Moist and warm environments create ideal conditions for mould growth. To prevent this, leave window vents open and try to make a habit of opening your windows daily.

When moisture can't escape, it accumulates in the air and settles on hard surfaces as condensation. Be sure to occasionally air out unused rooms in your home to keep the air circulating.

Here are some simple tips to help.

Drying clothes

Drying clothes in winter can be tricky, but if you can, dry your clothes outside. If drying indoors is your only option, use a clothes airer in the bathroom with a window open or an extractor fan on to let the moisture out. A dehumidifier can speed up the drying of your clothes and help manage the moisture in the air, preventing it from turning into condensation. If you have a tumble dryer, make sure to vent outside or use a condensing dryer. 

Kitchen

Make sure to cover your pans when cooking to trap moisture and if you have an extractor fan, be sure to use it to its full potential. If it vents outside, it allows moisture to escape from your home. However, if your fan circulates air through a filter and back into the room, make sure to open a window as well to help release the moisture. Also avoid placing your kettle under a cupboard as this can encourage ceiling mould forming, as well as the steam can damage wooden units over time.

Bathroom

To prevent mould from forming in your bathroom, try keep it as dry as possible. After showering, wipe down your bath, sink, and other wet surfaces – a good window vac works wonders on your shower screen. Hang up your towels and bath mats instead of leaving them in a damp pile. Avoid cluttering your bath or shower tray with multiple bottles of shampoo and shower gel. Not only does it create spots for water to pool, but it also makes it harder to spot mould. Open a window to let steam out after a shower and use an extractor fan.

Heating your home

Cold rooms are more susceptible to damp. While you may not want to spend money heating a space that's rarely used, prevention is better than dealing with mould later. Consider keeping the room at a low temperature, or set a heater on a timer to maintain a consistent warmth. Avoid paraffin or gas bottle heaters, as they produce a lot of moisture.

Reporting mould 

If you spot small areas of mould, you can clean them with household mould remover. For serious mould issues, you need to report it to Connells.

Click here to log into the tenant portal to report a mould issue.