During these colder months, you may notice some damp appearing in your home; this can often be caused by condensation on windows and sometimes walls. If the condensation is not addressed it can lead to damp and mould issues.
Excess moisture in the air can lead to condensation if there is poor ventilation and heating; causes of this are activities such as drying laundry, bathing/showering, boiling the kettle, cooking and the damp weather outside. Stained curtains, deteriorating wooden window frames and mould patches are signs that condensation is an issue.
Here are simple steps that can help to eliminate condensation:
1. Wipe windows and sills to remove excess moisture. If there are already signs of mould then use a cloth dipped in soapy water and then dry off, disposing of the cloths afterwards.
2. When cooking, lower the temperature and put a lid on the pan to keep the heat and steam in; this will also save energy. Close the kitchen door and slightly open a window to help steam escape outside.
3. The bathroom is also a steamy room, and by keeping the door closed and opening a window, steam from a bath or shower can be prevented from leaking into the rest of the house.
4. In general try and open windows, even just a tiny bit, to help the air to move freely and let damp air escape.
5. If the heating can be kept at a fairly even warm temperature during the cold season this can help to keep the damp away, ensuring the walls don’t get cold enough to create condensation.
6. Using a dehumidifier will recirculate the air whilst removing the moisture, helping to prevent damp issues.
7. Hanging clothes outside to dry whenever possible, or using a tumble dryer, will help to prevent condensation, keeping damp out of the house. If wet laundry needs to be hung up indoors, ensure the room is well-ventilated and use a dehumidifier to remove moisture from the area.
