Wet windows and a speck of mould do not have to mean a big job. Here is what the guidance says you can reasonably do yourself, and where to stop.
Wipe condensation from windows and sills each morning, and clean very small patches of mould with a suitable mould and mildew cleaner. GOV.UK guidance prefers these products to bleach and says larger areas should be handled by professionals. Cleaning is not a fix: if the mould comes back, find out why the surface is wet.
Sefton Council advises wiping windows and sills each morning if water has formed. It takes a minute and stops water sitting on frames and seals, where mould tends to start. Do it before the sun and heating dry the glass, otherwise you will never see how much there was. A wet window is a sign of moisture in the air, so also read our condensation on windows guide.
GOV.UK guidance says people can reasonably be expected to remove condensation and very small amounts of mould with a suitable mould and mildew cleaner. It prefers mould and mildew products to bleach. Follow the instructions on the label, and wear protective equipment such as gloves, as the guidance advises.
GOV.UK guidance is clear that cleaning should never replace fixing the underlying cause, and Sefton Council says that dealing with the causes of condensation deals with the mould. Common causes are cold spots, steam with nowhere to go and heating that is irregular. Basingstoke Council notes mould often shows up behind cupboards and wardrobes, which are poorly ventilated, so leave a gap behind furniture. See black mould in bedroom corners.
GOV.UK guidance says larger areas of mould should be handled by qualified professionals. Get help if mould covers a large area, keeps returning after cleaning, sits on a wall that is wet to the touch, or someone in the home has health concerns. Mould that follows rain is not condensation and needs a different fix, see rising, penetrating or condensation damp.
A dehumidifier does not clean mould or fix a leak. It helps stop the conditions mould needs, once the water source is dealt with, and existing mould still has to be cleaned off. It is not suitable for rentals unless the landlord authorises the changes.
A Dryzen system is a loft-mounted dehumidifier and fresh air system with insulated ductwork to the central area or stairway of the home. Each unit covers up to 150 square metres, extracts about 12 litres a day and costs about 20 pounds a year to run, with an adjustable ratio of fresh and recycled air, both dehumidified and filtered. It suits owner-occupied homes with a loft and is not suitable for rentals unless the landlord authorises the changes. It helps stop the conditions mould and dust mites need, but it does not remove mould that is already there, which must be cleaned off. A free survey can measure humidity through the day and tell you honestly whether a system would help.
Whether you are in Rochester, Walderslade or Gillingham, the routine is the same: wipe, clean small patches, then look for the cause.
GOV.UK guidance prefers mould and mildew cleaners to bleach for small areas. Whichever you use, follow the label and wear protective equipment.
Sefton Council advises wiping windows and sills each morning if water has formed. If you are wiping a lot every day, look at ventilation, heating and cold spots.
GOV.UK guidance says tenants can reasonably clean condensation and very small amounts of mould, and that larger areas should be handled by qualified professionals.
Sources: GOV.UK: Understanding and addressing the health risks of damp and mould in the home; Sefton Council: Condensation, damp and mould advice; Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council: Condensation and mould
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