Dampness and condensation in your home

Condensation is one of the most common causes of damp and mould in homes. It happens when warm, moist air meets a cold surface, such as a window or outside wall, and turns into water droplets.

Every home gets condensation from time to time. But if you notice it most days, or you are seeing mould, it is important to take action. This page explains what condensation is, how to spot it, and what you can do to reduce it using simple, low‑cost steps.

What condensation is and why it happens

Air always contains some moisture. Warm air can hold more moisture than cold air. When moist air touches a cold surface, it cools down and releases water as liquid. That liquid is condensation.

Common cold surfaces include:

• windows and window frames
• outside walls
• tiles
• cold water pipes under sinks

Condensation usually gets worse in winter, when surfaces are colder and windows are kept closed.

When condensation becomes a problem

Condensation often increases during everyday activities such as:

• cooking
• bathing or showering
• washing and drying clothes

It is normal to see misted windows in the morning after a cold night. This usually clears once the room warms up and air circulates.

Condensation is a problem if:

• surfaces stay wet for long periods
• black mould appears on walls, ceilings, furniture or clothing
• rooms smell damp or musty

Are you sure it is condensation?

Not all damp is caused by condensation. Other types of damp need different solutions.

Condensation:

• appears on the surface of walls or objects
• is common on cold surfaces
• is often worse in winter

Leaks:

• cause damp patches that grow over time
• are often near pipes, roofs or gutters

Rising damp:

• usually shows as a tide mark low down on internal walls

If you are unsure, report the issue so we can help identify the cause.

The four steps to reduce condensation

The best way to deal with condensation is to use a combination of these four steps. The first three cost little or nothing and make the biggest difference.

1. Reduce the moisture you create

Small changes to daily habits can greatly reduce moisture in the air.

Cooking

• Keep lids on pans.
• Avoid boiling kettles or pans for longer than needed.

Drying clothes

• Dry clothes outdoors when possible.
• If you use a tumble dryer, make sure it vents outside.
• If you must dry clothes indoors, use the bathroom, keep the door closed and ventilate the room.
• Do not dry washing on radiators around your home.

Bathing

• Keep the bathroom door shut.
• Ventilate the room during and after bathing.

Heaters

• Avoid paraffin heaters and portable bottled gas heaters.
• These release large amounts of moisture into the air and can be costly and unsafe.

2. Stop moist air spreading

Try to keep moist air contained and guide it outside.

• Keep kitchen and bathroom doors closed when cooking or bathing.
• Ventilate these rooms well so moisture can escape.
• Keep doors shut to cold or unused rooms.
• Do not block air flow by pushing large furniture tightly against walls.

Avoid sealing up kitchens and bathrooms completely, as this traps damp air and can make condensation worse.

3. Keep your home ventilated

Ventilation allows moist air to escape and fresh air to enter.

• Open windows when cooking, washing or bathing.
• Keep a small window or trickle vent open in occupied rooms for background ventilation, while staying secure.
• High‑level windows are especially effective at removing moist air.
• Ventilation fans in kitchens and bathrooms help remove steam quickly.

Always make sure your home stays secure when windows are open.

4. Keep your home warm

Heating helps reduce condensation when used alongside the other steps.

• Use dry heat such as central heating or gas fires.
• Avoid short bursts of heating that only warm the air.
• Low, steady background heating works best, as it warms walls and other surfaces so moisture is less likely to settle.

Dealing with mould

Mould grows where condensation is left untreated.

• Wipe mould from washable surfaces using a suitable cleaner.
• Wash affected fabrics, though staining may remain.
• Reducing condensation is the most effective way to stop mould coming back.

If mould keeps returning, it means moisture levels are still too high and the steps above need reinforcing.

Get help to make your home warmer and healthier

We offer free help for residents who want to improve their home’s energy use, warmth and comfort.

Our Energy and Retrofit Support service, delivered with Changeworks, provides trusted advice on:

• reducing energy bills
• improving insulation and heating
• renewable and low‑carbon technologies
• practical ways to keep your home warm and dry

You can speak to an adviser through the Green Energy Helpline or meet the team at local community events.

Take action

• Try the steps above to reduce condensation.
• Report ongoing damp or mould if you need help.
• Contact the Energy and Retrofit Support service for free advice.

Links

• Changeworks website
• Green Energy Helpline
• Report damp or mould