Expert says common 'cleaning' method to tackle mould makes it worse

thrives in the cold, damp areas of your , a common plight during winter months when ventilation is low.

Neglecting mould can lead to serious respiratory problems and other hazards over time.

Homebase research has exposed that a staggering 85 per cent out of 2,000 people surveyed have battled with mould in their bedrooms.

Whilst attempting to clean it seems like the solution, an expert warns this might exacerbate the issue.

guru Jimmy Englesoz has voiced concerns over a typical blunder made in the fight against mould.

Speaking to , Jimmy explained: "It's a common mistake for people to use anti-mould paint and then paint over [it] with a colourful paint."

Think twice before making such a move. The DIY whizz further clarified: "Anti-mould paint needs to be your topcoat with the biocide protecting the surface of your walls to work correctly. If you paint over it, you're painting over the protective barrier and giving mould a surface it can live on."

The dangers of mould are not to be ignored as it can unleash

Contact or inhalation of mould spores might trigger allergic reactions including sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rashes, as well as provoke asthma attacks, reports .

Jimmy didn't just pinpoint the problem; he also provided a simple four-step guide to effectively utilise anti-mould paint for those grappling with this pesky fungus.

Four steps to get rid of household mould:

Treat any damp issues first, as this can be a driving factor for the development of mould.

Then, remove any visible mould by wiping down walls and surfaces with a fungicidal wash, which can be left for 24 hours on the affected and surrounding areas.

Thoroughly rinse the mould patch with clean water.

Use anti-mould paint as a topcoat and reapply periodically to keep mould away.

Ensure you're equipped with protective gear, donning rubber gloves and face masks before tackling the task.

Be aware of the risk posed by air-drying laundry indoors, as this can promote mould growth in areas without proper

Laundry gurus at warn: "Keeping moisture-filled laundry in your living spaces doesn't just encourage mould and dampness, it can also lead to respiratory issues, and wet laundry can be a bit smelly too. The bedroom is one of the rooms you spend the most time in."

They caution: "Given the fact that wet laundry encourages mould growth, dampness and potential health issues it would be better to keep it out of a room you spend a lot of time in."

They highlight the issue with bedrooms lacking sufficient ventilation; many are without extractor fans, and during colder months, windows are often kept shut, exacerbating the problem.

In The Wash experts conclude: "Drying laundry in such an ill-equipped environment could enhance higher chances of getting a mould infestation. In turn, this could lead to more serious health complications for the bedroom user, damp could give rise to several structural problems in the bedroom, and said problems could be costly to put right."