Condensation happens when warm air full of moisture hits cold surfaces in your home. It can damage your property and produce mould, which can damage your health.
The good news is that you can minimise condensation and avoid mould by following our four-step guide.
Make less moisture
Wipe water from your windows and sills, wringing your cloth out in the sink. Don't put wet cloths on a heater.
Drying clothes indoors, in poorly ventilated rooms, is one of the biggest causes of damp. Dry clothes outside whenever possible or ensure that there is adequate ventilation to give moisture somewhere to go
Use lids on saucepans when you cook. This keeps steam in the pan and could save money on your energy bill.
Avoid using paraffin or bottled gas heaters. Burning 1 litre of paraffin puts about 1 litre of water vapour into the air which re-appears as condensation.
Tumble dryers should be vented to the outside to ensure the moisture-filled air leaves your home.
Allow air to circulate
Regularly vent every room for short periods of time. Modern windows have trickle vents to help ventilate your home. Keeping these open as much as possible helps damp air to escape. Open a window when cooking or boiling pans and after showering or bathing.
Never block off air vents or extractor fans. Install humidity-controlled extractor fans whenever possible.
Keep your kitchen and bathroom doors shut when in use and for 20 minutes after to prevent moist air from escaping into other rooms. When rooms are not in use leave doors open so heat can spread evenly through your home.
Allow air to circulate by leaving gaps between walls and your furniture.
Keep your home warm
Heating your home efficiently keeps walls and windows warmer and reduces the chance of condensation. Try to keep rooms where most moisture is produced above 18ºC (63°F), along with providing good ventilation
Remove mould immediately
Remove mould as soon as you find it to stop it from spreading and causing more damage to your home.
The mould-affected areas should be treated with a suitable mould/mildew cleaner (always follow the manufacturer’s instructions).
Use fungicidal paints and decorating materials to help prevent the recurrence of mould.
To report a problem with condensation or mould please contact our repairs team on:
(01788) 533888
email repairs@rugby.gov.uk
Download our fact sheet on preventing mould and damp in your home