Reduce water vapour in your home

Updated: 15 February 2010

Each of us pumps water vapour into the air each day. Water vapour forms condensation, which can lead to mould and mildew forming in your home.

• Carbon fuels produce water vapour, but some are worse than others. If condensation is a problem, paraffin or flue-less gas heaters can make things worse.
• In cold weather, keep rooms above 10C to avoid condensation, by keeping low background heating on all day. It takes a long time for a cold structure to warm up, so therefore it's better to have a small amount of heat for a long period, than a lot of heat for a short time.
• Keep kitchen and bathroom doors closed and the rooms well ventilated to prevent moisture getting into other rooms. Use an extractor fan or open a window. Cover pans during cooking.
• Dry clothes outside if possible. Put clothes drying indoors in a cool areas (so less moisture will be in the air at any one time). Don't use unventilated airing cupboards for drying clothes.
• Make sure tumble driers (unless they are condenser type driers) have an outside vent.
• Wipe down condensation on windows and sills every morning.
• A very slightly opened window or ventilator will let a significant amount of vapour escape.
• Put wardrobes and furniture against internal walls and leave a space between furniture and walls and floors to let air circulate.
• Use a dehumidifier to dry out damp in newly built houses, or to reduce condensation in warm rooms where there is a lot of moisture.

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