Mould is one of the most frequent issues that we see occur in rented accommodation, and the most common cause tends to be a build up of condensation. This can be easily avoided, and we are here to tell you how.
What is condensation?
Condensation occurs when moisture in the air comes into contact with a cold surface, like a wall or window, and leaves behind water. It is most easily spotted on windows as they often mist over. You may have experienced this on your windscreen when driving on a cold or wet day!
Drying wet clothes indoors, taking a shower or bath, boiling a kettle and cooking can all lead to condensation. If the rooms are not properly ventilated, this can result in mould growth that appears as a group of black specks on the impacted walls.
A little condensation is harmless. But in excess, it can cause wooden window frames to rot, damage to paintwork and décor, a musty smell to permeate the home and it can even cause health issues for its inhabitants.
How to prevent it
Proper ventilation in bathrooms and kitchens is essential, as these rooms are the most affected. Ensure there is a working extractor fan in the kitchen and all bathrooms, and open the window when cooking, bathing or showering. Most windows are fitted with either a trickle vent or a two stage locking system ‘night vent’ position, meaning that in the winter you can open them just enough to ventilate the home without freezing the entire family! Keeping lids on pans whilst cooking can also make a big difference.
If you still spot condensation on the windows, wipe them off to prevent the moisture going back into the air.
Dry wet clothes outside if possible, or at least pop your clothes horse in a well ventilated room.
Good insulation is key to a damp free home. Consider turning up your heating a little, even in the rooms you do not use. This might seem like a waste of money, but even turning the radiator on at a low heat can make a huge difference to an uninhabited room that could otherwise be slowly growing mould without you noticing. What’s more, you could use this as an excuse to turn up heating if you have a roommate or partner who is particularly averse to it!
The way you organise your furniture can also reduce the risk of damp. Avoid placing large pieces of furniture like sofas, beds, fridges and large cabinets straight up against the wall, instead allowing at least a small space down the back of the furniture for ventilation.
It might be worth investing in a dehumidifier if you are finding that the problem is persisting. Dehumidifiers can range from £40 to £200+ depending on quality, but if you don’t have the funds, you could get some dehumidifying crystals to place in each room and see if this alleviates the problem.
