How to Prevent Bedroom Mould

We would all agree that mould is not only an eye-sore that comes with a musty, pungent smell, but it also has the power to slowly yet surely destroy our homes. And if you have a mould allergy, you will likely suffer from symptoms such as nasal congestion and watery eyes. But mould can cause health issues even if you are not allergic to it - if you wake up tired, need to get up often at night, or have difficulties falling asleep, the problem could be mould in your bedroom.

When it comes to a fungus such as mould; prevention is key. Here’s our ultimate checklist on how to prevent bedroom mould...

What is Mould?

First things first, what exactly is mould? Mould is a type of fungus made up of small organisms. It can be found almost everywhere, in outdoor or indoor environments and at any time of year. As long as it has a humid, warm environment, mould will thrive. 

There are different types of moulds, but the ones you are most likely to encounter at home are Cladosporium, Penicillium, Aspergillus, Alternaria, and Stachybotrys.

These nasty fungi can vary in appearance with differing levels of toxicity. Some (like Aspergillus) can produce mycotoxins that can be harmful to both humans and pets. Others (such as Alternaria) contain spores that, when inhaled, are responsible for the typical symptoms that interfere with sleep, such as itchy eyes, runny nose and constipation.

Where in your Home can Mould Grow?

Because of their high moisture content, bathrooms are the most likely room in a house for moulds to thrive. But moulds can grow anywhere – even in your bedroom. Here are the household hotspots;

• Showers
• Bathtubs
• Under sinks
• Carpet
• Wallpaper
• Furniture
• Cupboards
• Mattress and bedding
• Moist clothing

Signs of Mould in your Bedroom

With this in mind, what are the most telling signs of mould in your bedroom?

• You can actually see mould growing (black, grey, white, or brown spots)
• A musty, damp smell is present
• You've had recent flooding or water damage

If you have allergy symptoms or smell mould but cannot see it, look for it in hard-to-reach areas, such as on or under your carpet, floor or ceiling, in air ducts, behind furniture, in the walls, around windowsills, on all upholstered furniture or on your mattress.

Since mould can develop in areas that you can’t see, it’s crucial to maintain mould prevention practices in your entire home.

Common Causes of Bedroom Mould

Unlike the kitchen and bathroom - where constant humidity from steam is one of the main causes of mould, bedroom mould can be due to condensation. And if you are curious as to what else mould prefers, you should know that mould loves high humidity levels and poorly ventilated areas. Don’t forget to throw open those bedroom windows!

Creating a Mould-Resistant Bedroom

Mould is damaging to your health and home and evidently should be avoided at all costs. The most effective way to avoid mould growth in your bedroom is prevention. Follow these tips to keep your home mould-free:

• Whenever water enters your bedroom, clean and dry the area immediately;
• Vacuum your carpet regularly to remove spores;
• If you live in an area with high humidity or excessive moisture, run your fans regularly or use a dehumidifier to keep the indoor air dry;
• Keep your bedroom door open to improve air quality and air circulation - proper ventilation is key;
• If your bedroom is directly connected to a bathroom, open the window to let in fresh air or let the extractor fan run for about half an hour after the shower;
• Keep your bathroom clean and pay particular attention to the corners of your shower, under your sink and shower curtain or door;
• Your bedroom wardrobe can also be a hazard to mould, as some clothes, such as coats and jackets, can bring in mould spores from the outside;
• Ensure all clean clothes are completely dry after washing and do not fold them or put them away until they are. If you are storing clothing for the winter, make sure it is dry before sealing it in a box that can capture any moisture;
• Place the bedroom furniture away from the walls to allow airflow and prevent mould growth;
• Wipe all furniture regularly to remove dust;
• If you have plants in your bedroom, check them regularly for mould, especially the soil. Repot the plant with new soil and get rid of the old soil. To avoid mould, add antifungals to the new soil;
• Make sure that your windows, roof, and floor are properly insulated and check them regularly. This will minimise condensation and prevent mould spores from entering your house;
• Keep your house warm during colder months to avoid the formation of moisture or condensation on walls and windows;
• If your bedroom is on the ground floor do not use carpets. Instead, use area carpets that you can clean regularly;
• Check the outside areas regularly to ensure that no water can enter your house from the outside;
• When you repaint your bedroom, add mould inhibitor to the paint or buy anti-mould paint.

Hygiene Benefits of Memory Foam

Did you know that memory foam mattresses are one of the most hygienic mattresses on the market? ​ Whilst no mattress can claim to be entirely free from microorganisms, memory foam mattresses are inherently antimicrobial and are your best bet for a mould-free mattress. Memory foam is much more likely to inhibit the growth of mould, fungus and other nasty stuff, which would make your mattress generally unpleasant to sleep on. With that said, it’s still a good idea to clean a memory foam mattress every so often.