Guide to Damp & Mould

Your Guide to Damp & Mould

Damp and mould in the home can be a health hazard, causing respiratory problems and exacerbating allergies. Making sure your home is free of mould and damp is not only important for your health, but it is also your responsibility as a tenant. Preventing damp and mould is much easier than you might think. This quick guide explains how some everyday habits contribute to damp indoors and offers simple solutions to minimise and deal with small damp and mould issues.

How to prevent damp and mould

Keep an eye out for leaks
Leaky window frames, pipework, walls and doors are common sources of moisture. If you see a leak, you should report it to us as soon as possible so we can deal with the problem swiftly. This will also stop the issue from turning into more serious problems and cause further damage to the property. In the meantime, use a bucket or bowl to collect any drips and make sure to keep surfaces dry with a mop or towel.

Drying clothes in a ventilated room
Don’t dry clothes on radiators. The vapour turns into moisture in the air and is then circulated around the rooms. This then gathers on walls, windows and other fabrics in the home and can be a mould risk. Instead, dry clothes on a clothes airer in a well-ventilated room. Open a window or use a dehumidifier to minimise the spread of moisture indoors.

Keep doors closed
Keep bathroom or kitchen doors closed when having a shower or bath, or when cooking. This will prevent moisture from spreading to other parts of the property.

Use extractor fans
If you have an extractor fan in the bathroom, always make sure it is running when you’re having a shower or bath. If you have an extractor fan in the kitchen, you should also use it to disperse moisture and cooking smells. In the absence of extractor fans, open a window when you cook to allow the moisture to escape.

Air property regularly
Open windows regularly to make sure your property is well-ventilated. Even when it’s cold, moisture gathers in the home so opening the window allows some of this moisture to escape. The current energy crisis does mean that people may be less inclined to ventilate so readily if they feel they are heating up the air in the house only to let it out but moving excessively moist air out of the property is key as it is the relative temperature difference between inside and out that will assist with reducing internal moisture.

Use a dehumidifier or damp trap
Using a dehumidifier is a great way to take the moisture out of the air, especially if you dry your clothes indoors. You can buy an inexpensive one from a local hardware store or online. Disposable damp traps can be picked up relatively cheaply, but over time, you might find it more economical (and environmentally friendlier!) to use an electric dehumidifier.

Wipe away condensation
Cleaning the condensation from windows and frames every day will minimise the spread of black mould. You can simply use a rag or towel to wipe away condensation.

Grow moisture-absorbing plants
Some plants can absorb moisture and pollution from the air and are a great addition to your damp prevention. Peace lilies, tillandsia, palms and ferns are all moisture absorbers — some ferns actually thrive in damper rooms such as kitchens and bathrooms, just make sure you also give them some indirect sunlight.

Not overstuffing your property
Avoid pushing furniture against the wall, or overstuffing wardrobes as this can cause damp and mould to grow and spread. Check behind furniture regularly for signs of damp or mould developing.

Turn on your heating
Running your heating can avoid cold spots, dry out damp and lower the chances of getting mould. The warmer the air is the more moisture it holds and therefore held back from landing and condensing. As the air temperature drops the excess moisture is 'squeezed' out to land on colder surfaces. It is this change in temperature, warm air to cold window, that causes condensation. Therefore part of the solution is to heat the property for longer and not necessarily hotter, this helps to maintain a more consistent humidity level.

How to clean damp and mould spots

Damp commonly occurs in the bathroom, on exterior facing walls and around window and door frames. Keep an eye on these problem areas and clean the moisture and damp regularly to minimise your chances of getting black mould or mildew.

If you do see mildew or mould forming, be sure to use gloves and a face mask before cleaning. Ventilate the room well when cleaning mould spots. When working with chemicals, you must always follow manufacturers’ instructions. Dispose of any rags that you have used to clean mould after using.

Most black mould spots can simply be wiped off with a damp cloth. Be sure to dry the affected area after and leave the room to ventilate.

If there is a more ingrained mould problem, such as in a bathroom or exterior wall, follow these steps:

• Use a mould and mildew product or white vinegar. Pour enough undiluted white vinegar into the empty spray bottle to cover the area of mould growth. Spray the mold directly, fully saturating it with the vinegar, and allow the vinegar to sit for at least an hour. Don't be tempted to scrub or rinse; the mould needs time to completely absorb the vinegar.
• Use a stiff bristle brush to scrub the area.
• Clean off the area then dry it, then leave a window or door open to ventilate.

How to report maintenance issues

Report issues 24 hours a day using our fixflo system. If your property suffers any damage, please report the repair issue via the online portal as soon as possible. Our repairs reporting portal will guide you to supply all necessary details about the problem, enabling us to promptly and accurately diagnose it. If a tradesperson’s visit is needed to resolve the issue, you will be able to schedule a convenient time for the works to be carried out.