Mould is one of the most common issues reported in UK homes (Image: Getty)
Mould is one of the most common issues reported in UK homes, especially in February when windows stay shut and moisture builds up. Most people already know to check places like bathrooms, corners of walls and window frames. But experts say there is another spot where mould can spread for months without anyone noticing.
Because it often develops out of sight, many households only discover the problem once the damage has already been done. And with mould linked to breathing problems and skin irritation, catching it early is important for keeping homes safe and healthy.
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Some of the most common hidden areas include the backs of blinds and curtains (Image: Getty)
Cleaning specialists say mould will take hold anywhere with trapped moisture, stale air or condensation.
Normal household habits like drying clothes indoors, turning heating on and off, and keeping windows closed, can make these problems worse.
That means mould can easily settle in places most people never think to check.
Some of the most common hidden areas include the backs of blinds and curtains, where condensation on glass spreads to the fabric.
Experts warn that folds of material can stay damp for long periods, giving mould the perfect place to grow.
Fridge interiors are another overlooked hotspot, especially if expired food is left on shelves (Image: Getty)
Fridge interiors are another overlooked hotspot, especially if expired food is left on shelves or packaging is put away while still wet.
But there is one hidden area in particular that experts say almost every household overlooks, and it can cause far more damage than a patch on the wall.
That hotspot is inside your sofa.
According to specialists, mould can grow deep within the structure of a sofa long before anything becomes visible on the surface.
Monika Puccio, Head Buyer at Sofa Club, told Ideal Home that this happens when moisture becomes trapped inside cushions, foam or the wooden frame.
She explained that poor ventilation and prolonged damp conditions make the problem even more likely.
The one hotspot that everyone misses is inside the sofa (Image: Getty)
The earliest warning sign of a mouldy sofa is usually a musty smell (Image: Getty)
What makes this type of mould so hard to catch is that the furniture can look completely normal on the outside.
Instead, the earliest warning signs are usually a musty smell, unusual allergies, or skin irritation when sitting on the sofa.
Dark patches, small speckles or a fuzzy texture underneath the fabric can also indicate hidden mould.
Experts say this form of mould shouldn’t be ignored, as it can weaken the structure of the sofa and may eventually make it unusable. In severe cases, households end up replacing the entire piece of furniture.
To reduce the risk, specialists recommend keeping rooms well ventilated, avoiding placing sofas directly against cold external walls, and dealing with any damp or condensation problems quickly.
Regular checks under cushions and along seams can also help spot problems early.
For more tips on how to tackle mould, click here.