Everyday tips

Everyday things you can do to help prevent damp and mould

Damp and mould can occur in homes for a number of different reasons. We will always carefully investigate the cause whenever it is reported to us and aim to provide lasting solutions to stop damp and mould reoccurring.

There are some everyday things everyone can do to help keep their home healthy and reduce the risk of damp and mould:

Reduce moisture in your home where possible

A common cause of mould is condensation or moisture on surfaces in your home. This occurs most often in kitchens and bathrooms.

To reduce this wipe condensation or water droplets from walls, tiles, shower screens and windows.

Keep your home well ventilated.

Try to open your windows regularly to let out moist air and let fresh dry air in. This will allow dry air from outside to enter your home which will mix with the wet air to balance the overall moisture in your property. Also make use of any extractor fans in your home.

To stop moisture from spreading when you are cooking or bathing, keep the doors to the bathroom and kitchen closed.

Newlon understands the concerns about the cost of energy use during the current cost of living crisis. However, research by our specialist energy use and damp and mould consultants has shown that extractor fans are very economical to use. Running costs are estimated to be no more than £6 a year for extensive daily use of a standard extractor fan, even if electricity prices were to rise to 60 pence per kilowatt hour.

Stop rooms from getting too cold

Very cold rooms can provide ideal conditions for mould to grow, so it is recommended you don’t let the temperature in any part of your home fall below 14°C.

Try not to dry clothes on radiators

Drying clothes on radiators increases the moisture that they release and can create damp spots in your home.

A good alternative is to hang them on a clothes airer and place them in a well-ventilated room with any doors to the rest of your home closed.

Avoid placing furniture close to walls

Mould can grow in enclosed spaces where air cannot circulate, so avoid leaning large items of furniture or storing lots of items against walls, with no space for air to move.