How YOU are causing damp in your own home as millions are making easy heating mistakes

MOULD and damp in your homes can lead to health issues, problems selling houses and worse.

But millions of Brits are making mistakes with their heating, washing and cooking that could be causing mould to grow more quickly.

Flying Eze spoke to heating and plumbing experts to get top tips on how to prevent mould – and particularly black mould – from spreading.

Ultimately, preventing mould in homes comes down to controlling moisture levels.

Stephen Day, director at iheat.co.uk, said: “Excess humidity, condensation and poor ventilation create the perfect place for mould to thrive.

“The key is keeping moisture levels at bay before it becomes a bigger issue.”;

Here are some of the top ways to keep the damp at bay.

1. Don’t turn your heating off entirely

Many people might think that turning the heating off will reduce condensation and prevent damp from spreading.

People may also be heating their homes less due to rising prices, the cost-of-living crisis, and the government stripping away heating benefits for pensioners.

But Ibrahim Bhamjee, plumbing expert at Bright Light Plumbing services says that this is a mistake and can cause damp to spread.

He says: “In recent times we have come across more instances where people are not turning the heating on as well as not ventilating properties.

“Two important things to ensure damp issues do not occur.”;

Having no heating on whatsoever through the colder months can lead to condensation collecting within the walls, which means more damp, and ultimately mould.

Day says that wherever possible you should try and keep your home at a constant temperature.

He explains: “A consistently warm home can reduce condensation.

“Maintaining a steady indoor temperature rather than turning heating on and off throughout the day can help.

“We know that energy costs are a concern for many, but even small adjustments.

“Using a smart thermostat to optimise heating efficiency or keeping rooms just a degree or two warmer, can make a difference.

“Preventing moisture buildup and avoid major issues like damp later down the line.”;

2. Make sure there’s enough ventilation

“A house needs to breath!”; says Bhamjee, arguing that keeping windows constantly shut is one of the biggest mistakes that you can make when battling damp and mould.

That’s because ventilating and getting rid of the moisture from inside the home is crucial to eliminating damp.

Opening windows can also make your home heat more quickly.

He explains: “I find at times when advising that it’s good practice to open windows and allow fresh air into the home.

“People sometimes think this is silly as it makes the house cold and more expensive to keep the house warm.

“But actually, this helps heat the home quicker because cold air holds so much less moisture than warm air.

B”ringing in cold air and heating it will bring in dry air, reducing indoor humidity.”;

Day agrees. He says: “Proper airflow is crucial. Make sure trickle vents on windows are open, extractor fans are working, and windows are opened regularly.

“Especially after cooking or showering to let moisture escape.”;

3. Manage condensation

Condensation is one of the biggest contributors to mould growth.

Day advises that simple steps like wiping down windows each morning, using moisture-absorbing materials like rock salt or silica gel.

And keeping furniture slightly away from walls to improve airflow can all help.

4. Control humidity

Day says that using a dehumidifier, drying clothes outdoors when possible, and keeping lids on pans while cooking will all help reduce excess moisture in the air of your home.

Preventing mould in children’s bedrooms

Children’s rooms with blackout curtains or blinds are particularly susceptible to mould, as they could restrict the flow of air.

It can develop in hidden areas and exposure can lead to mould related allergies, respiratory problems or gastrointestinal conditions in children.

Home insurance comparison experts from Quotezone.co.uk are warning parents especially, to tackle mould early and keep an eye out for common signs.

Greg Wilson, home insurance expert at Quotezone.co.uk said: “There are many steps parents can take to tackle mould in their child’s bedroom.

“Simple things like cleaning down the condensation from windows each morning, leaving windows open for a little while each day and opening up all the internal doors in the home to create a healthy air flow, can make all the difference.”;

Follow these steps to keep your children’s bedrooms mould-free:

1. Open windows for 30 minutes a day
2. Wipe condensation away daily
3. Open all internal doors during the day
4. Leave a gap with blackout blinds
5. Put a dehumidifier in the room
6. Check daily for signs of damp or mould

Bhamjee adds that it’s important to ensure kitchen and bathrooms have good working extractors which extract to outside

Adding that it’s surprising how many are ventilating to loft space or to a blocked outlet.

Homeowners should also do regular maintenance, checking vents are clear, vacuuming and cleaning as necessary.

5. Don’t dry clothes on radiators

Drying clothes on a radiator can raise the risk of mould and mildew growth, as it may lead to condensation and increase humidity in the indoor air.

The moisture from damp clothes gets carried into the room by the warm air currents and tends to settle on the first cold surface it encounters, which is often the windows.

6. If problems persist

Both experts say that if you keep on top of heating, cleaning, and ventilating, but mould persists, it suggests that there’s a wider problem.

Bhamjee says: “If there is damp especially black mould in a property it’s important to check for leaks, guttering, brick pointing, external drainage.

“Ensure any of these issues are dealt with as quickly as possible as water can take a long time to dry when it gets into the walls.”;

Day adds: “If mould persists, it may be due to a more serious problem, such as leaking pipes, rising damp, or poor insulation.

“Regular home maintenance like checking gutters, sealing gaps around windows, and repairing leaks, can prevent long-term damage and mould growth.

“Ultimately, prevention is always easier than cure. By staying on top of ventilation, heating, and home maintenance, you can keep your home mould-free and healthy.”;

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