Damp, condensation and mould advice

Condensation and damp can cause damage to your home and belongings and may affect your health. The following guidance explains how to reduce condensation, prevent mould, and spot signs of rising or penetrating damp.

Download our Damp and Condensation information booklet

What is condensation?

Condensation happens when warm, moist air hits a cold surface like a window or wall. It turns into water droplets, which can lead to black mould if not managed.

Common causes:

• cooking, bathing, and boiling kettles
• drying clothes indoors
• poor ventilation or under-heated rooms

How to reduce condensation

In all rooms:

• in cold weather try to keep indoor temperatures between 18–21°C
• open window trickle vents or windows for at least 10 minutes daily
• don’t block air vents or airbricks
• use thick carpets and thermal underlay
• avoid drying clothes on radiators

In the kitchen:

• use lids on pans and extractor fans
• open windows while cooking
• only boil the water you need

In the bathroom:

• open windows during and for around 20 minutes after bathing
• use extractor fans
• take shorter, cooler showers
• wipe down wet surfaces with a cloth

In the bedroom:

• keep furniture away from external walls
• open windows or vents daily
• wipe down windows regularly

Dealing with mould

• use a fungicidal wash (with a Health & Safety Executive approval number)
• avoid painting over mould without treating it first
• use anti-mould paint to delay regrowth

Other types of damp

Rising damp

Caused by a failed damp-proof course. Look for:

• tide marks on walls
• salt deposits
• damp up to 1 metre high

Penetrating damp

Caused by water entering from outside. Check for:

• leaking gutters or pipes
• missing roof tiles
• damaged pointing or render
• covered air bricks

More tips

• if you have to dry clothing indoors place it on a drying rack in a room with a slightly open window and closed door
• or, hang clothes on hangers from a curtain pole above an open window
• avoid drying clothes directly on radiators

Need help?

If you're struggling with damp or mould in your home contact our team with the information below.