Preventing condensation and mould in your home

We know damp and mould can be worrying and uncomfortable. We’re committed to dealing with issues quickly and helping you stop them from returning. Below you’ll find clear, practical steps to prevent condensation and mould, how to deal with small patches, and when to contact Housing Solutions for help. You can also download a handy booklet here

Why mould forms

Mould usually happens where warm, moist air meets a cold surface and condensation forms. Everyday activities such as cooking, washing and drying clothes create moisture that can settle on windows, walls and in corners. Cold, unheated rooms and poor air flow make these areas more likely to develop mould.

Common causes

  • Moisture from cooking, bathing and drying laundry
  • Poor ventilation or closed trickle vents on windows
  • Cold surfaces and unheated rooms
  • Furniture pushed against external walls, blocking airflow
  • Overcrowded homes with lots of possessions reducing circulation

How to prevent condensation and mould

Minimise Moisture

  • Open a bedroom window each morning to let moist air escape.
  • Use trickle vents if your windows have them.
  • Keep lids on pans when cooking and use an extractor fan or open a window when cooking or bathing.
  • Avoid drying clothes on radiators, dry outside or in a well-ventilated room.
  • Report any leaks or damp

Improve airflow in problem areas

  • Keep furniture at least 50mm from external walls.
  • Keep doors to kitchens and bathrooms closed while they are in use to stop moist air spreading.
  • Make sure extractor fans work and are used during and after showers and cooking.

Manage heating and the home

  • Try to keep your home at around 16°C where you can.
  • Check loft insulation is at least 300mm and not squashed by stored items.
  • Wipe away condensation daily and dry the cloth outside the home.

Heat safely

  • Do not burn solid fuel or waste materials indoors.

How to deal with small patches of mould

  • Wipe condensation from windows and surfaces with a dry cloth and ventilate the room.
  • Small spots of black mould can be cleaned with a specialist mould cleaner or fungicidal wash—follow the product safety instructions.
  • You may need to treat repeat spots more than once during colder months.

Types of damp

  • Penetrating damp: usually from leaks (roof, windows, plumbing). This dries once the leak is fixed and often causes curved damp patches and flaking paint.
  • Rising damp: rare; caused by moisture rising up a wall and usually does not cause black mould.

When to contact Housing Solutions

Please contact us if:

  • You have followed the prevention steps and mould keeps returning.
  • An extractor fan is missing, not working, or only runs with the light on.
  • A bathroom has no window or extractor fan.
  • Your loft insulation is below 300mm, uneven, or compressed by stored items — we will discuss clearing and re-insulating the loft.

You can report damp or mould via our webchat, the customer portal, or by contacting our repairs team through the website.  You can also report if via this link here

Learn more about Awaab’s Law using the link here

Extra support

If you’re struggling with heating or bills, our Welfare & Benefits team can offer advice and support. Contact them via the customer portal or at welfare@housingsolutions.co.uk.

Quick reminder

Heating and ventilation are the most effective ways to prevent condensation and mould. If in doubt, report the issue so we can inspect and make your home safe and dry.