This latest news release continues the theme from the previous ‘Home Safety Tips’ and concentrates on a subject that our housing officers and maintenance team see often. We have compiled a collection of useful tips on how to avoid, manage and deal with condensation and mould in the home.
Condensation occurs when warm air meets a cold surface e.g. a window. Mould likes to grow on condensation, therefore dealing with condensation early can reduce the cause of mould.
Dealing with mould quickly:
- Always try to wipe down windows and window-sills or UPVC doors when they get wet, or you see condensation.
- Where applicable wipe down surfaces with anti-mould cleaner, always ensuring strict adherence to manufacturer’s guidance and instructions.
- Repair, maintenance or decoration can include the use of anti-mould paint in areas where you’ve had problems with mould before.
- Avoid using hoover or brush to get rid of mould, this will only spread the number of spores in the air which can be hazardous to your health long term.
Increasing the airflow in the house:
- Open windows and doors, regularly, to let moisture out;
- Ensure air vents in walls or windows are not blocked
- Ensure there is space between furniture and wall
- Ensure cupboards are not overfilled
Reducing air moisture inside the house:
- Ensure extractor fans in the bathroom and kitchen (if you have them) work properly.
- If you have to dry clothes indoors, open windows and doors to let moisture out.
- Use clothes rack/horse to dry clothes indoors – Do not hang wet clothes on radiators to dry.
- If possible, always dry clothes outdoors.
- When using the bath or shower, keep the door closed to stop moist air travelling around. Open windows to let moisture out when you have finished.
- When filling your bath reduce condensation by running the cold water first, then adding the hot water.
Keeping your home warm:
- Measure temperature and humidity. Don’t over-heat or under-heat your home. This will help you keep your home at the right temperature.
- Where needed use draught excluders on bottom of door lips to keep heat from escaping but also block cold air from coming in.
- Try to plan and manage your heat usage throughout the day – do not overheat the house very quickly, it can make condensation worse.
- Ensure boiler is annually checked for efficiency, safety and certification.
- Check radiators are working properly, and the heat isn’t trapped in one part of the radiator. If this is the case, contact us or your energy provider to assist you in ‘bleeding’ the radiators as pockets of air can prevent radiators from heating up fully.
- If some radiators give more heat than others, check their proximity to the boiler and ‘balance’ the heat distribution accordingly so that the radiators heat more evenly. Contact us or your energy provider to help balance your radiators.