What you can do to help stop condensation & mould in your home | Tenant news

Condensation and mould can rear their heads in your home at this time of year especially, but by understanding the causes and taking simple steps, you can help to keep your home dry and healthy.

Condensation happens when moisture in the air meets a cold surface, such as a window or wall. This moisture then changes to form droplets of water. Over time, this can lead to mould growth in your home on walls and ceilings.

Key factors

There are several factors that can contribute to condensation, mould and damp, including:

• Poor ventilation: If your home doesn't have enough ventilation, moisture can build up in the air. This is especially common in rooms with high moisture levels, such as kitchens and bathrooms.
• Lack of heating: When your home is cold, the temperature difference between the warm air inside and the cold walls and windows is greater. This can lead to increased condensation.
• Drying clothes indoors: Drying clothes indoors can add a significant amount of moisture to the air, especially in smaller homes.
• Cooking and showering: These activities produce steam and moisture, which can contribute to condensation and mould.
  
  

Tips for prevention

• Ventilate, ventilate, ventilate:
  • Open windows and doors regularly, especially after cooking, showering, or drying clothes indoors.
  • If you have them, use extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms to remove moisture-laden air.
  • Keep extractor fans running for a short time after use to ensure moisture is removed.
    
    
• Aim to keep your home warm:
  • Keep your home at a consistent temperature, ideally around 18-21 degrees celsius.
  • Use your heating system, even on low settings, to reduce temperature differences between rooms.
    
    
• Dry clothes outdoors:
  • Whenever possible, dry clothes outdoors to avoid adding moisture to your home.
    
    
• Reduce moisture from cooking and bathing:
  • If you have them, turn on extractor fans when cooking and showering, if not open a window.
  • Wipe down surfaces after cooking and bathing to remove moisture.
    
    
• Check for leaks:
  
  • Keep an eye out for leaks in pipes, taps, and the roof.
  • Report any leaks promptly to prevent water damage.
    
    
• Try moisture absorbers:
• Moisture absorbers, such as silica gel packets or dehumidifiers, can help to reduce moisture levels in the air.
• Ideal Home has written a great article outlining their reviews of dehumidifiers and their research into moisture absorbers.
  
  
• Avoid overcrowding furniture:
• Overcrowding furniture can block airflow and make it harder for moisture to escape.
• Don’t place furniture such as sofas and armchairs, directly in front of radiators as they block heat from getting into the room.
  
  
• Clean mould promptly:
• If you see mould, clean it up immediately. See our mould prevention webpage for more on how to treat mould.
• Wear gloves and a mask when cleaning mould to protect yourself.
  
  

If you're concerned about condensation and mould in your home, it's important to address the issue promptly to prevent further damage and health problems.

Report it to Habinteg Direct

If you're a Habinteg tenant and you have persistent condensation and mould in your home, report it to us immediately by contacting out Customer Services Team at Habinteg Direct on 0300 365 3100 or via direct@habinteg.org.uk.

You can also report it via the form at the bottom of our mould prevention web page.