How to prevent mould in your home: simple everyday steps that work.
Mould is one of the most common problems in UK homes, and it often starts quietly, condensation on windows, damp air in bedrooms, or a musty smell in a cupboard. Left unchecked, these conditions can quickly lead to mould growth.
This guide focuses purely on how to prevent mould before it becomes a problem. It covers clear, practical and realistic steps you can take at home to reduce moisture, improve airflow and lower the risk of mould developing in the first place.
Everything below is based on everyday living in UK homes, no jargon, no unrealistic advice, just simple habits that make a real difference.
Why mould appears in UK homes.
Mould needs three things to grow:
A surface to grow on
Time
In the UK, moisture is the biggest driver. Rain, colder temperatures and modern, well‑sealed homes mean condensation is very common, especially in kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms.
Common causes include:
Drying clothes indoors
Poor ventilation
Blocked or unused extractor fans
Cold surfaces meeting warm, moist air
Small leaks or plumbing issues
Everyday things you can do to prevent mould.
These are simple habits that make a big difference over time.
1. Ventilate little and often.
Fresh air is one of the most effective mould preventers.
Open windows for 10–15 minutes each day, even in winter
Always open windows after showering or cooking if possible
Keep trickle vents open if your windows have them
Tip: You don’t need to leave windows open all day, short, regular bursts are enough.
2. Use extractor fans properly.
Extractor fans only work if they’re used correctly.
Turn them on when cooking or showering
Leave them running for at least 15–20 minutes afterwards
Clean fan covers regularly so airflow isn’t restricted
If your fan is noisy, weak or doesn’t vent outside, it may not be doing its job properly.
3. Be mindful when drying clothes indoors.
Drying washing inside releases a lot of moisture into the air.
If you must dry clothes indoors:
Dry them in one room, not spread throughout the house
Keep the door closed
Open a window slightly
Use an extractor fan or dehumidifier if you have one
Avoid drying clothes on radiators where possible, this traps moisture in the room.
4. Heat your home consistently.
Cold surfaces attract condensation.
Aim for steady, low‑level heating rather than short bursts
Keep internal doors open during the day to allow air movement
Avoid letting rooms drop to very low temperatures
You don’t need your home to be hot, just consistently warm enough to reduce cold spots.
5. Move furniture slightly away from walls.
Mould often forms behind wardrobes, sofas and beds.
Leave a small gap (around 5–10cm) between furniture and external walls
Avoid overfilling wardrobes
Allow air to circulate behind large items
6. Wipe away condensation daily.
If you see water, remove it.
Wipe windows and sills each morning in colder months
Dry bathroom tiles and shower screens after use
Pay attention to corners and window seals
This simple habit prevents moisture soaking into surfaces.
Summary: mould prevention made simple.
Preventing mould isn’t about one single fix. It’s about keeping moisture under control through ventilation, consistent heating and good everyday habits.
If you focus on:
Letting moisture escape
Keeping surfaces warm and dry
Allowing air to circulate properly
You significantly reduce the chances of mould forming in your home.
When to get advice
If you’re doing all of the above and still seeing mould appear, it’s often a sign that there’s an underlying moisture issue that needs investigating.
Catching this early can prevent further damage to the property and avoid ongoing disruption.