Combating Condensation

Condensation/mould (not penetrating damp) isn't always avoidable, but often it is and, unfortunately, employing contractors to sort it isn’t cheap. Condensation is created when excess moisture in the air comes into contact with a cold surface, e.g. windows, walls (especially in the corners of rooms and behind furniture) and inside furniture. This causes tiny water droplets appear on the surface, which then turn into black mould spores – although they can sometimes be grey or green.

Unlike damp, condensation is not caused by a structural issue. It's caused by the occupants' living conditions and needs to be managed carefully. Heating your house adequately and keeping it ventilated are the best ways to reduce the risk of condensation build up, but of course to prevent it fully can be a difficult task.

Treating and preventing the build-up of mould caused by condensation is therefore a contract-holder's responsibility and falls under the phrase 'contract-holder-like manner'. Here are our doubt-avoiding tips to help spare yourself from unnecessary deposit deductions:

Walls and ceilings: Purchase a mould & mildew remover, such as Astonish's product (widely regarded as the best and cheap from Home Bargains/Poundland), and apply it to the affected areas. Be sure to follow the instructions on the bottle.
Tip: Pull furniture away from walls and check if mould has formed behind it.

Seals around baths, showers & sinks: Mould grows on seals because of all the moisture produced in bathrooms, so they need to be wiped clean regularly. Again, a mould & mildew removal product will do the job.
Tip: Don't scrub at seals vigorously because you may perish the silicone.

Grouting between tiles: Grouting needs soaking in bleach and cleaned down afterwards. You should find it comes up sparkling if done well.
Tip: Don't forget the tiles in the kitchen!

Limescale in toilets and on taps: Limescale is the hard off-white substance that often forms around the rim of the toilet bowl and on taps. This needs to be removed too.
Tip: Use Harpic's 'Power Plus' product, which can be found in a black bottle