Condensation is a common problem in the colder months and can lead to mould, but there are steps you can take to help reduce it – including a simple trick in the kitchen
The arrival of the cold winter weather brings with it an increased risk of condensation and mould in our homes.
Condensation occurs when warm air meets a cold surface, so as the temperature drops outside and remains warm inside, condensation forms on windows.
It’s well known that condensation can lead to health issues, as well as damage to paint, plaster and woodwork. At the milder end, people may experience symptoms such as runny noses, sore throats and coughing due to condensation.
More seriously, persistent indoor dampness can provide a breeding ground for toxic black mould, stachybotrys chartarum, which has been directly linked to severe respiratory problems and more. The World Health Organisation has linked a significant number of childhood asthma cases to condensation.
Therefore, it’s crucial to keep our homes free from condensation, which primarily involves good ventilation. While many have invested in dehumidifiers for their homes, there are other simple steps you can take to address the problem.
Chris Michael, managing director of UK air treatment specialist Meaco, shared some of his top tips. Starting with the kitchen, he advises using an extractor fan when cooking, always covering your saucepans, and opening a window or door to allow excess steam to escape.
Condensation can be a real headache, especially during the colder months, but tackling it is key to keeping your home mould-free. Adam Pawson, property know-how guru from Safestyle, recommends: “If your home is suffering from condensation, dampness or mould, the best thing you can do is to try and improve the ventilation inside.
“Try to regularly open windows to allow air to move freely and let moist air escape from the property. Ventilation systems such as extractor fans can also massively help to reduce the condensation in your home.”
Apart from boosting your ventilation game, upgrading those bathroom and kitchen extractor fans to more powerful models is a step forward. And for those with a green thumb, houseplants aren’t just for show – they can actually battle that pesky condensation and mould.
Chris Bonnett from GardeningExpress.co.uk champions this natural remedy, saying: “Mould thrives in small spaces, especially bathrooms where there is a lot of excess moisture. Instead of using chemicals or an electric dehumidifier, adding a houseplant to the bathroom is a simple and natural solution to fight mould in a small, humid room.”
Plus, it was previously revealed which plants are good for this purpose, so going green could very well mean clean! “Adding greenery also purifies the air and adds a refreshing touch to your bathroom. It’s important to keep in mind that not all plants are well-adjusted to damp conditions.”
