Ways to keep your home condensation and mould free
Cooking
- Cover pans with lids.
- Keep the kitchen door closed.
- Open a window or turn on the extractor fan.
Drying Clothes
- Vent your tumble dryer to the outside.
- If drying clothes indoors, use the bathroom with the door closed and a window open or fan on. Alternatively, use a clothes dryer in another room with the door closed and windows open.
Bathing
- Run cold water into the bath before adding hot water to reduce steam.
Ventilation
Fresh air is important to prevent your home from becoming stale and humid. Here’s how to improve ventilation:
- Keep a small window ajar or a vent open when someone is in the room.
- After a bath or shower, open the bathroom window or use the extractor fan until the steam clears.
- When cooking, close the kitchen door and open a window or use the extractor fan.
- Don’t switch off or tamper with any ventilation equipment in your home.
Dealing with Mould
If you have a small amount of mould, use a fungicidal cleaner. Here’s how to manage or avoid mould:
- Wipe down windows if they get wet with condensation.
- Don’t place large furniture against outside walls.
- Don’t overfill wardrobes and cupboards to allow air to circulate.
- Use specialised paint in bathrooms and kitchens.
- Don’t use ordinary paint or wallpaper on walls or ceilings treated with fungicidal paint.
- Report any repairs needed for extractor fans and heating systems.
Additional Tips
- Maintain a constant temperature during cold weather.
- Don’t dry clothes and towels on radiators. Use washing lines or place wet clothes in one room with the window open and door closed.
- Open windows when you’re at home and the weather allows. Use trickle vents if available.
- Ensure extractor fans are not blocked or disconnected. Use them when cooking or using the bathroom.
- Keep internal doors closed to contain moisture. Use lids on pans to prevent moisture escape and save energy.
- Leave a small gap between walls and furniture to allow air circulation and prevent mould growth.