Reduce Condensation and Mould

How to prevent condensation in your home

Reduce the amount of moisture released into the air:

• cover pans and only boil as much water as you need. If you have an extractor fan always turn it on when cooking
• do not use paraffin or a portable bottled gas heater. These are not allowed in any City of Wolverhampton Council property
• dry washing outdoors or in the bathroom with the window open and the door closed
• vent your dryer outside if it’s not self-condensing
• wipe down the windows and window sills every morning. Especially in the bedroom, bathroom and kitchen
• have shorter showers and turn off the shower as soon as you're out
• if you have fish, cover the tank with a suitable hood or lid

Make sure the rooms in your home are properly ventilated:

• keep your extractor fan switched on. They cost around £5 per year in electricity and will help to take away moisture from the air in your home
• keep small windows ajar or open trickle vents when the room is being used
• open kitchen and bathroom windows when cooking, cleaning or washing. This will allow steam to escape, and always use the extractor fans
• close kitchen and bathroom doors when cooking, cleaning or washing. This will prevent steam escaping into other rooms
• leave space between large furniture and your walls to allow air to circulate

Keep your home suitably warm:

• use your thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) to gently heat up unused rooms
• turn your heating off or put it on low when ventilating rooms to avoid wasting energy and money

Dealing with black mould

• remove excess mould with a damp cloth and throw it away. Avoid brushing mould as this could release spores into the air
• wipe down affected areas using a fungicidal wash. These are available from supermarkets, hardware stores or online. Always read the instructions on the container
• Tea Tree oil is a natural antiseptic and disinfectant. It works well in cleaning away mould and mildew. Just dilute three to four drops in two litres of water. Test a small area first for any kind of reaction. If there’s no reaction, soak items in the solution or spray the affected area. Wipe and rinse afterwards
• after you have treated the area, redecorate using fungicidal paint or wallpaper paste
• dry-clean affected clothes and shampoo carpets