Mould can grow naturally in humid, cold or poorly ventilated spaces, but there are simple things you can do to help prevent it.

 

Tips to improve ventilation

Good ventilation helps remove moisture.

 

Open windows

Open windows without good air flow in your home, as excess moisture may appear on your walls, windows and floors.

Open windows for short periods of time to ventilate.

 

Use trickle vents

If your windows have trickle vents, make sure you leave them open during the day. This allows moisture to escape.

 

Maintain air vents

Make sure air vents are not blocked and kept clean, as they allow for natural airflow and moisture to escape.

 

Use bathroom extractor fans

Use during and after you are bathing or taking a shower.

Extractor fans are very cost effective to run.

 

Use kitchen extractor fans

Use when cooking in the kitchen.

Keep extractor fan/heat ventilation isolator switches turned on as extra moisture will contribute to mould growth.

 

De-clutter your home

Try to get rid of unnecessary items to clear the space along the walls. If it is not possible to clear, then store items on a shelf.

Good air flow is important to circulate the heat and helps push moisture out. This will help prevent “dead patches” where mould can form.

 

Reduce moisture

To speed up ventilation, wipe down your windows and surfaces with a clean cloth to remove excess moisture.

 

Clean away mould

Mould is much easier to control if you can spot it early.

If you spot some mould or mildew, clean it straight away to prevent it from spreading.

You can use general household products. Do not use bleach products.

 

Tips to contain moisture

Containing moisture helps reduce damp and mould growth.

 

Shut doors

When using the bathroom or kitchen, prevent moisture from spreading to the rest of the rooms in the house.

 

Use lids

Use lids on pots when cooking as this helps reduce steam moisture in the air.

 

Dry clothes outside or use clothes horse

If drying clothes inside, use a clothes horse either in a room with the door closed, a window open and heating on, or in the bathroom with an extractor fan on and door closed.

 

Avoid portable heaters

Avoid using paraffin and portable bottled gas heaters as these heaters produce a lot of moisture.

 

Tips to reduce moisture forming

Cold walls make it easier for moisture to collect.

 

Heat your home adequately

Keep each room heated to above 16°C, as cold rooms attract moisture and allow mould to grow.

 

Keep a constant temperature

Avoid extreme changes in temperature. For example, turning heat up to maximum and then turning heat off completely.

Keep the thermostat at a constant 16° – 21°C.

 

Keep radiators clear

Do not obstruct radiators or other heat emitters, like storage heaters, to allow heat to reach the entire room.

 

How to report damp and mould in your home

Sometimes mould is caused by issues that need fixing like leaks or broken ventilation. If you think a repair is needed, report it as soon as possible so it can be sorted quickly.

Contact our customer service centre or your Neighbourhood Housing Lead.