Dealing with Damp, Mould and Condensation 

Damp and condensation can both cause mould to grow and reproduce. If your home is not kept warm and dry, it's at risk of mould growth. Mould is a health concern and can make asthma worse - it can also cause other breathing problems and can be very harmful to your health. It is important to report any cases of mould or damp to us as soon as possible so that we can investigate and work together to remove and prevent recurrence.

What is it?
  • Condensation is when hot air from taking a shower, or steam from cooking comes into contact with a cooler surface such as a window or wall and causes tiny water droplets to appear.
  • If these surfaces are left wet, the water droplets can soak into the wallpaper or paintwork and cause mould to grow.
  • When the mould grows it’s unsightly and appears on surfaces as a cloud of little black dots.
  • The mould causes the "musty" odour frequently associated with a damp house.
  • Having mould in a household is a health hazard as it can lead to respiratory infections, allergies and asthma.
How can I prevent condensation and mould?

Simple things make a huge difference when it comes to the prevention of damp and mould:

Ventilate well

  • When using the bathroom or when cooking in the kitchen, ensure windows are open and turn on the extractor fan if there is one present within the household
  • Doing this will keep air circulating and remove the hot moisture that has been generated
  • When using a room leave windows slightly open to prevent humidity from building up. If the option isn’t available to open any windows, wipe off any water that has collected on window surfaces with a cloth or tissue to keep the area dry
  • Check air vents installed in the house aren’t blocked by any furniture or any other items as this could restrict air circulation
  • Avoid overfilling cupboards. If air is unable to circulate, mould may start to grow.

Try and reduce moisture 

If there is less moisture/humidity in the home then less condensation will occur

  • Cover pans and pots when cooking to limit the amount of steam escaping into the air
  • Don’t leave kettles or pans boiling longer than needed
  • Dry wet laundry outdoors if possible rather than inside
  • If unable to dry clothes outdoors then dry them in the bathroom, close the door and keep the extractor fan on or a window slightly open
  • Keep your heating on a low background temperature setting at approximately 18-21°C in cold weather rather than short bursts of hot heat
  • Wipe condensation away from windows and other surfaces
  • Close the bathroom door when showering or bathing
  • Avoid drying clothes on radiators.

To help keep your home warm you can also; 

  • Tuck long curtains behind radiators 
  • Keep doors closed to stop any draughts
  • Open your blinds and curtains when the sun is shining to allow the natural sunlight to warm up a room
What if I already have mould? 
 

If a home has mould it's important to find the cause and to get rid of it as quickly as possible as it can be harmful to health.

If a small area is starting to form mould you can:

  • Remove the small build up by using a mould-removing wash. These are available to buy cheaply in supermarkets and DIY stores.
  • For larger build-up of damp and mould on walls it is important to report this problem to us as soon as possible so that contractors can be called in to resolve the issue quickly. This might save further damage to property and prevent any mould related illnesses from occurring.
 

You can report any cases of mould or damp that concerns you via our office number, 0161 272 6094 or via our email address customerservices@arawakwalton.com

We understand with the rising cost of energy bills you might be worried about putting your heating on. If you’re struggling with this, please give us a call on 0161 272 6094, and we’ll put you in touch with our Housing Team who’ll be happy to help you with advice and support.