When the temperature dips into minus figures, there are some steps you can take to tackle condensation, damp, and mould.
- Put lids on boiling pans and make sure ovens doors don't stay open for long.
- Avoid pouring hot water down the drain: wait for the water to cool.
- Make sure you're using your shower curtain/door.
By making some changes to your everyday routine, you’ll start to notice a difference, and the level of mould should reduce.
- Wipe down your windows and windowsills every day to remove condensation.
- Keep your home warm and at an even temperature: between 18 and 21 degrees.
- Keep internal doors closed to prevent heat escaping and moisture transferring into other rooms.
- Open windows and doors slightly and often. Newer UPVC windows will have trickle vents that’ll allow you to ventilate your home more easily.
- Don’t block airbricks or vents.
- When bathing, use your extractor fan if you have one and open the window. Keep the door closed until the room cools down.
- When cooking, use your extractor fan if you have one, cover pots with lids, and open the window.
- Where possible, dry clothes outdoors: or use a clothes airer in the bathroom with the door closed.
If you already have mould growth, it won’t go away unless it’s treated. You can do this by regularly wiping it down with a shop-bought mould killer spray, or diluted household bleach. For more tips, check out our video. We also recommend checking out this comprehensive guide to damp, mould and condensation here.
If you’re worried that the damp or mould in your home is a bigger issue than any of the things mentioned, please let us know straight away. We'll ask you to provide more information and photographs, and if we need to carry out further investigation, we’ll arrange for a surveyor to come and take a look.