East Cambridgeshire District Council

With the average household producing roughly 24 pints of moisture a day, the Domestic Team at East Cambridgeshire District Council is reminding residents how to prevent mould taking over their house.

With people shutting their windows and doors to keep the cold weather out, the reduction in natural ventilation can lead to a build up of condensation.

Condensation equals moisture and moisture equals damp, which if left unchecked can lead to black mould appearing on walls and furniture and greater damage if left unchecked.

Officers are encouraging people to follow three simple rules:

* Stop moisture building up. This can be achieved through wiping down surfaces where moisture settles, drying clothes outside and covering boiling pans when cooking.

* Ventilate, or air the home. For example when cooking or washing, open windows or use extractors; do not block air vents and allow air to circulate around furniture and in cupboards.

* Keep your home warm. Draught proofing or improving insulation will help keep a home warm and reduce fuel bills. When the whole house is warmer, condensation is less likely to form.

The Domestic Team at the District Council carry out housing inspections within East Cambridgeshire to ensure that private rented properties are up to a good standard. Within their day to day inspections officers also regularly come across condensation problems, which can be rectified.

Liz Knox, Head of Environmental Services at East Cambridgeshire District Council, said: "I was amazed to hear how much moisture the average home produces through the day through things like cooking, drying clothes and showering. This moisture can cause real problems in a home if it is allowed to build up but our three key rules should help stop this becoming a problem. So try and stop moisture building up in the first place, 'air' your house and try to keep your house warm.

"If your home already has mould – you can’t just wipe or vacuum it away. Mould is a living organism and should be killed through fungicidal wash. If you follow the instructions correctly – there should be an improvement within a couple of months but if the problem persists it may be due to another type of damp. If you require further advice on damp or housing conditions please contact the Domestic Team, Environmental Services at the Council who will try to assist you."

If anyone would like any further advice or information please call 01353 665555.