Maintenance Advice

This Maintenance Advice system will be able to help you with the most common household problems. Simply search for your problem and choose the most relevant article from the results.

Search Maintenance Advice

'damp' in bathroom or kitchen

You have noticed that black mildew is building up on the bathroom or kitchen ceiling or walls and tiles - condensation
 
Why?
Properties built of brickwork without a cavity are more prone to condensation. However the property will have been handed over to you without any signs of dampness and with adequate ventilation. Black mildew appears usually where there is water condensing on interior surfaces. You will probably also notice water running down the inside of the windows during cold weather The moist air within the flat reaches a cold surface (glass,tiles,outside wall). Black mould is not usually the sign of dampness coming in from outside but caused by condensation
 
Several things could therefore be happening since you moved in:
 
1. The fan to your bathroom or kitchen extract may be switched off. not working or impeded in some way. Please check that it is switched on. If there is an extract fan the fuse spur will be over the door into the bathroom. Report the problem if the fan seems to be faulty
2. There may be too many of you - the flat is let to the optimum number of people - extra guests staying on a regular basis could mean the ventiliation cannot cope.You will have to take extra measures to reduce the build up of damp air or stay at their place!
3. washing is being left on radiators - increasing the moisture content of the air. Please only hang washing on airers and use dryers if one has ben supplied
4.The heating is being put on for short periods at very high temperatures. You all go out to work so only need the heating on for a short time in the morning and evening , however this causes extremes of temperature which can lead to high moisture content in the air. Turn the heating down to a more moderate temperature (around 19-20 degrees and leave it on for a longer periods- this doesn't cost more to do)  
 
Try to:
  • keep moisture to a minimum , do not leave kettles or pans of water boiling.
 
  • keep bathroom and kitchen doors shut when cooking or bathing.
 
  • Do not block window vents or extracts and open windows when you can so that foul air can escape
 
  • Avoid putting large peices of furniture up against outside walls - this traps cold air against a cold surface
 
  • If mildew does build up it can be washed of with diluted bleach.The mildew should not then return if the measures are taken as outlined above
The co operation of residents is essential if condensation is to be reduced
 

« Back