Condensation and mould

Mould and condensation are two issues many people face as the weather gets colder – but there are some measures you can take to minimise the pesky pair getting out of control.

Condensation and mould are issues that affect all of us in our homes. Everyday activities, such as cooking, cleaning, washing, and simply being at home, generate moisture. Even while sleeping, an individual adds around half a pint of water to the air overnight, and an active person contributes twice that amount during the day.

It's this moisture that leads to condensation, which can lead to significant problems if not managed properly. While condensation isn't the sole cause of mould, it's one factor that we can control to minimise damage to our homes and safeguard our health. Being proactive and practical is the key.

 

Ventilate

First off, making sure you air out your home is super important. Without good ventilation, the moisture will not be able to evaporate properly – which causes mould and condensation issues. Open windows or vents whenever possible to allow excess moisture to evaporate and prevent it from settling on surfaces. If you're on the ground floor, open windows when someone is present in the room.

 

Remove excess moisture

If you've still got excess moisture, then get your cloth out! For the colder months, add wiping your windows and window sills to your chore list as it will save you a lot of bother in the long run.

Wipe down windows and sills frequently, ensuring the cloth is wrung out instead of drying on a radiator to avoid releasing moisture back into the air. Pay attention to areas where moisture collects around window and door frames; wipe them dry if condensation begins to form.

Whether we are simply sitting at home or having a shower, moisture is produced from several different outlets. But to reduce the amount of moisture, then you should focus on the kitchen. Cover pans when cooking to minimise moisture in the kitchen.