What is condensation and mould?
Condensation happens when moisture in the air meets a cold surface. A build-up of condensation in your home can lead to serious problems with mould which can impact on your health and the condition of your home. Mould can grow in any home, on any surface, so if you spot any mould in your home it is important to take early action as it can spread quickly. The good news is that most problems with mould can be sorted out quickly if you find out where the mould is growing and clear it away. Below are some simple steps you can take to reduce the condensation that causes it to come back.
Treating the cause of mould
If you do not treat the cause, the mould will keep growing back repeatedly. Reducing the main cause of mould in your home can be done by managing three things:
- reducing moisture in the air
- ventilation
- heating
By following the easy steps below, you can eliminate mould from your home.
Struggling to heat your home?
Having a cold house can make damp and mould worse. We know for many you will be worried about the cost of heating your home this winter and struggling to pay your bills. Not only do we not want you to struggle in silence with the cost of living, but we also do not want this to impact on your home or health. We have staff and services available, access them here.
Tips for clearing mould
Do:
- Open windows in the room you are cleaning but shut the door.
- Wear protective gloves and a face mask, along with old clothes that you do not mind throwing away after removing the mould.
- Use a domestic cleaning product or mould remover from a supermarket, DIY store or high street retailer as these are specifically designed to tackle mould. There may be some natural products such as vinegar or baking soda that may help to tackle mould
- Carefully follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and safety instructions for any product or mould remover you use.
- After clearing the mould, clean and wet wipe all surfaces in the room to remove spores that have spread. Dry any surfaces to remove excess moisture after cleaning.
Do not:
- Use a vacuum cleaner on the affected area as this can cause it to spread further by transferring mould spores.
- Use bleach as this can sometimes make the situation worse.
- Use washing up liquid as it will not be strong enough to do the job.
How to report damp and mould
If you find that none of the above tips resolve the damp or mould in your home, it can be reported through our self-service portal MyHome. Damp and mould can occur for various reasons, and we'd like to know so we can investigate why the issue isn't going away, check if any repairs can be made and give you advice.