If you have ever had mould in your home you know how much it can play on your mind and how unpleasant it can be.

Here is a guide to what it is, how it can affect your health and how to deal with it.

What is mould?

Damp and mould are caused by an excess of moisture.

Moisture in building can be caused by leaking pipes, rising damp is basements or ground floors, or rain seeping in because of a damaged roof or around window frames.

In new homes, damp can occur if the water used when the house was built is still drying out.

An excess of moisture indoors can also be caused by condensation. This happens when the air indoors cannot hold any more moisture.

Damp air can be caused by cooking, showering, drying clothes indoors and a lack of air circulation, i.e. Not letting any fresh air into the area.

This then causes droplets to form on indoor surfaces such as windowsills and on walls. This usually gets worse when the weather is very cold and wet.

What effects can mould have?

Mould can have a deep impact on your health, making you more likely to develop respiratory problems, respiratory infections, allergies and asthma.

Damp and mould can also affect your immune system, weakening it and making you more likely to pick up an infection if there is one around.

Mould produces allergens, irritants and sometimes toxic substances. Inhaling or touching mould spores can cause an allergic reaction, such as sneezing, a runny nose, red eyes and skin rash. Mould can also cause asthma attacks.

Those most likely to be affected by damp and mould are:

  • Babies
  • Children
  • Elderly people
  • Those with existing skin problems, such as eczema
  • Those with respiratory problems, such as allergies and asthma
  • Those with a weakened immune system

How can I prevent mould forming?

The NHS Choices website says these are the best way to prevent a build-up of condensation:

  • Putting lids on saucepans, drying washing outside and avoiding using paraffin or bottled gas heaters
  • Opening the bedroom window for 15 minutes each morning
  • Making sure your home is well insulated
  • Heating your home a little more
  • Ventilating rooms regularly and leaving doors open to allow air to circulate, unless you're cooking or showering
  • If you're cooking, showering or bathing – opening the window, putting the fan on and closing the door of the room you're in

How can I get rid of mould?

Do not try to remove mould if it is caused by sewage or other contaminated water.

Only remove mould yourself if it's caused by condensation and covers an area less than one metre squared (1x1 metre or 3x3 feet).

Protect yourself from mould spores by wearing goggles, rubber gloves and a face mask. To prevent spores spreading to other areas of the house, keep doors closed but windows open.

Any items such as clothing or toys that are mouldy need to be professionally dry-cleaned or thrown away.

Fill a bucket with water and some mild detergent such as washing-up liquid or soap.

Use a rag and carefully wipe the mould off the wall. If you accidentally brush it this can release mould spores so make sure you wipe it completely.

When it’s gone dry it with a clean rag to remove excess moisture from the wall.

Once finished throw the rags away completely.

If you see any reappearing just keep washing down the walls and continue making sure the room is fully ventilated.

You could also buy a dehumidifier to get rid of moisture and improve the ventilation of the room.

If you're not able to remove mould yourself, you'll need to get a professional in.