating with a bachelor's degree in Architectural Studies from the University of Nottingham where her love for journalism blossomed following her internship at ArchDaily. Now focused on home tech, Jullia works on writing features and explainers to help people make the most of their home appliance investments. When she isn't writing, she loves exploring the city, coffee shop hopping, and losing hours to a cosy game.
-
11 sensory garden plants to add to your outdoor space to engage all your senses
Find out how to engage all five senses with these great picks
By Ellis Cochrane
-
Dyson V12 vs Dyson V15 – which bestselling cordless vacuum is the best investment for your home?
We take a look into the key similarities and differences of these popular models
By Jullia Joson
-
10 garden plant pests you shouldn't ignore – how to spot and deal with them before it's too late
Your guide to identifying and dealing with these sly critters
By Sophie King