Ways to reduce damp & mould at home | Tenant news

Studies have shown that drying wet clothes in closed rooms can increase damp in the home by 30%.

A single load of wet washing contains almost two litres of water, which is then released into the room, according to research by the National Aspergillosis Centre in Manchester.

Without adequate ventilation, moisture stays trapped in the room and creates perfect breeding conditions for the growth of mould and other airborne irritants, which can cause health risks.

Health risks

Mould spores created from drying clothes inside can be problematic for people with breathing issues such as asthma.

The National Aspergillosis Centre study found that continually drying clothes inside creates ideal breeding conditions for mould spores, such as aspergillus fumigatus.

Aspergillus fumigatus is a mould that can increase asthma severity and a potentially fatal lung infection.

Not everyone will be affected by the spores, but it’s particularly dangerous for people with supressed immune systems.

Top drying tips

During the warmer months, it’s best to dry your clothes outside in the fresh air.  

If you don’t have any option but to dry your clothes indoors:

• dry your clothes in a well-ventilated indoor space away from bedrooms and living areas to ensure good air circulation. If it’s too cold to open windows, use fans to speed up the drying process;
• spread out your laundry as much as possible and use multiple drying racks to avoid overcrowding them;
• get a dehumidifier if you dry your clothes inside regularly;
• avoid hanging wet clothes on radiators. This can increase moisture and reduce heating efficiency. Use a clothes horse instead as they allow the air to circulate better;
• Regularly check your home for signs of mould or dampness.

Tenant-led improvement budget

If you would like a drying rack for your home, it could be funded through our 2024-25 tenant-led improvement budget.

The tenant-led improvement budget is a pot of money that each Habinteg scheme can use for the benefit of all tenants.

You would need to have a majority vote among tenants to buy a clothes horse for each household rather than spend it on something for a community space. The proposal will then need to be checked and authorised by Habinteg.

Please speak to your Neighbourhood Coordinator for more information.