Damp conditions can cause mould on walls, furniture and window frames. If you have mould, you will probably see dark patches forming in these places.
Damp, cold homes encourage the growth of mould and mites. Mites feed on moulds and can give some people breathing problems.
In some cases, mould can cause serious illness.
Mould is often caused by condensation (which forms when warm, moist air touches something cold, like a window).
You need to deal with condensation so you don’t get mould. Here are some things you can do immediately.
Do
- wipe off as much mould as possible using clean water
- wipe down areas where there is mould with a suitable fungicidal wash. You can buy this in supermarkets and hardware stores. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
- reduce condensation to stop new mould growing (see below)
- dry-clean clothes affected by mould
- shampoo carpets affected by mould
- redecorate after treatment, using a good-quality fungicidal paint, to help stop new mould forming. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Don't
- block permanent ventilators or chimneys
- put furniture against cold external walls
- disturb mould by brushing or vacuum cleaning
Other causes of damp in the home
Condensation is by far the most common cause of damp.
However, it can also be caused by:
- leaking pipes, wastes or overflows
- rain seeping through the roof where a tile or slate is missing
- problems with flat roofs or lead work around chimneys etc.
- rain water spilling from a blocked gutter
- rain coming in around window frames
- rising damp due to a missing or damaged damp course