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Mar 20, 2025

Struggling With Mould? Kirstie Allsopp Swears By This Simple German Trick

This nifty hack is a no-cost way to keep your home fresh Dealing with damp and mould? The German practice of Lüften could be the simple, no-cost trick you need. Lüften, which means 'airing out', is

This nifty hack is a no-cost way to keep your home fresh

Dealing with damp and mould? The German practice of Lüften could be the simple, no-cost trick you need.

Lüften, which means 'airing out', is about opening your windows and doors for short bursts to let in fresh air and push out stale, damp air. It’s such a big deal in Germany that rental agreements even mention it as a must for preventing mould.

Mould loves moisture, and without good ventilation, it only gets worse. Letting air flow throughout your home helps cut humidity, keeps rooms feeling fresher, and stops condensation from becoming a bigger problem. It's especially handy in older homes where thick walls can trap damp.

Property expert Kirstie Allsopp swears by Lüften. Earlier this year, she took to social platform X to recommend it as an easy way to deal with damp, saying that simply cracking open windows for a few minutes each day makes a huge difference.

To give it a go, open your windows fully twice a day – morning and evening are best. In winter, five to 10 minutes will do, while up to 30 minutes in summer will help clear out stale air. For even better results, open windows on opposite sides of your home to create a proper cross-breeze, a trick called Querlüften.

In fact, Uswitch's latest Mouldy Nation Report reveals that over 60 per cent of respondents have experienced mould in their homes, with 31 per cent encountering it more than once.

'Excess moisture in the air can lead to an array of issues, the main ones of course, being a build-up of condensation, damp, or mould. These problems will then inevitably cause damage to home furnishings, decor or structural issues, which can be costly to fix, but at their worst, can make people living in the household unwell,' says Noel Fok, CEO and co-founder of EcoAir,

If faced with high humidity, consider where the main sources of moisture might be coming from. 'Bathrooms are naturally one of the most humid spaces in the home (two thirds of a household’s water is used in the bathroom), often made worse by a lack of proper ventilation or absence of windows, especially in the case of ensuites,' says Noel. 'Kitchens are another culprit in contributing to moisture build-up, thanks to water vapour generated from the use of dishwashers, kettles, boiling water taps, and even cooking.'

The first step? Measure moisture levels using a hygrometer. Noel says this is inexpensive and widely available online. Optimum indoor humidity levels are between 40-60 per cent.

The solution? 'What is key is to ventilate,' says Noel. A dehumidifier offers a more immediate, affordable and controlled solution, while extractor fans (although noisy) can help when cooking or taking a shower or bath, and opening windows and doors regularly will address any areas where air and moisture might be trapped.

'Ensuring good air flow is essential, so open windows and doors to create cross-ventilation (or a through-draught) to allow excess moisture to escape,' Noel adds.

Making Lüften part of your daily routine is an easy, effective way to stop moisture building up, keep mould away, and make your home feel fresher all year round.

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Dealing with damp and mould? The German practice of Lüften could be the simple, no-cost trick you need. LüftenFollow House Beautiful on TikTok , Instagram and Pinterest