Condensation, damp and mould

Ventilation to remove moisture

You can ventilate your home without making draughts:

• Keep a small window ajar or a trickle vent open when someone is in the room
• Ventilate kitchens and bathrooms when in use by opening the windows wider
• Close the kitchen and bathroom doors when these rooms are in use, even if your kitchen or bathroom has an extractor fan
• Ventilate cupboards and wardrobes. Avoid putting too many things in them as this stops the air circulating. Cut a ventilation slot in the back of each shelf or slatted shelves. Cut ‘breather’ holes in the doors and in the back of wardrobes and leave space between the back of the wardrobe and the wall. Where possible, position wardrobes and furniture against internal walls

Insulate, draught proof and heat your home

Insulation and draught proofing will help to keep your home warm and will also cut fuel bills. When the whole home is warmer; condensation is less likely.

In cold weather, keep low background heating on all day, even when there is no one at home.

Tenants can sometimes get grants for insulation and other energy saving measures.

First steps against mould

First, treat any mould you may already have in your home. If you then deal with the basic problem of condensation, mould should not reappear.

To kill and remove mould, wipe down walls and window frames with a fungicidal wash which carries a Health and Safety Executive ‘approval number’. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions precisely. Dry-clean mildewed clothes and shampoo carpets. Disturbing mould by brushing or vacuum cleaning can increase the risk of respiratory problems.

After treatment, redecorate using a good quality fungicidal paint to help prevent mould occurring. Please note, that if this paint is overlaid with ordinary paint or wallpaper, it is no longer effective.

How to prevent condensation

As part of your tenancy it is your responsibility to prevent condensation in your home.

These simple steps well help you produce less moisture in your home:

• Cover pots and pans when cooking 
• Don’t leave the kettle boiling
• Dry washing outdoors if possible
• If drying wet washing indoors, put it in the bathroom with the door closed and windows left open
• Do not dry wet clothes on the radiators
• Vent tumble dryers outside

If you have followed the steps above and are still suffering from damp or mould in your home, contact the Housing Repairs Team advising them of the problem. Contact us using our housing repairs contact form or telephone 01455 238141.

If you have a private rented or Housing Association property contact your landlord in the first instance, you can refer to our private sector housing guidance on how to report a repair page to help you.

Last updated: 12/04/2024 09:09