If you’ve even walked into an older home that has been a little unloved or neglected for period of time, the first thing you’ll notice about it is the smell. It’ll be musty and a little unpleasant and you’re unlikely to be able to put your finger on exactly what the smell is and we can assure you that it is highly likely to be the smell of mouldy walls – and it certainly won’t be confined to the kitchen as it’ll be wall mould. So what causes mould to appear on walls? Well the answer is damp. When moisture from the shower or condensation gets trapped inside your home, it will leave your walls damp and this is the perfect environment for mould to thrive. Mould can take a number of forms depending on the type of mould but usually it starts as small black dots and spreads and grows from there. What can be done to prevent it? There are a number of ways in which you can prevent mould from living on your walls. The first is to reduce the amount of damp in your home. To do this, you need to make sure that your home is well ventilated. This can be done by opening the bathroom window whilst showering and leaving it open for a period afterwards. Opening windows regularly, even in winter will also help to circulate the air and reduce mould from forming too. However there are other measures that you can take too. Thermal and mould resistant lining papers can be used to help regulate the temperature in your home to avoid condensation from forming. This is applied under wallpaper and will also help to save you energy, and money by making it quicker and more efficient to heat your home. Anti Mould or mould resistant paint can also help to eliminate mould from forming. Paints like Zinsser Perma White Anti Mould Paint Interior Eggshell look like normal interior paint but feature special properties that prevent mould and mildew growth for a minimum of five years. A highly durable latex acrylic makes it perfect for rooms where moisture is prone like the bathroom, laundry and kitchen. With no special preparation work required, it goes on from the tin, just like ordinary paint. So with options available, there really is no need for your home to have mould or that strange musty smell associated with it. Use the appropriate lining paper or anti mould paint today to not only solve the immediate problem but protect your home against further problems too.