How to prevent damp and mould 

If your home is completely shut, no air can get in or out. 

All the steam and moisture we make from cooking, showering, bathing, drying clothes or even breathing, stays in your home making it damp. 

These are some prevention tips, but it’s important that if there’s any sign of damp and mould, you let us know as soon as possible so we can investigate and resolve the issue before it causes serious damage.  

Reduce moisture in the air  

  • If you see condensation forming on your window or window ledge, wipe it away with a dry cloth. 
  • Leave extractor fans on for as long as possible, if you have them. They’re very cheap to run. 
  • Open your windows, especially when you’re cooking, having a bath or a shower. This allows the moist air to go outside and not into your home. 
  • When you’re running a bath put cold water in first, before the hot – it reduces steam by 90%. 
  • Cover your pots and pans when you’re cooking and don’t let your kettle boil over – this’ll help reduce steam. 
  • Dry your clothes outside. If you can’t dry them outside, dry them in the bathroom with the door shut and window open and the extractor fan running (if you have one). Don’t dry them on radiators. 
  • If you have a vented tumble dryer, make sure the end of the hose leads to the outside, through an open window. 

Increase the air flow 

  • Keep your air bricks and window vents open. They let air in and out and won’t work properly if they’re blocked up. 
  • Make sure the space around your radiators is clear from things like clothes and furniture. 
  • De-clutter your wardrobes and cupboards. Mildew (a type of mould) will grow in places stuffed full of clothes. 
  • Leave space between furniture and external walls to allow air to circulate. 
  • Use moisture traps on your windowsills and consider getting a dehumidifier. 

Heat your home to 18-22°c 

  • Make sure your home is kept at a constant temperature. Environmental Health recommend your home should be between 18-22°c. 
  • Use your thermostat to balance the temperature and avoid the property getting cold even when you’re not in. 
  • Keep the humidity level below 60% by following the tips above. Humidity is the amount of moisture in the air.