Managing Damp and Mould
What is condensation
When warm, wet air settles on a cold surface water droplets are formed. These water droplets are called condensation.
You create condensation in your home by cooking, bathing, drying clothes and even breathing.
Condensation and mould are linked. If you don't wipe away condensation, it can lead to mould growth.
What is damp
When moisture collects in an area and doesn't dry out properly, this can lead to damp.
Moisture can be caused through everyday activities like cooking, bathing and drying clothes. Moisture can also enter your home from outside, for example, from a leak or a broken/blocked guttering.
If the moisture is retained in your home, it can lead to damp and mould. It's really important that you make sure you ventilate your home.
What is mould
Mould is a fungus that will grow wherever there is moisture. Mould can appear as black pin pricks on walls, ceilings and furnishings and usually has a musty smell.
Mould grows as a result of moist conditions. If condensation and damp aren't dealt with, it can lead to mould. Mould can spread very quickly and can become hard to get rid of.
What should I do about damp and mould in my home?
If you notice damp and mould in your home, it's really important to treat it as early as possible before the issue gets worse. It can spread quickly if left untreated.
Severe damp and mould can give your home a musty odour, can be unpleasant to look at and is harder to get rid of.
The best solution is prevention
Mould can be prevented and reduced by following some simple tips in your home:
Can I get rid of mould myself?
If you have small amounts of mould in your home, for example on your windowsills or the sealant around your bath or shower, it’s quick and easy to get rid of it but it has to be done properly to keep your home safe and to stop it from coming back. Get yourself a mould remover kit and follow the simple instructions.
What if I continue to have problems?
If you have tried to remove the mould and it continues to reappear or get worse, it’s really important that you get in touch. Once mould and damp start to spread it can become a much bigger problem, and it’s important that we make sure that there aren’t repairs that need to be fixed that might be causing the issue.
When warm, wet air settles on a cold surface water droplets are formed. These water droplets are called condensation.
You create condensation in your home by cooking, bathing, drying clothes and even breathing.
Condensation and mould are linked. If you don't wipe away condensation, it can lead to mould growth.
What is damp
When moisture collects in an area and doesn't dry out properly, this can lead to damp.
Moisture can be caused through everyday activities like cooking, bathing and drying clothes. Moisture can also enter your home from outside, for example, from a leak or a broken/blocked guttering.
If the moisture is retained in your home, it can lead to damp and mould. It's really important that you make sure you ventilate your home.
What is mould
Mould is a fungus that will grow wherever there is moisture. Mould can appear as black pin pricks on walls, ceilings and furnishings and usually has a musty smell.
Mould grows as a result of moist conditions. If condensation and damp aren't dealt with, it can lead to mould. Mould can spread very quickly and can become hard to get rid of.
What should I do about damp and mould in my home?
If you notice damp and mould in your home, it's really important to treat it as early as possible before the issue gets worse. It can spread quickly if left untreated.
Severe damp and mould can give your home a musty odour, can be unpleasant to look at and is harder to get rid of.
The best solution is prevention
Mould can be prevented and reduced by following some simple tips in your home:
- Ventilate your home - To prevent moisture from spreading throughout your house, close doors when you’re cooking, having a bath or sleeping. Use extractor fans and open windows slightly to reduce condensation. Move furniture slightly away from walls to make sure air can circulate behind it.
- Reduce the amount of moist air – This is important to reduce condensation and damp. Dry clothes on a drying rack next to an open window rather than on a radiator. If the weather is good, dry your clothes outside on a washing line. Put lids on pans when cooking. Fill your bath with 1-2 inches of cold water before adding hot water, to reduce condensation by around 90%.
- Wipe away condensation- This can be on windows and sills, surfaces in your kitchen and your bathroom. Wiping condensation away with a dry cloth will help prevent mould from growing.
- Don’t panic if you do find mould – lots of homes have mould, it’s only when it is found in large quantities that it can cause problems.
Can I get rid of mould myself?
If you have small amounts of mould in your home, for example on your windowsills or the sealant around your bath or shower, it’s quick and easy to get rid of it but it has to be done properly to keep your home safe and to stop it from coming back. Get yourself a mould remover kit and follow the simple instructions.
What if I continue to have problems?
If you have tried to remove the mould and it continues to reappear or get worse, it’s really important that you get in touch. Once mould and damp start to spread it can become a much bigger problem, and it’s important that we make sure that there aren’t repairs that need to be fixed that might be causing the issue.
