5 tips for preventing damp & mould

5 tips for preventing damp & mould

Thursday, 12 September 2024

With the weather getting colder, you might start to notice condensation or mould in your home. We know this can be unsettling, so we've put together some helpful tips to help keep on top of it where possible.

Ventilation

When cooking/showering, keep windows closed if you have fans with a humidistat sensor. Open windows can prevent the sensor from detecting moisture properly. Instead, just open the trickle vents on all windows, including those in the kitchen and bathroom.

Drying clothes

Avoid drying clothes on radiators. If you need to, try to do this in your bathroom with an extractor fan switched on and the door closed.

Pan lids

Always cover pans when cooking to reduce moisture. Keep doors shut during and after cooking or showering to contain steam.

Cleaning mould

Wipe down surfaces as soon as you notice mould. Use specialised products or a mix of bicarbonate of soda and white vinegar. Avoid using bleach.

Temperature

Keep your home at around 21°C by using low heating in winter. This helps reduce condensation and slow the spread of damp. Heating can slow the spread of damp by reducing condensation.

Condensation often occurs when it’s cold outside and warmer, and more humid inside Condensation forms on the inside of your windows. You may also see this from the steam of a shower, or when cooking in your kitchen.

Everyday routines such as washing, cooking, drying clothes and even just breathing puts moisture into the air. Some moisture in your home is inevitable. Especially during the winter months.

But, when too much moisture is in the air - it can become tricky to manage, which is why it’s important to ventilate your home as much as possible or investigate where moisture is coming from.

Our team are always here to help you. They can look for patterns of moisture build up in your home to try and diagnose what’s causing the problem, and then offer guidance for next steps.

Some next steps we can take include:

  • Installing an extractor fan.
  • Request a visit to service your home – looking at draught proofing doors and windows, (wherever you feel cold air coming in, warm air will be going out).
  • Providing a dehumidifier.
  • Checking your tumble dryer (if you have one), to check it’s getting the right ventilation.
  • Check common building issues like broken roof tiles, blocked guttering, or faulty plumbing.
  • Visit your home or arrange a revisit if the issue comes back.
  • Arrange a visit from our specialist the Dwelling Doctors.

If you think that there's a leak in your property causing mould, please report this to our repairs team on 01992 453700 option 2. 

We're always here to talk to. Our property services team can be called on 01992 453700 option 2. You can also speak to someone on our live chat here. 

Cleaning in kitchem to remove damp and mould
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