As the cold weather continues to persist here in The UK, there is a much higher risk of damp appearing in your home. Damp happens when warmer air condenses after making contact with colder surfaces such as walls and floors. Damp can create the perfect coniditionbs for the growth of nasty substances and fungi such as mould.

Dampness can rob your home of its comfort and cosiness. It transforms a welcoming space into a breeding ground for mould and mildew. According to Gov.UK there are currently an estimated 2 million people living with damp in their homes. This is 3-4% of all residents. The NHS recognises that damp can lead to numerous health problems including: respiratory infections, allergies, asthma, allergies and increase damage to the immune system, therefore it's important to do everything you can to prevent damp and tackle it as soon as it arises.

We have compiled some simple ways you can help prevent damp.

1. Improve Ventilation

A key way to combat dampness is by enhancing ventilation throughout your home. Stagnant air can trap moisture, encouraging mould growth.

Open your windows daily to allow fresh air to flow in and humid air to escape. Adding exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms can significantly decrease humidity, especially while cooking or after a hot shower. For example, running your kitchen exhaust fan can reduce humidity by up to 50%. If you notice areas that feel stuffy, consider investing in a dehumidifier to maintain indoor humidity levels below 60%, which is ideal for preventing mould.

2. Insulate Your Home

As condensation is less likely to build on warm surfaces, insulating your home can really help to reduce damp. Insulating helps to keep out cold weather, helping to regulate the temperature inside of your home.

However it should be noted: when insulation is poorly installed or inadequate ventilation, moisture can become trapped, leading to dampness, mould, and structural issues.

3. Regular Cleaning and Maintenance

Inspecting pipes and roofs regularly for leaks can help to reduce the likelihood of damp in the home. Acting quickly to fix them is important and can help prevent long term issues.

Make it a routine to clean bathroom tiles and grout weekly to avert mould growth. A thorough vacuuming of carpets and upholstery once a week helps capture moisture and dirt that can contribute to dampness. For example, just a single mould colony can release thousands of spores into the air, increasing allergy risks. Adopting these cleaning habits makes a significant difference in maintaining a dry home.

4. Keep Your Windows & Sills Dry

One of the main places where condensation builds in the home is on windows. You can help to prevent this by making it part of your routine to dry your windows and window sills each morning. this helps to stop the condensation from turning to mould and also helps prevent the condensation from building up even worse the next day.

5. Purchase Disposable Dehumidifiers for The Most Vulnerable Areas

Disposable Damp Trap Dehumidifiers are cheap and simple ways to help reduce damp in targeted areas of the home. These dehumidifiers absorb excess moisture and prevent the build up of mould and mildew. They can last up to 6 weeks and be found for as little as £1 each in OneBeyond. You can find them in a variety of types and scents.

OneBeyond stock unscented versions as well as lemon, lavender and ocean. They are most effective when places closest to the areas most susceptible to damp such as window sills, bathrooms and kitchens. It is also good to keep them close by a heat source like a radiator to maximise their efficiency.

OneBeyond also had wardrobe dehumidifiers available. Wardrobes are particularly vulnerable to the build up of damp as they often have little ventilation.

Your Path to a Cosy Home

Keeping your home dry and cosy doesn't have to feel overwhelming. By improving ventilation, ensuring proper insulation, maintaining a cleaning routine, and stocking up on disposable dehumidifiers, you can significantly reduce the risk of moisture issues.

Start implementing these strategies today and proactively create a comfortable living environment that remains warm and dry all year round, reducing the likelihood of developing any nasty mould or mildew which could lead to putting your health at risk.