Reduce steam and moisture:
Every day, the average UK household puts about 12 litres (about 20 pints) of moisture into the air in their home.
In homes where clothes are dried indoors the total moisture can be over 20 litres (36 pints) a day. The main daily activities which produce a lot of water very quickly are cooking, washing and drying clothes, and having baths and showers.
Cooking:
Reduce the amount of moisture given off by covering pans and do not leave kettles boiling, open windows or ensure extractors are on when cooking.
Washing and drying clothes:
Dry washing outside if possible.
If drying washing indoors is unavoidable, then dry it in a heated and well-ventilated room, such as a bathroom with the doors closed. If using a tumble dryer, make sure this is vented outside, or if a condenser dryer that there is still adequate ventilation.
Do not dry clothes on radiators.
Wipe down windows and sills:
If condensation appears on them, wring out the cloth rather than drying it on a radiator or in front of a heater.
Trickle Vents / Windows:
If you have trickle vents, ensure these are always open, if not ensure that the room has adequate ventilation via the windows.
Kitchen and bathrooms:
These need more ventilation when you cook, wash up, bathe or dry clothes.
You will need to open windows wider or use extractor fans, if fitted.
Humidistat controlled fans are particularly useful because they operate automatically when the air is humid and are relatively cheap to run.
Close kitchen and bathroom doors...
...whilst these rooms are in use and for a while afterwards to allow the moisture to be vented to the outside. This will help to reduce condensation in other parts of your home.
Ventilate cupboards and wardrobes:
Do not overfill them as overfilling reduces air circulation.
Cut slots into backs of shelves or use slatted shelves. If you can’t do this yourself ask someone to do it for you.
Leave enough space to allow air circulation between the backs of large furniture, beds and walls.
Avoid locating wardrobes, beds and large furniture against external walls.
Do not cover, block airbricks or other permanent ventilators:
These are often carefully placed to ventilate vulnerable areas and gas appliances. Covering these can cause build up of moisture leading to damp and carbon monoxide.
Don’t use bottled gas heaters: South Kesteven District Council does not permit the use of bottled gas or paraffin heaters in its homes.
If you are following this guidance but still experiencing problems with damp or condensation in your home, please contact us on 01476 406080
Or via the following link: TBC
QR Code: TBC
Or request a repair to your council house by clicking on this link.