Mould build-up in your home isn't just unsightly, but can cause allergies and produce other toxins that are harmful to your health.

Across the UK, around 3-4% of homes are believed to have notable amounts of mould, and some even document their journey on social media about how they remove it.

Explaining the damage mould can cause, Noel Folk, CEO and co-founder of EcoAir, told Express.co.uk: "Mould will cause damage to home furnishings, décor, and can cause structural issues, but at its worst, can make people living in the household very unwell.

"Mould exposure can cause coughs, wheezing, shortness of breath, and respiratory infections, it can aggravate existing conditions such as asthma or eczema, trigger allergies, or irritate the skin, eyes, nose, and throat, especially for more at-risk individuals such as the elderly, children, babies, or those with existing respiratory conditions.

"To prevent mould growth in the home, it’s important to manage condensation and damp - the leading causes of mould in UK homes."

What causes mould?

According to Noel, a "buildup of excess moisture in the air is a major contributor to condensation and damp in the home". He continued to Express.co.uk: "Combined with warmth, [it] provides the perfect conditions for mould to thrive."

But the expert also highlighted three things we're doing in the whole which is also unknowingly causing mould.

1. Air drying laundry

Drying laundry is something many of us do to save money on our bills, as it uses little to no energy. However, according to Noel, it's a "surefire way of contributing to excess moisture in the air as the water evaporates, especially when drying wet clothing over radiators".

He added: "Increased humidity levels in the home as a result of a buildup of water vapour can lead to issues with damp and mould, so, with warmer weather on the horizon in the UK, make the most of any opportunity to dry clothes outdoors."

As an alternative, Noel recommends placing a dehumidifier next to your clothes airer, as it will "directly extract the moisture from the clothes and the air, leaving your laundry bone dry in just a few hours and the air in your home, healthier".

2. Boiling the kettle

Another surprising activity we're doing at home that could cause condensation and mould is boiling the kettle. Any activity which creates steam, whether it be in the kitchen or bathroom, can "contribute to moisture buildup in the home", which creates an environment "ripe for condensation, damp and mould".

To prevent this from happening, Noel recommends making sure your home is "well ventilated so that humidity doesn't get trapped in".

He added: "Use the extractor fan and crack open a window after showering, bathing, and during or after cooking. For optimal air flow, create a through-draught, opening both windows and doors, allowing excess moisture to escape from your home.

"To manage humidity and improve indoor air quality more generally, it’s worth getting into the habit of airing the home regularly by opening doors and windows for 5-10 minutes every day."

3. Turning the heating up

You might think that turning the heating up might reduce humidity, but warm air actually "carries more moisture", which could do "more harm than good by providing optimum warm and moist conditions for mould growth".

Noel continued: "Not only that but it’s harder to heat air that is laden with moisture, so you’re likely spending more on energy to heat your home if you’re not addressing humidity levels first.

"Keeping the temperature at more moderate levels may help keep mould at bay to a degree, but it’s important to address the root cause: moisture.

"Promote air flow by opening windows and doors, use extractor fans, and if there is still an issue (you can test humidity easily by using a hygrometer), consider investing in a dehumidifier, which will do all the hard work for you, effectively and quickly."