Damp, mould and condensation

If you’ve spotted mould in your home, getting rid of it should be your first priority. If you can find out what’s causing it, you can stop it from happening again. Condensation is one of the biggest mould-causing culprits, and something that you can help reduce.

Hints and tips to manage condensation, damp and mould

• Move furniture away from the walls so that warm air can circulate. 
• Don’t overfill wardrobes and cupboards - eave enough gaps between the walls to allow air to circulate. 
• Keep lids on cooking pans and use the minimum amount of water for cooking. 

• Hang washing outside to dry, or in the bathroom with the door closed and a window open, or an extractor fan on.  
• Don’t be tempted to put any washing on radiators. 
• Make sure tumble-dryers are vented to the outside. 

• Don’t use paraffin or bottled gas heaters. 
• Put cold water in the bath before the hot water to reduce steam. 
• Close the kitchen and bathroom doors to prevent steam going into colder rooms. 

• Open the kitchen and bathroom windows when cooking or washing, so that steam can escape.  
• Use the extractor fan, if you have one 
• Don’t cover over any air vents – they help moisture escape and ventilate your home.

• Make sure the ventilation slots at the top of your windows are clear and working.
• In cold weather, keep your home at an all-round constant temperature by leaving the heating on a lower setting for longer.

Treating mould yourself 

If you find that you have mould, don’t try to remove it by brushing or using a vacuum cleaner. 

Wipe down affected areas daily – don’t use bleach or washing up liquid. You should apply a fungicidal wash available from most supermarkets and DIY stores, but make sure you follow the instructions. Dryclean mildewed clothes and shampoo any affected carpets. 

Every day you should open a window to the first notch at either side or each end of your house, and at the same time, open any interior doors. Leave them open for 30 minutes. Remember to keep your home safe – don’t leave windows open when you go out. 

If you need to redecorate, use a good-quality fungicidal paint and a fungal resistant wallpaper paste to help stop the mould coming back.

Still got problems?

In cases of stubborn mould we may need to supply you with a mould eradication kit.

If you’ve taken all the recommended steps to get rid of condensation and you still have a problem, please call us on 0115 915 2222.

Find out more

You can find out more by taking a look at the government's Existing Home Ventilation Guide.