If you find that there is mould growing on the walls or windows of your property, then it's likely one of 3 things:

  1. Too much condensation in the property (see below for advice to reduce the moisture in your house/flat to avoid this).
  2. There is a water leak somewhere that needs to be repaired.
  3. There is a problem with the building in some way.


Firstly, if mould does appear anywhere in your house/flat please clean all of the mould away as soon as possible and then take the required actions below to ensure that it does not return. You can clean the mould away using warm water with some cleaning solution added to it (dipping a rag into this solution and gently wiping the mould away), or, by far the best way is to purchase a specific mould cleaning spray for a few pounds from your local supermarket. These specialist solutions normally instruct you to spray the solution onto the affected area, wait a specified amount of time, then gently wipe the area clean. Please follow the instructions on the specific product that you purchase.


How to Reduce Excess Moisture in your House/Flat:

  • Ventilation the property well. By not opening the windows or using extractor fans enough you are effectively causing the excess moisture through your actions. Other steps include, when drying clothes, make sure the room is ventilated properly (Open Windows!). Fresh air should be allowed into the property every day to allow the stale moisture filled air to escape and for fresh air to replace it.
  • Search for any potential water leaks immediately and report them to us at straight away via https://letmeproperties.co.uk/report-repair/
  • Humidity can lead to moisture build-up in the air. Keep humidity levels low ventilating all rooms and using a dehumidifier if needed. We highly recommend that you purchase a dehumidifier.
  • If you do spot condensation – typically in bathrooms, around kettles and stoves and in closed areas – take steps to dry the area out, wiping it with a cloth and opening windows. Use a fan to dry out the remaining dampness. Remove wet clothes from shower stalls and the washing machine immediately, and let the area dry out.
  • Vacuum and clean regularly to remove possible sources of mould growth. Pay special attention to bathrooms and other areas of your home that are likely to generate a lot of moisture. Do not store materials such as paper, books, clothes, or other possible sources of food for mould in humid parts of your home.
  • Clean refrigerator drip pans regularly according to the manufacturer's instructions. If your refrigerator and freezer doors do not seal properly, moisture can build up and mould can grow there. In the kitchen and bathroom, open windows or use exhaust fans when engaging in activities that produce moisture. Exhaust fans should be vented to the outdoors and not to an attic or crawl space.
  • Make full use of window and door trickle vents (if installed). These are small flaps or slats usually at the top of the window or door frames that should be left open at all times to allow stale air out and fresh air in.
  • Do not block air vents - there are there for a very good reason.
  • Ensure that you are using the space heating correctly. Your property should never be too hot or too cold, even when you are not home. Your heating should be set to keep your property at a constant temperature of between 12 and 18 degrees. You should try not to let it become colder or hotter than this if it can be avoided.


By far the most common cause of mould growth is excess condensation. The true cause of condensation-based mould growth is often complex and a combination of things. It is sometimes caused by inadequacies in the building but most often the main cause of mould growth is the lifestyle of the occupants – the tenants.


Causes of Condensation:

• Breathing (asleep) 0.3 kg

• Breathing (awake) 0.85 kg

• Cooking 3 kg

• Personal washing 1.0 kg

• Washing and Drying clothes 5.5 kg


REMEMBER:

OPEN THE WINDOWS EVERY DAY, EVEN WHEN IT IS COLD OUTSIDE AND ALWAYS KEEP ALL VENTS OPEN AND CLEAR FRESH AIR IS REQUIRED TO REDUCE MOISTURE INSIDE THE PROPERTY AND TO ALLOW CONDENSATION FILLED AIR TO ESCAPE


For more information on the suggested steps above, you can search online to find articles that might be helpful. Our advice is provided in good faith, without any liability accepted by us. You should follow any suggestions with care and attention and if you do not have the skills or know-how required to carry out your tenant-like responsibilities then you ask a competent friend or hire someone to help you.