FEATURE: CLEANING & LAUNDRY
BIG RETAIL NAMES SUPPORT HG AND SHELTER TO HELP THOSE LIVING WITH MOULD
Amazon, Wickes and Travis Perkins are amongst the names of the retailers and hardware giants supporting HG and Shelter on their mission to help and support people living in unsafe conditions due to damp and mould. HG, the leading expert in effective cleaning products, is collaborating with housing and homelessness charity, Shelter [and Shelter Scotland], to ensure those living in unsafe conditions have a place to turn for trusted expert advice on damp and mould.
HOW TO PREVENT AND REMOVE MOULD FROM THE HOME THIS WINTER
Mould thrives in winter due to colder temperatures and increased indoor humidity, which together create an ideal condition for its growth. With this in mind, Helen Meigh, Buyer for Internal Paint at B&Q has compiled her top tips for keeping mould out of your home this winter, as well as how you can remove it if detected.
E
stimates released by the UK Government suggest that the number of homes in England with damp and mould ranges
from 4% to 27% of homes, or 962,000 to 6.5 million households, and as temperatures begin to drop, the risk of mould growing is even higher. Maintain proper ventilation -
Ensure that you are using exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms to remove moisture and prevent condensation from accumulating, especially when cooking or bathing. It is also important to check the vents of the fans and clear out any dust that may be preventing them from performing at their best. Allow fresh air to circulate - Even in winter, it is good to open windows for short periods throughout the day to allow fresh air to circulate. This can help with reducing humidity indoors, which may cause condensation to build up. Similarly, keeping your
14 DIY WEEK NOVEMBER 2023
curtains open all day prevents moisture from getting trapped around windows. Use mould-resistant materials - Using mould-resistant materials in your home is a great way to keep your home mould-free. Anti-mould paint is a great option in areas prone to dampness and condensation, offering long-lasting protection against mildew, mould and fungal attacks.
How to remove mould from walls - If you find yourself in an unfortunate situation where you detect mould, remember that mould does not just look unsightly, it can cause health problems including respiratory issues, infections and allergies, as well as causing damage to your home - so it is important that you do not hesitate to properly treat the issue. Mould sprays - There are several
different mould sprays available that are specifically designed to help with the removal of mould from surfaces. When using these products, always
In a campaign called ‘Together for safer and healthier homes’, HG will give 5% of sales of its mould spray from signed up HG retailers to Shelter until mid of May 2024 and promote their shared expert knowledge on damp and mould with the charity and its communities. This will finance the creation of new digital tools on Shelter’s website that could help 150,000 people get the advice and guidance on damp and mould they need. With 11.8 million people suffering from significant damp, mould and condensation in the UK and 51% of private renters living with it in their home, damp and mould accelerates in the winter months, despite it being a year round issue.
The collaborative duo believe too many people are living in unsafe conditions that risk their health and want to help those who may be struggling to access guidance. Talking about this collaboration, Gina Slade, UK Sales Manager at HG, says: “With so many households suffering from mould and the health dangers that creates, we wanted to collaborate with a charity at the heart of the issue to really make a difference and support those in need of our advice and solutions. “We have been creating effective cleaning solutions and sharing our knowledge and advice on the treatment and prevention of mould for over 50 years so we are looking forward to supporting Shelter and its community to help even more people with this escalating problem. “It’s great to see our suppliers supporting our mission and we look
forward to working with them over the coming months to make a real difference to thousands this winter and beyond.” Andy Harris, Director of Income Generation at Shelter, says: “Problems with damp and mould are sadly widespread, and they are a big source of worry for a lot of people. That’s why we are pleased to be partnering with HG to develop new digital tools and content so that we can reach even more people and provide them with free and user-friendly advice.” Find the promotion online and in store across multiple UK retailers, including Amazon, Wickes and Travis Perkins or visit HG’s website for more information on the collaboration. For expert advice on damp and mould, visit Shelter England or Shelter Scotland pages depending on your territory.
follow their specific instructions and wear the correct protective equipment.” Bleach - Mix a solution of one part bleach and four parts water and using a cloth, wipe this solution across the wall, scrubbing gently until all the mould has been removed. You can then wipe the bleach away and dry the area using a separate cloth”. White vinegar - Vinegar is a natural cleaner making it the perfect cleaning solution for areas where you might not want to use harsher chemicals such as kids’ bedrooms
and kitchens. Mix up a solution of one part vinegar to one part water in a spray bottle and apply to the mouldy area, then leave it to work for an hour. You can then wipe the vinegar away using a damp cloth which should hopefully remove the mould.
As plasterboard walls are porous, mould can penetrate through the different layers so even if you clean the visible layer, the mould can remain. As a result, you may need to replace any sections of plasterboard with mould on them.
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