Condensation, damp and mould

How to spot condensation

There are a number of ways you can spot condensation in your home:

• Streaming condensation starting to appear on windows and walls.
• Damp areas starting to appear on walls, especially in corners and behind furniture.
• The wallpaper starting to peel off the wall.
• Black mould starting to appear around window frames, doors, walls and ceilings.
• Soft furnishings and fabrics become prone to mould and mildew. This may be green or white in colour.
• Constant musty smell in your home.

How to prevent damp and mould caused by condensation

There are some simple steps you can take to prevent damp and mould in your home, which include ventilating and heating your home properly so moisture doesn't build up.

You can also help prevent condensation if you:

• Cover pots and pans when cooking, and turn the heat down once the water has boiled. Using lids can also save on gas and electricity bills.
• Use extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms.
• Close internal doors when you cook or shower.
• Run cold water first and then add hot water when filling a bath. This can reduce steam by up to 90 per cent.
• Leave a gap between furniture and external walls.
• Dry clothes outdoors, if possible, or use a condenser tumble dryer or a dryer which is vented to the outside. Don't be tempted to put wet clothes on radiators or in front of a radiant heater.
• Open bedroom windows for 5-10 minutes when you get up.
• Dry your windows and windowsills every morning, as well as surfaces in the kitchen or bathroom which have become wet. Wring out the cloth instead of drying it on a radiator.
• Keep the temperature inside your home reasonably constant for as much time as possible. A healthy indoor temperature for a living room is 21 degrees Celsius. A healthy indoor temperature for a bedroom is 18 degrees Celsius.

How to remove damp and mould, and reduce the levels of condensation

You can remove damp and mould, and reduce the levels of condensation in your home, by:

• Wiping down walls and window frames with a ready made mould-removing solution, or a solution of white vinegar in hot water. Do not mix different solutions together. 
• Dry-cleaning mildewed clothes and shampooing carpets. Brushing or vacuuming can disturb the mould and increase the risk of distributing spores and causing respiratory problems.
• Using a dehumidifier to control airborne moisture and help reduce the mould problem. However, dehumidifiers will not solve the cause of the condensation problem.

How to deal with severe mould and damp

If you're heating and ventilating your home properly and still dealing with ongoing damp or mould issues, you should take action to protect your health and the health of anyone you live with. You should contact the council to report repairs and damp and mould in your home by calling 01623 463463 or email mdc@mansfield.gov.uk.