What causes mould?
Mould is a type of fungus which is usually black in colour. It grows in our homes due to moisture, condensation and wet surfaces. And by the time you see it, there might be more of it than you realise.
What is condensation?
Did you know that drying your clothes indoors can produce 8 pints of moisture? Condensation happens when warm moist air comes into contact with a cool surface and water droplets form. You notice it when you see your breath on a cold day, or when your bathroom mirror steams up.
How can I prevent condensation and mould?
There are many things you can do to minimise moisture and condensation and reduce the likelihood that mould will form in your home:
- Cook with lids on
Try covering pans when you’re cooking, to reduce the amount of steam and moisture that escapes. If you have a kitchen door you could close it so that moisture doesn’t escape into other rooms. Ventilating your kitchen while you’re cooking by opening a window slightly is generally a good idea, too.
- Wipe down surfaces
Especially in the morning, you might find that surfaces such as the inside of windows and windowsills need a wipe to remove moisture. Start with a dry cloth and wring it out in-between, so you’re not adding to the dampness. Mould prevention and a quick clean wrapped into one!
- Dry your clothes with care
If possible, dry your clothes outside or on a balcony. If you need to dry your clothes inside, choose a cool room and use a clothes rack. As tempting as it is to dry clothes on your radiators, this will cause a large amount of condensation.
- Beat the bath time moisture
If you turn the cold water on first then add the hot water, you’ll reduce the amount of steam in your bathroom. Turn on the extractor fan, open a window, and wipe down tiles after your bath or shower, so you’re well on your way to reducing condensation in your home.
- Keep your heating on low
You might be surprised to hear that keeping a low, consistent temperature in your home of around 19-21 degrees Celsius can save you money on your heating bills. This is because your boiler doesn’t have to work as hard to heat up your home each time you turn it on. An easy way to save money and prevent condensation at the same time.
What if I can’t get rid of my mould?
Some problems with mould and condensation are due to underlying issues.
If you’ve tried these techniques to prevent and treat mould in your home but they haven’t worked, please log a repair request, so we can investigate for you.
You can do this via My Account, or simply contact us and we’ll be happy to help.
More information
How do I get rid of mould in my home?