Damp, mould, and condensation

Preventing mould growth

Mould growth in the home is usually a symptom of moisture imbalance.

You need a balanced amount of moisture to maintain a healthy home. This means having a building which is not too dry and not too humid. Keeping your home in balance can be tricky as there are a lot factors to think about such as the moisture you generate in cooking, washing and so on, and your heating, ventilation and maintenance. This video from the UK Centre for Moisture in Buildings explains how balance can be achieved. You can then use this Moisture Balance Calculator to help you assess the moisture balance in your own home and the factors at play. If your home is out of balance, you might be able to identify easy ways to regain moisture balance and create a healthier home.

Here is a helpful and easy to follow video: Mouldy Matters - avoiding condensation and mould

Reducing condensation

In most properties, dampness and mould are caused by condensation. Luckily you can do a lot to prevent mould forming by reducing the moisture vapour created in your home and ensuring your home is well ventilated.

General tips to minimise condensation:

• Dry clothes outside whenever possible. If this is not an option, dry clothes in the bathroom with the door closed and the window open and/or turn the fan on. Drying them on radiators will release lots of moisture into the air.

• Dehumidifiers can help to reduce the amount of moisture in the air, and running one while you dry your clothes can also help them dry more quickly. However it is important to note that dehumidifiers will not solve the cause or causes of condensation or damp.

• If you have a tumble dryer, make sure that your tumble dryer is vented to the outside (DIY kits are available for this) or that the tumble dryer is of the new condensing type
• Unblock air vents and open trickle ventilation on windows. If your windows have a secure slightly open position, use this to help improve background ventilation
• Leave space for air to circulate between walls and furniture (eg move beds and wardrobes away from external walls)
• Allow space for air to circulate around your furniture. You can place furniture on blocks to allow air to circulate beneath.
• Minimise clutter as much as possible to allow air to circulate
• Wipe down surfaces where moisture settles
• Avoid using portable gas or paraffin heaters as these put a lot of moisture into the air - gas heaters produce around 8 pints of moisture from an average-sized gas bottle
• Keep your home warm by using the central heating. To keep fuel costs down and to make sure that there are not cold surfaces that condensation will occur on, ensure that your loft space and walls have adequate insulation.
• Consider draught-proofing windows and doors in your home. However it is important not to draught-proof kitchen or bathroom windows, rooms where there is a fuel-burning heater (like a woodburner or gas fire), block unused chimney breasts, or block up air-bricks.

Tips to minimise condensation in kitchens:

• Open windows and use extraction fans when cooking
• Only boil the water you need
• Turn the heat down once the water is boiling
• Use lids on saucepans
• Wipe down surfaces around the sink
• Close the kitchen door when cooking to prevent moisture moving into the rest of the property

Tips to minimise condensation in bathrooms:

• Always open windows and use the extractor fan when taking a bath or shower and if possible, leave the windows open until the seam has cleared and the room has dried
• If you don't already have an extractor fan, get (or ask for) one to be fitted. Ensure extractor fans have an over-run or are set to stay on after you leave the room.
• Keep the bathroom door closed when using this room, and for a short while afterwards, to stop the moist air escaping into the rest of the property
• When filling the bath, running the cold water first then adding the hot – it will reduce the steam by up to 90%

Tips to minimise condensation in bedrooms:

• Allow space for air to circulate around your furniture. You can place furniture on blocks to allow air to circulate beneath
• Open wardrobe and cupboard doors to ventilate inside
• Allow air to circulate round clothes by removing ‘false’ wardrobe backs or drilling breather holes in them
• Where possible, do not over-fill wardrobes and cupboards as it restricts air circulation
• Open the window in the morning and wipe down visible condensation from windows as soon as possible (wring cloth into a bowl and tip down the sink)

If you are have difficulty affording to use your heating, see our keeping warm at home page, or speak to Oxfordshire Better Housing Better Health on 0800 107 0044 for free, impartial advice.

To kill and remove mould

1. Carefully remove mould with a damp cloth and throw away afterwards. Do not brush mould as this releases spores into the air.
2. Wipe down affected areas using a diluted bleach solution or fungicidal wash following the manufacturer's instructions.
3. After treatment, redecorate using a fungicidal paint or wallpaper paste. Clothes and bedding can be dry cleaned or washed.

For further information, go to our Keep your home free from damp and mould page.

Damp due to deficiencies

If you live in a rented property and think that dampness is a result of the building rather than the way you are using it, or the building lacks the required heating, insulation or the ability to ventilate it, you should tell your landlord. If your landlord does not take action you can report issues to us.

All privately rented homes must meet minimum efficiency standards. If you are have difficulty affording to use your heating, see our keeping warm at home page, or speak to Oxfordshire Better Housing Better Health on 0800 107 0044 for free, impartial advice.