Say goodbye to mold: 10 effective tips against mold infestation

How to avoid mold in your living spaces

Mold creeps quietly and secretly into many German households, in an estimated 20% of them. This problem is particularly prevalent in the colder months when temperatures drop and the heating is turned up. The discovery of mold indoors often triggers a wave of panic. This is completely understandable, as mold is not only unattractive to look at, but also has a reputation for having serious health consequences. A healthy living environment should be free of such worries. In the following sections, we will take a closer look at why mold is a widespread problem, what causes it and, above all, how it can be effectively prevented.

How does mold form?

Even in well-maintained homes, moisture is constantly being produced. In households with several people, everyday activities such as cooking, showering or drying laundry result in the daily production of over ten liters of moisture. This moisture is absorbed by the warm indoor air. When it meets cold surfaces, preferably on external walls, the humidity condenses and damp areas form. These provide a breeding ground for mold, which can colonize and multiply here. Although molds are harmless and natural components of the environment, they can cause health problems indoors if their concentration exceeds a certain level.

Immowelt conducted a representative study in 2016 and asked 1,000 Germans whether their household was affected by mold and, if so, in which rooms it was found.

10 most common causes of mold growth

• Ignorance of air humidity
• Observe exterior walls (temperature on the surfaces of the interior wall is lower than the rest of the air temperature > air cools directly in front of the wall)
• Incorrect ventilation (see “10 rules for correct heating and ventilation” in the next paragraph)
• Saving at the wrong end (no ventilation system is available)
• Thermal bridges (= places/components in the house that conduct heat to the outside more quickly. As a result, the location/component cools down faster > is cooler than the surroundings)
• New windows in the old building (previously existing circulation of moisture is no longer present, water vapor forms and condenses)
• Improper internal insulation (possible faults: damp air flow behind the internal insulation/ condensation inside the building component due to vapor diffusion)
• Drying phase not yet over (new buildings/conversions must dry for up to six years > ventilation helps to prevent mold growth)
• Silicone does not last forever (nutrient basis + sealing properties deteriorate, allowing water to penetrate the wall structure > damage to the substance occurs and risk of mold increases)
• Leaks in the pipe network (dampness in the walls, damp room climate > relative humidity = mold growth)

Which rooms are mainly affected?

This infestation is particularly common in bathrooms, and for good reason. Bathrooms offer ideal conditions for mold growth as they are often damp and poorly ventilated. Indoor bathrooms in particular, i.e. without window ventilation, are predestined for mold growth. The high humidity after showering or bathing also creates the perfect environment for mold spores to multiply. In addition, leaking pipes or leaky shower cubicles can allow moisture to accumulate, which exacerbates the problem.

But don’t worry, we won’t leave you in the dark about it in this article, and provide you with ten tips that will help you master proper heating and ventilation as the key to preventing mold growth:

Preventive measures: 10 rules for correct heating and ventilation

To prevent this from happening in the first place, here are 10 golden rules for a healthy indoor climate:

• Heat all rooms sufficiently: At least 16 °C, even in less used rooms.
• The inside of external walls should not fall below 17 °C: This rule should be observed even when you are away.
• Furniture distance to the walls: At least 5 cm for better air circulation.
• Free heat emission from radiators: No coverings or long curtains to avoid obstructing the heat emission.
• Keep doors to less heated rooms closed: Prevents moisture exchange.
• Avoid continuous ventilation: Costs unnecessary energy.
• Regular shock ventilation: three times a day for 5-10 minutes to replace stale air.
• More frequent shock ventilation in new buildings: Particularly important with good thermal insulation.
• Adaptation for intensive use: More ventilation for many residents, plants or animals.
• Targeted ventilation in the event of moisture peaks: Especially when cooking or showering.

But what should you do if mold does appear in your home?

If mold infestation occurs despite all preventive measures, tenants and owners should act quickly to effectively solve the problem and prevent further damage. First of all, it is important to report the mold infestation immediately, whether to the landlord or the property management company. Tenants should inform their landlords in writing about the infestation and ask for a quick solution, while owners should take the necessary steps to remove the mold.

It is also important to identify and eliminate the cause of the mold infestation. As already mentioned, the problem is often due to inadequate ventilation, leaking pipes or structural defects. Tenants and owners should therefore ensure that the affected room is sufficiently ventilated and that possible sources of moisture such as leaks or leaks are repaired.

Depending on the extent of the mold infestation, it may also be necessary to seek professional help. Specialized companies can effectively remove the mould and ensure that it does not return. Tenants should discuss this with their landlord, while owners can hire the appropriate specialists.

Finally, it is important to take preventative measures to avoid future mold problems. These include regular ventilation, the use of dehumidifiers in particularly damp rooms and rectifying moisture problems immediately. By taking proactive action, tenants and owners can ensure a healthy indoor climate in their apartments or houses in the long term.