Keep bedrooms mould-free this winter with free hack — no dehumidifier or open windows

Keep bedrooms mould-free this winter with free hack — no dehumidifier or open windows As temperatures drop and condensation becomes more common, an interiors expert shares a no-cost tip to help with bedroom mould prevention With temperatures having dropped and condensation becoming more common, the risk of mould is now heightened. Rising moisture levels indoors can result in patches of mould emerging on ceilings and walls, though it may not always be immediately clear that this is happening. The typical household generates a lot of moisture throughout the week through routine activities, including cooking, showering and even breathing. When this moisture isn't properly ventilated, it can settle on cooler surfaces and create the perfect environment for mould to thrive. One spot that homeowners frequently neglect is the area behind their headboard, where limited airflow can permit moisture to build without detection. Suzanne Hayes, interiors expert at Headboards & Interiors, suggests that shifting your bed slightly away from the wall is a straightforward tip that could help minimise the risk of mould developing this winter. While placing a bed directly against the wall might seem to be the most effective way to maximise bedroom space, she warned that it can be troublesome during the colder months, particularly in rooms with external walls. Suzanne said: "Most people naturally push their beds right up against the wall because it looks neater and gives them more floor space. But during winter, it's important to leave a little breathing room behind the headboard. "External walls are colder than internal ones, and when warm, moisture-filled air meets a cold surface, condensation can form. If a large headboard is pressed tightly against that wall, there's very little room for air to circulate, so any dampness can take longer to dry." Ensure our latest mould headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings How to stop mould in your bedroom Fortunately, householders don't need to splash out on costly products to boost airflow behind their furniture. The specialists suggest simply keeping a gap of approximately 7.5cm to 10cm between furniture and external walls to help minimise condensation. Suzanne says this simple adjustment can help protect both bedroom walls and furniture pieces. She explained: "It won't cost you anything, and you're giving air a better chance to move around behind the furniture instead of leaving that space completely closed off. "Fabric can be difficult to clean properly once mould has developed, and you don't want dampness sitting against the back of your furniture for weeks without anyone noticing." But it's crucial to understand that repositioning furniture is a preventative step rather than a cure. So if a wall is already showing signs of damp or mould has begun to appear, the underlying moisture issue will still require attention. How to know if you have mould Since headboards typically cover a large portion of wall space, early warning signs of damp can remain hidden for a long time - particularly in bedrooms, where bulky furniture is rarely moved. Suzanne advises inspecting behind the bed on a regular basis throughout the winter months rather than leaving it until the yearly spring clean. She said: "If your bedroom has a slightly musty smell that doesn't seem to disappear after cleaning, have a look behind the headboard. "Check for dark spots on the wall, peeling wallpaper or any patches that feel damp. You should also look at the back of the headboard itself, especially if it's upholstered."