As the nights draw in, many are looking forward to cosy evenings, duvets and a hot cuppa.
But winter also brings less welcome guests, like steamed-up windows, musty smells and the creeping risk of black mould.
Luckily, a surprisingly simple trick could help keep damp and condensation at bay and it’s being dubbed the “house burping” method.
The hack comes from the German practice of “shock ventilation”, which involves giving your home a short, sharp blast of fresh air.
Rather than slowly leaking heat through a window left ajar all day, this technique refreshes stuffy rooms in minutes without making the house cold.
How does it work?
The method works by opening multiple windows at once, ideally on opposite sides of the property, and leaving them wide open for five to ten minutes.
Interior doors should be opened too, creating a strong draught that pushes out stale, moisture-heavy air.
Doing this once or twice a day can prevent condensation building on windows, reduce musty odours and stop black mould from taking hold in the first place.
Targeting the right rooms and times makes it even more effective.
Bedrooms build up a surprising amount of moisture overnight, so “burping” in the morning can make a big difference.
Bathrooms and kitchens should also be flushed with fresh air after showers, baths or cooking sessions, while living rooms may need a blast after drying laundry indoors.
Habits to keep out condensation
Experts warn that wet washing hung around radiators is one of the biggest causes of excess moisture, so a heated airer or dehumidifier can help speed things up and keep rooms drier.
Extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms are also key.
Grease and dust can clog them up, so regular cleaning is essential to stop them losing power.
A window vacuum can also help remove water before it seeps into frames and walls.
Sunlight is another natural defence.
Pulling back curtains during the day lets warmth in and can reduce humidity around windows, while airing bedding in the morning prevents trapped moisture from lingering under covers.
Spotting the early warning signs is crucial too.
Condensation on panes, peeling wallpaper or damp smells are signals that mould could be forming.
The Sun also reported earlier this month on the top the seven ways to tackle mould this winter.
By combining these habits with the daily “burp”, households can stay warm and cosy through the colder months, without damp, condensation or mould getting a foothold.
What is mould and how to get rid of it?
Mould is more likely to grow during the winter months.
Olivia Young, Product Development Scientist at Astonish revealed exactly why this is.
“Unfortunately, mould is a common problem many people face during winter. It thrives in conditions that are warm and damp, so your bathrooms are likely to be the most affected place.
“That said, during the colder months most rooms in your home could be vulnerable to mould growing.
“This occurs primarily from condensation that builds up on your windows when you’ve got your radiators on.
“If you think about it, when windows and doors are closed, there’s not much chance for the air to circulate and the moisture to make a swift exit.
“This build up is what can cause dreaded mould to make an appearance, especially in bathrooms, as it creates that warm and wet environment that is a breeding ground for mould.
“If left untreated, not only is it unsightly but it can also pose a serious risk to your health, so it’s really important you treat it.
“The key to tackle mould is to act fast.
“Try to come into as little contact with it as you can. So, grab your gloves, tie up your hair and get to work to remove any signs of mould as soon as you notice them.
“To keep mould at bay, there are some simple solutions you can introduce throughout home.
“The first is keep it ventilated. Yes, even in the cold winter months try to leave your bathroom window open for at least 10/15 minutes post shower or bath. This will get rid of any excess moisture quickly preventing mould gathering.
“If you’re having a repeat problem with mould in one particular area, it might be because the humidity levels are too high. You can get a dehumidifier that will help keep the levels low and reduce the risk of mould returning.
“The golden rule to remember when dealing with mould is the quicker you can treat it, the better. If you leave it, it will only get worse so never ignore it!
“To successfully get rid of mould every time, I recommend opting for the UK’s No 1 Mould & Mildew Remover, that effectively removes mould and mildew stains almost instantly, with no scrubbing necessary.”
