The majority of condensation is caused by a lack of ventilation, and can cause dampness and mould growth in your home. You are responsible for repairing, removing and preventing condensation. Condensation can occur in any home. You can take steps to prevent it.
If mould forms:
- Wipe the mould off immediately with water.
- Do not use washing up liquid or bleach, apply a recommended product available from a hardware or DIY store.
- Always follow the instructions carefully.
Control excess moisture:
- close kitchen and bathroom doors to prevent steam going into other colder rooms
- open kitchen and bathroom windows when cooking or washing so steam escapes, or use an extractor fan if fitted. Leave these on for a while after you have finished cooking or washing
- open some windows in other rooms for a while each day and open any trickle vents fitted in your window frames. This allows a change of air
- wipe down surfaces where moisture settles to prevent mould forming
- do not block air vents and allow air to circulate around furniture and in cupboards
- do not use bottled gas heaters – the gas produces a lot of moisture
Produce less moisture:
- dry clothes outdoors whenever possible, otherwise use well ventilated rooms
- cover pans when cooking
vent any tumble driers to the outside - cover fish tanks
- remember that houseplants and pets also produce moisture.
Keep your house warm:
- take steps to prevent heat loss
- maintain low background heat when the weather is cold or wet. This doesn’t necessarily cost more than switching it on and off.