Don’t let damp and mould build up in the home

Published: 29 October 2024

Householders are being given handy advice to prevent the build-up of damp and mould in the home.

The useful information comes from Exeter City Council during Damp & Mould Awareness Week.

The NHS spends an estimated £1.4 billion a year on treating illnesses associated with living in cold or damp housing. 

It is the build-up of moisture in a home that can cause damp and mould problems and affect people’s health.

When moist air meets a cold surface like an external wall or window it causes condensation. High levels of condensation can lead to dampness and cause mould to grow on surfaces.

It is the mould spores that irritate the throat and lead to conditions such as asthma.

It is essential that if mould starts to grow on walls, it is wiped away with an anti-mould cleaner or anti-fungal wash to stop the spread of mould growth.

There are other simple things that manage and reduce damp and mould levels in the home:

Increase the flow of air in your property

• Open windows daily for at least 10 minutes
• Allow air to flow around furniture and do not push items up against an internal wall

Heating the home

• Heating the home for longer on a lower temperature is preferable to short, high bursts. Heating all rooms to a similar temperature (between 18°- 21°) is ideal
• Check insulation levels and draught proofing to help keep the home warmer and in turn lower fuel bills

Reduce the amount of moisture produced

• Always have the extractor fan on when re cooking or taking a bath or shower. Keep windows slightly open if there is no extractor in these rooms
• When running a bath, by adding the cold water first before adding hot, steam production can be reduced by 90%.
• Wipe down any surfaces where moisture appears, especially in the mornings
• Hang washing outside whenever possible. If drying indoors, always have a window open and try and keep the door closed
• Cooking with pan lids on prevents steam escaping

If damp and mould problems continue, and steps have been taken to reduce condensation levels in the home, householders should contact their landlord to arrange an inspection. There may be other factors causing dampness that need to be identified and addressed.

Those who need help with keeping their house warm and are struggling with the cost of living should contact Exeter Community Energy on 0800 772 3617 or email healthyhomes@ecoe.org.uk.

They may be able to help install simple energy saving measures, check people are on the correct energy tariff and check eligibility for any grants that are available.