Moisture In The Home

Cooking, bathing, washing and drying clothes and even breathing cause moisture in your home. Moisture also comes from using paraffin or bottled gas heaters and un-vented tumble dryers.

When moisture comes into contact with cold surfaces it produces condensation.

How To Prevent Condensation

You can reduce condensation in your home by following some simple rules:
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   Keep all rooms ventilated by opening windows or making sure your window vents are open

   
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   Keep the internal kitchen door closed and window open when cooking or washing

   
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   Keep the bathroom door closed during and after bathing. Open the window immediately after bathing.

   
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Keeping doors closed prevents moisture spreading to other rooms, especially bedrooms which are often colder.  

   
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   If you have extractor fans fitted, make sure they are working.

   
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   Do not use paraffin or bottled gas heaters -  not only are they dangerous they also release water vapour into the air and make condensation worse

   
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   Keep all your rooms warm.

   
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   If possible keep all you rooms at a low consistent temperature when it is cold.

   
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   Where possible put washing outside to dry. If you are drying clothes inside put them in the bathroom with the door closed and windows open.

   
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   Make sure your tumble dryer is vented to the outside unless you have a condensing dryer

If you follow this advice but still get some condensation ………

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   Dry any moisture on your windows with a cloth.

   
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   Shut your doors especially when cooking or bathing.

   
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   Open your windows.

   
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  Keep your rooms warm when it is cold outside.

   
Mould Growth

Condensation can cause mould growth in your home, especially in the bathroom and kitchen.

To remove mould wipe down the surfaces affected with a fungicidal mould remover.  Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Points To Remember: Keep Condensation to a Minimum

Produce Less Moisture:

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   Cover pans when cooking.

   
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   Dry clothes outdoors.

   
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   Vent tumble dryer to the outside.

   
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  Avoid using paraffin or bottled gas heaters.

Ventilate To Remove Moisture:

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   Open your windows or window vents.

Open the windows in your kitchen and bathroom when in use and remember to shut the door when cooking.

Keep Your Home Warm:

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   If possible, keep low background heat on all day when it is cold.