Condensation, damp and mould are not uncommon at this time of year. But the mistake many people make is falsely believing the problem solely lies with what’s going on outside the house, as opposed to inside. A lot of our well intentioned cleaning habits directly impact the moisture within our homes, unknowingly contributing to damp and condensation.
From cleaning too much, to not cleaning enough and cleaning altogether entirely incorrectly, many of us are making mistakes with our winter cleaning routines, and our homes are paying the price. To help avoid condensation and damp in your home this season, these are the mistakes to look out for and the quick and easy changes you can make to tackle mould fast.
5 cleaning mistakes that can make condensation worse
Using too much water when mopping
Keeping floors clean becomes even more of a priority in the winter. With wet weather in full swing, mud is very much an inevitability. But over-cleaning floors can lead to a deeper issue, arguably more impactful than foot prints.
A soaking-wet mop can leave more water on the floor than you need to clean it. As that water evaporates, it adds moisture to the air, which can settle as condensation on colder surfaces such as windows and walls. Wring the mop out well before you start, and open a door or window briefly while the floor dries to help the moisture escape. A floor that dries quickly means less time for water to evaporate into the room.
Forgetting to clean the extractor fan
The cooker hood and extractor fan is easy to overlook, but grease and dust can build up and make it less effective at clearing steam and moisture from the kitchen. Before cleaning, unplug it at the mains and make sure the hob and hood have completely cooled.
If the outer cover is removable, take it off and wash it in warm water with washing-up liquid. If it isn’t, carefully wipe it in place with the same solution. Rinse and dry it thoroughly with a kitchen towel. Wipe the fan blades with a cloth wrung out in soapy water, taking care not to get them too wet, and make sure they’re dry before refitting the cover. Wash any filters in washing-up liquid, too, and let them dry fully before putting them back; sponge filters need replacing after a few washes.
What to read next
Keeping the hood clean and working well helps clear cooking moisture before it lingers in the room. But do be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your model.
Not cleaning your radiator
A dirty radiator can lead to a whole host of household issues when winter rolls around. Not only do they contribute to the dust content in the air once turned on, but a dirty radiator can lead to an increase in energy bills and a much colder, wetter, home.
Radiators are easy to overlook when cleaning, especially in the grooves where dust gathers. A build-up between the fins can reduce how much heat a radiator gives out, so a room may take longer to warm up – and cost you more. Keeping it dust-free helps it work as effectively as it can. This matters in autumn, when colder windows and walls are more prone to condensation. Turn the heating off and let the radiator cool before using a soft brush or vacuum attachment to clear the dust and keep that warm air circulating.
Ignoring your soft furnishings
When looking for moisture causing cleaning jobs, your eyes may not immediately land on the sofa. But it turns out the way we treat, or rather don’t treat, our soft furnishings can be a secret contributor to moisture in the air.
I’m sure you’re up to date on how to clean your sofa, cushions, curtains and rugs etc – but are you aware you need to increase how often you clean them in the winter? These can all quickly collect dust, fibres and pet hair, all of which hold on to moisture. Forgetting to keep them all clean and regularly vacuumed of this dander could create a breeding ground for mould and mildew. Though a smaller contribution than other mistakes on this list, over time, that excess humidity doesn’t just mean you could be damaging your furniture, it can lead to an internal temperature drop, less energy efficiency – and you guessed it – more condensation.
Not drying your cleaning tools
We all know drying wet clothes indoors can contribute to the moisture in our homes, but what we maybe don’t realise is that it’s not just our clothes. A damp cleaning cloth chucked over a rail or splayed on the radiator can contribute to dampness as much as a big wet towel.
So you must take the same level of care with drying these smaller, seemingly inconsequential, items as you would clothes. That means, cleaning cloths, mop heads, tea towels and more. Use heated airers and dehumidifiers to both speed up the drying process and reduce and control the levels of moisture in the home.
3 speedy changes to tackle mould fast
- Wipe away condensation as soon as you spot it. Check windows, frames and sills each morning, then use a dry cloth to remove any water droplets. Dry the cloth promptly rather than leaving it damp in the room, that’s the important step most people overlook. This clears moisture from cold surfaces, where it can otherwise linger – and grow.
- Give your home a quick airing. The ‘house burping’ method means opening windows briefly to let stale, humid air out and fresh air circulate, without letting your home lose all that precious and expensive heat. Try it after moisture-heavy activities such as showering or cooking, or when you notice the air feels stuffy. The aim is a short burst of ventilation, rather than leaving windows open for a long time.
- Treat visible mould stains with a suitable mould remover. There isn’t one DIY mix for every job. For discoloured grout, scrub with an old toothbrush and a solution of one part bleach to four parts water, or use a specialist mould spray. With all surfaces test a hidden area first before using bleach but especially on painted walls or ceilings. Follow by rinsing and letting the surface dry completely.
