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Condensation

What is condensation?

• It starts as moisture that is produced by cooking, washing or drying clothes indoors on radiators.
• This moist air condenses on cool surfaces such as walls, mirrors, wall tiles and windows, and even some clothes.
• When the moist air is warm it rises and often ends up on ceilings and in upstairs rooms and then forms mould.

If mould forms:

• wipe the mould off immediately with water. Do not use washing up liquid
• apply a bleach solution to the wall or use a recommended product available from a shop.

Preventing condensation

Condensation can occur in any home. You can take steps to prevent it.

Control excess moisture:

• close kitchen and bathroom doors to prevent steam going into other colder rooms
• open kitchen and bathroom windows when cooking or washing so that steam can escape, or use an extractor fan if you have one fitted
• open some windows in other rooms for a while each day to allow a change of air
• wipe down surfaces where moisture settles to prevent mould forming
• do not block air vents.

Produce less moisture:

• dry clothes outdoors whenever possible, otherwise use well ventilated rooms
• cover pans when cooking
• vent any tumble driers to the outside.

Keep your house warm:

• take steps to prevent heat loss
• maintain low background heat. This doesn’t necessarily cost more.