How to Control Dampness & Mould in the House
Here is how you can dehumidify your home, prevent dampness and keep mould and mildew at bay
A damp and humid indoor environment can easily give rise to mould or mildew, which is a health hazard that can cause various types of allergies or asthma attacks. Not only this, too much dampness in the walls can affect the structure of the building, damage the woodwork or other interior works and attract termites, rodents and other insects. So why not take some essential steps to control moisture at the source? Here are ways to dehumidify your home and control the sources of dampness.
2. Ensure good ventilation
Good ventilation is an excellent way to keep humidity and dampness at bay.
Good ventilation is an excellent way to keep humidity and dampness at bay.
- Make it a habit to open your windows every day so that there is cross ventilation and good air circulation. Open windows allow indoor moisture to escape outdoors before it condenses.
- Keep furniture at least 2 inches from the wall so that air can circulate freely.
3. Control indoor moisture
Prevent the build up of moisture within the home. How?
Prevent the build up of moisture within the home. How?
- Steam generated from cooking is the prime source of moisture in the kitchen. It is advisable to keep a lid on the saucepans or kadhais while cooking.
- Install a chimney in the kitchen to draw out moist air and prevent the buildup of moisture in the kitchen.
- It is advisable to dry clothes outdoors, so as to prevent evaporation and accumulation of moisture inside.
- Make it a point to wipe the bathroom dry after use.
- Do not over-water your indoor plants, as plants release excess moisture as vapour into the air.
- Remove all kinds of absorbent materials, such as rugs, carpets or pillows from moisture-laden areas such as bathrooms and basements.
4. Install exhaust fans
It is essential to install exhaust fans in areas like kitchens or bathrooms, so as to extract moist air. Exhaust fans are effective in controlling humidity levels and preventing condensation.
Note: Switch on the exhaust fans of bathrooms during winters. Note that hot water (used a great deal in winter) produces a lot of steam, which condenses in a cold environment to form water vapour.
It is essential to install exhaust fans in areas like kitchens or bathrooms, so as to extract moist air. Exhaust fans are effective in controlling humidity levels and preventing condensation.
Note: Switch on the exhaust fans of bathrooms during winters. Note that hot water (used a great deal in winter) produces a lot of steam, which condenses in a cold environment to form water vapour.
5. Do not overfill wardrobes
Bedroom wardrobes, kitchen cabinets and bookshelves should not be stuffed or overfilled. Make sure that there is enough space around the clothes, books and jars for air to circulate freely, otherwise moisture will get trapped within these areas to become a breeding ground for mould or mildew. It will give rise to a musty smell.
Bedroom wardrobes, kitchen cabinets and bookshelves should not be stuffed or overfilled. Make sure that there is enough space around the clothes, books and jars for air to circulate freely, otherwise moisture will get trapped within these areas to become a breeding ground for mould or mildew. It will give rise to a musty smell.
6. Clean the mould
High humidity, dark spaces and dampness are ideal conditions for any kind of mould growth. It appears as greenish-grey spots and stains on the ceiling or walls, just as in this image.
Use vinegar to clean or kill the mould. Keep in mind that vinegar has a bleaching effect, so do not use it on surfaces that may discolour.
For a white surface: If the mould is not widespread, spray a solution of vinegar directly on the mould and leave it for one or two hours, followed by scrubbing with a solution of baking powder and water. Wipe with a damp cloth.
For a coloured surface: Mix 1/4 cup borax in 1 litre water and spray it on the affected surface. Scrub the surface with a rag till the mould is gone, wipe the area and dry it.
If the walls are severely damaged, call a professional, rectify the source of dampness and repaint the walls. Use a fungicidal solution before painting the wall.
Read more:
6 Tips to Control Dampness Within Wardrobes & Storage Cabinets
7 Tricks to Keep Your Home Smelling Fresh
Tell us:
Do you have any other suggestions on how to control humidity or dampness? Share in the Comments section below.
High humidity, dark spaces and dampness are ideal conditions for any kind of mould growth. It appears as greenish-grey spots and stains on the ceiling or walls, just as in this image.
Use vinegar to clean or kill the mould. Keep in mind that vinegar has a bleaching effect, so do not use it on surfaces that may discolour.
For a white surface: If the mould is not widespread, spray a solution of vinegar directly on the mould and leave it for one or two hours, followed by scrubbing with a solution of baking powder and water. Wipe with a damp cloth.
For a coloured surface: Mix 1/4 cup borax in 1 litre water and spray it on the affected surface. Scrub the surface with a rag till the mould is gone, wipe the area and dry it.
If the walls are severely damaged, call a professional, rectify the source of dampness and repaint the walls. Use a fungicidal solution before painting the wall.
Read more:
6 Tips to Control Dampness Within Wardrobes & Storage Cabinets
7 Tricks to Keep Your Home Smelling Fresh
Tell us:
Do you have any other suggestions on how to control humidity or dampness? Share in the Comments section below.
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One must identify the source of water seepage from the outdoors or indoors and get it rectified immediately. The main sources of water seepage are:
Look for damp patches in walls and ceilings. It is essential to repair these patches before they create more damage and convert into costly repairs.