An expert's 3 DIY hacks to mould-proof your home this winter.

One of the many killjoys of winter? Mould. And there are some very good reasons why it thrives during the colder months.

People keep windows and doors closed to retain heat, which traps moist air indoors. Less ventilation means more mould spores!

Condensation is also a killer. Heated indoor air holds more moisture, and when this warm, humid air touches cold walls, windows, or pipes, water condenses and creates damp patches, a prime environment for mould growth.

Never fear! According to organisation expert and queen of all domestic hacks Anita Birges, the founder of Mise En Place, there are three expert-tried-and-tested super-simple ways to keep mould out of your home this winter. And you're going to love them.

Watch: Anita Birges on toy decluttering. Post continues below.

Hack 1: The wardrobe drawer dream team.

Wardrobe drawers are notoriously hard to keep mould-free. They're closed most of the time and dark — basically a mould's best-life scenario. But there is an answer!

First up, grab some kids' jumbo chalk and add a few drops of clove oil, then pop them into your wardrobe drawers. Why? The chalk absorbs the moisture and the clove oil is a powerhouse mould killer. Together, they're your new mould-fighting dream team.

Hack 2: Save those silica gel packets.

Always keep these! Image: Supplied.

There's nothing more heartbreaking than pulling out your favourite boots and finding mould inside them! And short of pulling them out every day and exposing them to sunlight (which precisely nobody has time for), there's a genius solution hiding in plain sight.

You know how pretty much everything comes with those little silica gel packets? Never throw them away! They're basically free, purpose-built moisture suckers. Slip them into your boots, shoes and drawers. They suck up moisture like a sponge and help stop that damp, musty smell before it even begins.

You can use these anywhere you're storing things — like boxes containing documents, photographs, or memorabilia-to preserve them from moisture damage. Or, slip packets into suitcases during storage or travel to keep contents dry and odour-free.

Just be really mindful that they are out of reach for kids and pets — they are not safe if accidentally consumed!

Hack 3: The under-sink saviour.

Trusty bicarb. Image: Supplied

Finally, under the sink can become a breeding ground for mould. During winter, cold air outside causes pipes and the underside of the sink to cool. When warm, humid indoor air comes in contact with these cold surfaces, it leads to condensation, providing a steady moisture source for mould growth.

But if you leave an open box of bicarb soda under the sink, it absorbs excess humidity and neutralises odours. Bonus: it's cheap as chips and totally natural!

What are your go-to hacks for keeping on top of mould? Share in the comments below!

You can follow Anita Birges for more organisational ideas and hacks on Instagram @mise_en_place_aus.

Feature Image: Supplied.