The main cause of damp and mould is too much moisture in the air. Here are six tips to bring down the humidity in your home:

1. Heating: Try to keep your home warm with a low background heat of at least 18oC, and open windows or doors to unused rooms frequently to circulate the air. 
2. Drying clothes: Where possible dry clothes outside. Avoid drying clothes on radiators. Use a clothes airer in a room where a window can be opened, or an extractor or dehumidifier is on. 
3. Cooking: Put lids on pans while cooking, close connecting doors, open a window and/or use the extractor fan. 
4. Bathing: Use extractor fans where fitted and close connecting doors. After a bath or shower, open the window to let the air circulate and use a squeegee to remove excess water from tiles and shower screens. 
5. Windows: Air your home by opening windows when possible. Leave trickle vents open and wipe away condensation on windows.  
6. Furniture: Leave a small gap between furniture and outside walls. Avoid putting mattresses directly on the floor as air needs to circulate underneath and declutter rooms to improve air flow. 

Help and guidance to deal with damp and mould (PDF, 13.8 MB)

For more information or to report an issue with dampness and mould see Housing Repairs