If condensation has nowhere to escape, it will cling to your household surfaces as damp, and could lead to the growth of mould.
Is mould dangerous?
If mould gets onto your skin, or if you inhale it into your lungs, it can cause an allergic reaction. This can appear as a runny nose, sore throat, or skin rash. In some cases, it can lead to something even more serious like stopping you being able to breathe properly. Babies, small children, people with underlying conditions such as asthma, and elderly people are most at risk.
How to prevent mould
What you can do:
- use extractor fans or cooker hoods if you have them
- use a dehumidifier where condensation occurs
- remove mould growth with a fungicidal wash
- where possible, position wardrobes and move furniture against internal walls
- open windows regularly, especially your kitchen and bathroom for half an hour after you’ve used it
- dry washing outside on a line if possible
- keep your home as warm as possible by keeping the heating on, even if at a low heat
- dry wet clothes in the bathroom with the door closed and the window open or a fan on
- wipe dry condensation from windows and walls
- use a tumble dryer to dry your clothes (if possible)
- wash mildewed clothes and shampoo carpets
What you shouldn't do:
- don’t use paraffin and flueless bottled gas heaters
- don’t block air vents
- don’t place furniture or heavy curtains in front of radiators
- don’t draught-proof a room where there is a cooker or a fuel-burning heater, like a gas fire
- don’t fill cupboards to bursting point; allow the air to flow
- don’t dry washing on radiators
- don’t let your boiler go unserviced - get it checked annually
- don’t draught proof rooms where there is condensation or mould
- don't keep the kitchen and bathroom doors open when these rooms are in use