As peak mold season approaches in homes, Brits are being warned that the common painting mistakes they make can actually make mold worse.
Homebase's DIY experts have warned Brits about using anti-mildew paint correctly and shared some tips on the best way to deal with the problem itself.
For home and garden enthusiasts, “anti-mold paints can be a great solution, whether it's a chemical that directly prevents mold or a formulation that insulates the walls, making them less hospitable to mold.” I commented.
Jimmy Engrusos, product manager and all-around DIY professional at Ronseal, added: “It is a common mistake to use anti-mildew paint and then apply colorful paint over it.
“For an anti-mildew paint to work properly, it needs to be a top coat with a biocide that protects the wall surface.
“When you paint over it, you’re putting paint on top of a protective barrier and giving mold a surface on which to live.
“Another common mistake is to allow condensation to form within the first 24 hours while the paint sets. If you paint in the bathroom and take a shower immediately afterwards, any moisture in the room will affect the finish. , which in turn affects the effectiveness of biocides.”
Homebase also noted that lack of ventilation when drying clothes or cooking indoors, as well as moisture and humidity, especially in bathrooms and kitchens, can worsen mold.
This warning comes after a survey of 2,000 people conducted by Homebase revealed that a whopping 85% of people have encountered mold in their home.
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In response to the survey, Homebase has created a new heatmap of key home hotspots that you should check for mold.
How to deal with mold problems
According to Homebase, it's important to safely remove mold.
Here are five important steps to follow.
1. Address the moisture issue first, as moisture can be the culprit.
2. Next, wipe the walls and surfaces with disinfectant and leave for 24 hours to remove mold.
3. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
4. While cleaning, mold spores can travel through the air, so wear protective equipment such as rubber gloves and a face mask.
5. Use anti-mildew paint as a top coat and reapply regularly to prevent mold.
