Small routine habit in the kitchen can reduce condensation in your home

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You can take simple steps to help lessen condensation in your home (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
You can take simple steps to help lessen condensation in your home (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

The cold weather is here and with it comes the increased chance of condensation - and mould - in our homes. Condensation forms when warm air meets a cold surface, so when it gets chillier outside and it's warmer inside, condensation appears on windows.

It's no secret that condensation can cause health problems, along with damage to paint, plaster and woodwork. At the milder end of the scale, people can experience runny noses, sore throats and coughing as a result of condensation.

More seriously, persistent damp indoors can be a breeding ground for the toxic black mould, stachybotrys chartarum, which has been directly connected to severe respiratory problems and much more. A significant portion of childhood asthma cases have been linked to condensation, according to the World Health Organisation.

So, it's important to keep our homes condensation-free - and that comes down to good ventilation. While a number of people have purchased dehumidifiers for the home, there are simple additional steps you can take to help tackle the issue.

Chris Michael, managing director of UK air treatment specialist , shared some of his top tips with . First up, the kitchen. When it comes to cooking, use an extractor fan if you can, always put lids on your saucepans, and open a window or door to help excess steam escape.

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Similarly, you should always open a window after using the shower or bath and leave it open for at least 10 minutes with the door closed to vent any excess moisture. It's also advisable to give your windows a wipe down every morning to get rid of the excess moisture and prevent the build-up of mould.

Adam Pawson, property expert at , said: "If your home is suffering from condensation, dampness or mould, the best thing you can do is to try and improve the ventilation inside. Try to regularly open windows to allow air to move freely and let moist air escape from the property. Ventilation systems such as extractor fans can also massively help to reduce the condensation in your home."

Other helpful ways to reduce humidity in your home can include upgrading your bathroom and kitchen extractor fans so they are more efficient. You can also go green; we previously shared for reducing condensation and mould in the home.

Houseplants can be a good natural way to bring moisture levels down in the air, creating a less hospitable environment for Chris Bonnett from GardeningExpress.co.uk said: "Mould thrives in small spaces, especially bathrooms where there is a lot of excess moisture. Instead of using chemicals or an electric dehumidifier, adding a houseplant to the bathroom is a simple and natural solution to fight mould in a small, humid room.

"Adding greenery also purifies the air and adds a refreshing touch to your bathroom. It's important to keep in mind that not all plants are well-adjusted to damp conditions."

Gemma Strong

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