The mould problem
You're battling condensation on windows every morning, noticing dark spots in bedroom corners, and wondering whether that musty smell is just "normal for winter." Then you buy a £200 dehumidifier that runs constantly… yet the mould keeps returning because the root cause hasn’t been addressed. Mould needs moisture, warmth, and poor ventilation to thrive. Remove just one of these, and it can't grow.
Ventilation matters more than heating
Open windows for ten minutes every morning, even in winter. This removes moisture-heavy air before it condenses on cold surfaces. It feels counterproductive when you’re trying to stay warm, but it prevents far more mould than leaving everything sealed.
Bathrooms and kitchens create huge amounts of moisture. Use extractor fans while cooking or showering and keep them running for at least twenty minutes afterward. No extractor fan? Open a window immediately after bathing or cooking. It may be cold, but those few minutes prevent hours of condensation buildup.
Keep internal doors closed during high-moisture activities. Steam from a shower doesn’t magically disappear-it travels into colder rooms, condensing on walls and windows and creating mould-friendly conditions.
Temperature consistency prevents condensation
Mould grows where warm, moist air hits cold surfaces. Heating the whole home consistently, even at lower levels, is far better than having one very warm room next to much colder ones. You’re not aiming for high heat-just stable temperatures.
Cold corners and external walls are prime mould zones. Pull furniture at least ten centimetres away from these walls to allow airflow. This simple adjustment prevents the stagnant cold patches where mould grows unseen behind wardrobes and sofas.
The cleaning approach
Fungicidal sprays treat surface mould, but they don’t prevent recurrence if conditions remain the same. Clean thoroughly, but then address the moisture and ventilation issues causing the mould in the first place.
If mould returns even with good ventilation and heating, the property may have deeper issues-poor insulation, inadequate damp-proofing, or structural defects. Photograph the problem areas and report them formally in writing, as persistent damp and mould are health risks and often indicate landlord maintenance responsibilities.
Your mould prevention strategy
Ventilate every room daily for at least ten minutes, even during cold weather. Use extractor fans during and after moisture-generating activities. Maintain consistent temperatures throughout your property rather than heating some rooms intensely whilst leaving others cold. Pull furniture away from external walls to allow air circulation. Clean existing mould thoroughly, then address the ventilation and temperature conditions that allowed it to grow.
Properties staying mould-free through winter aren't necessarily newer or better built. They're ones where occupants understood that prevention requires consistent ventilation and temperature management rather than reactive cleaning after mould appears.
Dealing with persistent mould problems despite following prevention strategies? Document the issues and seek expert advice on whether property defects require professional intervention.
