Managing condensation in a home is really important. 

Too much moisture can lead to condensation forming on windows, walls and other surfaces. If mould starts to grow in your home, it can affect your health and wellbeing. 

What causes condensation and damp?

• Everyday actions like cooking, drying clothes indoors and showering add moisture to the air. 
• Leaks from pipes, failed appliances and poorly sealed baths and showers. 
• Blocked and damaged gutters, leaking roofs and poorly fitted windows and doors can let in rainwater. 
• Condensation can also be a problem if homes are underheated.

Where around the home is at greatest risk?

• Cold surfaces like windows and window frames.
• Kitchens and bathrooms where a lot of steam is created.
• External walls, walls of underheated rooms and cold corners of rooms.
• Behind furniture, like wardrobes and cupboards, where there is a lack of ventilation (especially on external walls).

I've got mould. What should I do?

• Treat it straight away 
• If it's on walls, treat it with a fungicidal wash.
• If mould is on carpets, curtains or other soft furnishings you should dry clean them. Don't brush mould away or use a vacuum.

Produce less moisture

• Put lids on pans when cooking
• When drying clothes indoors, open the window and close the door of the room so moisture escapes out of the window. 

Stop moisture spreading

• When condensation comes, wipe it away!
• Close the door when cooking or showering, and use an extractor fan or open the window for 20 minutes after you've finished.

Ventilate, ventilate and ventilate!

• Leave slotted vents in window frames open, even in winter when your heating is on. These ventilate the room and remove moisture.
• Place free standing furniture against internal walls and leave a gap so air can flow behind it. 
• Try not to overfill wardrobes and cupboards.

Heat your home

• Keep your home warm to avoid cold surfaces.
• Try to keep all rooms above 15°C as this will reduce the condensation forming on external walls.