Does Condensation Cause Mould?

• What is condensation?
• How does condensation cause mould?
• The dangers of mould exposure
• What you should do when you spot mould in your home
• How to prevent condensation
• Frequently Asked Questions
  • Do dehumidifiers help prevent mould?
  • How do I keep mould out of my bedroom in the winter?
• Contact us today

One of the biggest causes of mould is condensation. Unfortunately, condensation forming on your windows and walls is a very common issue in the UK, particularly during the colder months. 

Here at ICE Cleaning, we offer our fast and thorough mould removal services nationwide. Our technicians are Dewpoint-accredited and can remove every trace of mould in your home, including from hard surfaces and the air. We are available 24/7, 365 days a year, nationwide.

Continue reading to find out how condensation causes mould and what the best ways to prevent it in your home are. 

What is condensation?

Condensation is a type of damp which occurs when warm, humid air meets a cold surface, like a window pane, and the water vapour in it condenses.

This phenomenon often appears on windows or walls, but it can form anywhere where there is a big contrast in temperatures between the air and surfaces. It is usually caused by:

• Showering
• Cooking
• Drying clothes indoors 
• Breathing and perspiring when you sleep

How does condensation cause mould?

Mould spores are always present in the air. When they land on a surface that contains the conditions they requires to grow, like lots of excess moisture, they start to grow there. Condensation provides the damp conditions that mould requires. 

In fact, one of the most common places you will find mould growing is on window sills and around window frames as this is where condensation tends to occur. 

Although condensation usually forms on hard surfaces like glass and tiles, the main problem is when the water soaks into porous surfaces such as upholstered furniture and wood. This can lead to persistent damp patches which enable mould to thrive. 

Condensation is not the only cause of mould, however. It can also be caused by rising damp and penetrating damp. You can find out more about what causes mould to grow in this blog. 

The dangers of mould exposure

When you spot mould growing in your home, you must have it removed as soon as possible. Mould produces allergens, irritants, and sometimes toxic substances which can cause health problems when spores are inhaled or ingested. Exposure can trigger allergic reactions and even asthma attacks.

Exposure to certain types of moulds, such as black mould, may lead to severe respiratory issues and other serious health complications.

Certain groups are especially vulnerable to mould exposure including very young children, elderly people, people with existing skin problems, people with respiratory problems, and people with a weakened immune system. 

Mould can also lead to property damage. It feeds off of organic material, like wood and some types of building materials, and can cause costly repairs and replacements in the future. 

What you should do when you spot mould in your home

Removing mould with a DIY cleaning hack, like wiping it down with bleach or spraying it with vinegar, might seem tempting but could potentially exacerbate the situation instead of resolving it. Amateur attempts at scrubbing away visible signs can aggravate spores causing them to spread to other parts of your property, too. They may not get rid of all the mould, either. 

To give you peace of mind that your mould problem is sorted for good, bring in professional cleaners. They will have the specialist tools, personal protective equipment, and knowledge to quickly and thoroughly remediate the mould. 

Our technicians can even diagnose what is causing the mould in your home and provide clear advice on how to prevent it in the future. 

How to prevent condensation

• Ensure there are no cold surfaces for vapour to condense on by making sure your home is warm, particularly overnight and during the winter. 
• Make sure your home is well ventilated by opening windows regularly, especially in the bathroom and kitchen when cooking or washing.
• Install extractor and exhaust fans to get rid of some of the humid air in bathrooms and kitchens. 
• Put lids on pans while cooking to prevent the steam from pans from making the air warm and humid. 
• Shut doors while cooking and washing so humid air can't travel around the property and cause condensation elsewhere. 
• Purchase a dehumidifier to keep humidity levels in your home low and reduce the likelihood of condensation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do dehumidifiers help prevent mould?

Dehumidifiers lower indoor humidity levels, which helps prevent the formation of excess moisture - an ideal breeding ground for mould spores.

How do I keep mould out of my bedroom in the winter?

In the winter months, ensure good ventilation and consistent heating to avoid creating cold spots that attract moisture. Regular cleaning also helps keep potential growth at bay.

Contact us today

Every mould remediation service comes with a lifetime guarantee* so if the mould returns we will remove it free of charge. Our technicians can give you peace of mind that your property will stay safe, clean, and mould-free in the future.

Get in touch with our team for a free site survey and no-obligation quote by calling 0208 066 0360 or sending an email to enquiries@icecleaning.co.uk.

*subject to advisories