Damp and mold are a constant concern throughout winter. As humid air starts to accumulate inside and condensation forms on windows and poorly insulated walls, it can be a hassle checking every corner, every week, for potential mold damage.
The Germans have found a simple solution, however, with a rapid five-minute trick to help prevent mold by quickly ‘shock ventilating’ their homes. It'll save you time and money, while keeping your home fresh.
We asked mold professionals for their thoughts on the Stoluften technique to learn more on how to keep your home mold free.
The Stoluften shock ventilation technique that busts mold
Opening windows in winter to prevent mold is nothing new. What is interesting about the Stoluften technique is the way they open windows.
The term translates to ‘shock ventilation’, and entails opening every window in your home at the same time for five minutes, twice a day.
KJ Raja, mold remediation expert and owner of Texas Water Doctor explains, ‘When we lift the windows for a short time, the excessive indoor moisture from cooking, showering and even breathing can be expelled. This eliminates the factors required by mold to grow (high humidity).
'Shock ventilation enables quick and proper air exchange (an essential in winter) that quickly lowers humidity, using external air rather than something like a dehumidifier. The small time frame results in less heat loss, thus ensuring indoor temperatures are more stable while improving ventilation.’
Micahel Bogoyavlenskiy, cleaning expert and CEO of Cleaning Express adds, ‘The concept of Stossluften is something I’ve practiced in my own home for many years and I believe it makes a massive difference to air quality and mold growth. Although it shouldn’t be the only thing you do to prevent mold, it can make a big difference to humidity and potential damp inside your home.’
The real key to the method is simultaneously eliminating other bad habits that increase the risk of mold in your home, KJ continues, such as forgetting to run extractors when cooking or showering and neglecting water leaks.
You should also avoid using this method if it is raining, he adds, ‘There’s little point in doing Stossluften if it’s raining outside. It’s most effective when the relative humidity outside is fairly low, as rain, fog, or mist are just going to invite more moisture into your home. A cold, dry day in winter is best for home ventilation.’
Don't fancy opening your windows in freezing temperatures? Investing in the best dehumidifiers is your next best bet for lowering humidity in winter and protecting your home from mold.
The downsides to the Stoluften technique
Besides making it a little harder to keep a home warm all day, there are a few caveats to consider when using the Stoluften, however, as KJ Raja explains:
- Environmental Factors: This technique can be difficult to engage with in areas with high outdoor humidity as the idea is to reduce the dampness indoors but the air may be serving the opposite purpose.
- Existing Mold: Shock ventilation will not assist with getting rid of black mold in your home. For this, you’ll need to consider dedicated mold remediation [such as killing mold with vinegar] or getting professional assistance.
- Timing: It is essential to be regular. If the residents cannot manage to do the technique every day, the results are not as effective.
Vinegar is often more effective at killing mold than bleach as it has a lower water content. Simply spray the area, leave it to sit for 15 minutes, and wipe away.
Micahel Bogoyavlenskiy also adds, ‘If you run a well-serviced HVAC system, you won’t need to do this to combat mold. Provided your HVAC system works properly, it will circulate air and bring in new air from outside. If this is the case, opening your windows to ventilate won’t add loads of value.’
Cleaning your HVAC system and knowing how often air ducts should be cleaned will go a long way in maintaining clean air in your home through winter.
FAQs
What causes high humidity in a house?
High humidity in the home can be caused by a range of factors, from humid activities such as cooking and showering without proper ventilation to water leaks (potentially a result of frozen pipes in winter), a lack of air circulation, running your heating high for a prolonged period, or simply sleeping with doors and windows closed.
To conclude, KJ Raja, mold remediation expert, says, ‘Though ‘Stoluften’ is a useful preventative measure, it must be part of a more comprehensive mold remediation strategy. Regular checks for plumbing leaks, good building envelope maintenance, and the use of air conditioners can more effectively mitigate mold growth. In addition, teaching homeowners about indicators of mold growth and when to involve specialists is essential.’
Next, learn more about the common types of household mold and how to get rid of them.
