Managing damp in your home
Reviewed November 2023
If you notice small amounts of mould, simply wipe it away with a warm solution of washing-up liquid. Repeat as needed, allowing the area to dry between scrubs. If the mould comes back within a few weeks, then you should call us on 0300 303 1010. There is no need to buy expensive mould sprays or treatments.
If the area of mould is larger than the size of a dinner plate, you should call us. We will send one of our specialist team out to do an inspection to work out what is causing the problem. There are lots of things that can cause damp and mould so it's important to get an expert assessment. For example, there might be a leak in the roof or damage to a concealed water pipe.
Once we know what is causing the problem, we will work with you to resolve it. The goal is to identify and eliminate the source of moisture.
One of the issues that can lead to damp and mould is condensation. There are a number of steps you can take to address this. Keeping your home warm and well-ventilated is key. Find out more about damp and mould below:
What causes damp and mould?
Moisture is everywhere in the air, but too much moisture causes damp. When this damp evaporates the result is condensation. This excess moisture can come from lots of different sources, including if you’ve recently had a leak or flood, or moisture from normal domestic activities like drying washing, bathing, or cooking.
Evaporating moisture causes condensation which then supports mould growth.
How can I prevent condensation?
To prevent condensation, you should try to limit the excess moisture in your home. The best way to do this is by balancing your heating and ventilation.
Ventilation
We would recommend that you open a window once you’re done in the bathroom, kitchen, and in your bedroom once you’ve woken up. You only need to keep your windows open for around 20 minutes to allow the moist air to escape and allow dry, fresh air in. You can do this when the heating is off to reduce energy costs.
Without ventilation the moisture builds up and mould will grow in corners and around windows.
Your heating
During winter months, use your heating enough so that inside your home is always warmer than outside. Just a few hours a day, at a low setting is all you need. The best way to do this is by having it come on with a timer. If you need help working your heating system, call 0300 303 1010. Without heat, your home will become damp and uncomfortable.
If you see condensation on windows or walls, try to adjust the balance to prevent it. We would never expect you to stop cooking or washing in your home. There’s lots more we can do to help reduce moisture.
How we can help
If you call us to report mould, we will help to identify the root cause of the damp. If something is broken, like a leaking pipe or a damaged roof, we will fix it. We will also see if you need new extractor fans or a ventilation unit.
We can also do mould washes, and stain blocks and provide you with redecoration packs. These will provide a temporary fix to address the visible issues.
Financial support to help you stay warm and well in your home
If you’re worried about energy bills this winter, we’re here to help. Take a look at the links to our Support Hub below.
Better Housing Better Health can help keep you warm and well by improving the energy efficiency of your home.
Lightning Reach portal allows you to find and apply for support from multiple providers, quickly and easily.
If you’re struggling to pay your rent, or are worried about money, please call us on 0300 303 1010. We’re here to help.