condensation on window

Tips to help reduce moisture in your home

Here you'll find some information about condensation and some things that you can try to help reduce moisture in your home.

What to do if you think you have a leak

Leaks from roof problems (stains on ceilings and around chimney breast), pipework (including under sinks and baths) window frames, and under doors are common sources of moisture.

Please report a leak to us as soon as possible, so we can deal with it quickly. Use a bucket or bowl to collect water drips and a mop or towel to keep surfaces dry.

What is condensation?

When moist air meets a cold surface like a wall or window, it forms droplets. This is condensation. Everyday activities like washing, cooking, and bathing create the most moisture in your home. Condensation is the main cause of damp in homes and can lead to mould spots growing.

Things you can try to manage condensation

  • Drying clothes

    Put clothes outside to dry if you can.  Don’t put them directly on a radiator if you need to dry clothes inside. Instead, use a clothes rack or airer.

    If you have an extractor fan in your bathroom or kitchen, it’s a good idea to dry your clothes in these rooms with the fan on, the window open, and the door shut. This will help circulate air, reducing the amount of moisture on cold surfaces and the risk of mould forming on the walls and fabrics in your home.

    You can also dry clothes in a well-ventilated room with the window open.

    If you use a tumble dryer, ensure moisture can escape outside through a ventilation pipe fixed to an external wall or window.

     

     

     

  • Keep doors closed

    Keep bathroom and kitchen doors closed when bathing, showering, and cooking. This will prevent moisture from spreading to other parts of your home.

  • Use an extractor fan

    If you have an extractor fan in the bathroom, always switch it on when you have a bath or shower.  Also, use your extractor fan in the kitchen to help circulate moisture and cooking smells. If you don’t have an extractor fan, open a window to allow the moisture to escape.

  • Ventilate your home

    Open windows regularly to make sure your home is well-ventilated. Even when it’s cold, moisture will gather in your home.  Opening the window allows some moisture to escape. If you have trickle vents fitted to the top of your window frames, leave them open.

  • Use a dehumidifier or damp trap

    Using a dehumidifier is a great way to remove moisture from the air, especially if you dry your clothes indoors.  You can buy an inexpensive dehumidifier from a local hardware shop or online.

    Disposable damp traps are relatively cheap, but you may find using a dehumidifier more economical (and more environmentally friendly) over time.

  • Keep furniture and belongings away from walls

    Allow at least 5cm of space between the backs of the furniture and the well.  It’s a good idea to check behind furniture regularly for signs of damp and mould developing.

    Try not to overfill your wardrobes as this can cause damp and mould to grow and spread.  Instead allow space for air to circulate.

  • Wipe away condensation

    Cleaning condensation from your windows and window frames daily will minimise the spread of black mould. Use a rag or towel to wipe away the condensation.

  • How to clean damp and mould spots

    Use rubber gloves, and a face mask, and ventilate the room when cleaning mould spots. If you are cleaning with chemicals, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

    Most mould spots can be wiped off with a damp cloth.  Dry the affected area after and leave the room to ventilate. Dispose of any rags you have used to clean the mould.

    If the mould is difficult to remove.  This could be in a bathroom, or on an exterior wall; follow these steps:

    • Make a bleach solution with one part bleach to 3 parts water. If cleaning with chemicals, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
    • Use a stiff bristle brush to scrub the area.
    • Clean off the area, dry it, and leave a window or door open to ventilate.
  • Keep your home warm

    Using your heating can help avoid cold spots, dry out damp and lower the chances of mould growth.

    If you’re struggling with the increasing cost of energy our keeping warm web page has some helpful advice and support.