As Winter approaches and energy prices remain high, it’s essential to find ways to stay warm without escalating costs – or the risk of damp and mould. Dampness and mould are often caused by condensation from excess moisture, poor ventilation, and cold surfaces. During winter, these issues can worsen as we seal up our homes to keep warm.
Why is it important to stop mould?
- Health Risks – mould can cause coughing, sneezing, and breathing problems
- Damage to Belongings – mould can ruin clothes, furniture, and walls
- Deposit – if mould appears because of how the tenant uses the home, it may cause issues when it’s time to get the deposit back
Here are some practical ways to balance warmth, moisture control, and affordability.
1. Use Ventilation with Minimal Heat Loss
Good ventilation is key to avoiding dampness, but opening windows can let out precious warmth.
For a balanced approach:
- Open windows briefly during the warmest part of the day.
- Cross-ventilate by opening windows on opposite sides of the home for a few minutes, allowing fresh air to circulate and carry moisture out.
- Extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms can also help.
2. Maintain Low, Consistent Heating
Rather than switching heating on and off, maintaining a steady, low temperature keeps surfaces warm and reduces condensation, making it more cost-effective in the long run.
- Kenwood, specialists in damp, suggests setting your thermostat to a moderate level (minimum 18°C) and consider closing doors in rooms you aren’t using, to avoid heating them unnecessarily.
3. Reduce Indoor Moisture without Expensive Appliances
Since moisture often comes from everyday activities:
- Cook with lids on pots to reduce steam, and consider opening a window slightly during and after cooking.
- Avoid drying clothes in your bedroom. Instead, dry clothes outside, or dry them in a room with an open window.
- Avoid placing the clothes on radiators, as this both adds moisture and makes heating less efficient.
- Leave the bathroom door and bathroom window open after each use of the shower, to let the moisture ventilate out of the room.
4. DIY Insulation for Warmth and Damp Prevention
Insulating your home properly helps retain heat and minimizes cold surfaces where condensation collects. Here are some budget-friendly insulation tips:
- Thick curtains help keep heat inside during the winter. You can also add a fleece liner or hang curtains over external doors, if necessary. Open them during the day to allow natural warmth from sunlight, but close them as soon as it gets dark to trap the heat inside.
- Sealing gaps around windows, doors, and floorboards can prevent cold drafts and help retain heat.
- Move furniture slightly away from walls to allow airflow behind and around larger pieces.
5. Target Problem Areas and Act Quickly
- Regularly check high-risk spots like corners, window sills, and behind furniture
- Affordable anti-mould sprays and regular wiping down can prevent problems before they start. If you do see mould, clean it with a mixture of fairy liquid diluted vinegar or a bleach solution and let it dry thoroughly.
7. Layer Up and Make Use of Warm Accessories
- Staying warm isn’t only about heating, it’s also about dressing for the season. Wearing layers and investing in quality blankets or throws can reduce how often you need the heating turned up, especially at night.
8. Keep Your Home Clean
Not ventilating a room properly or not heating a room enough can also cause efflorescence. Efflorescence is a white or greyish deposit of salts that forms on surfaces, and is harmless.
Steps to remove efflorescence:
- Air out the room, by opening all windows and doors.
- Once the room has been properly ventilated, set the heaters on to maintain a constant warmth in the room.
- Clean the area affected with fairy liquid, or bleach.
