Why Is There Mould in My Home?

Wondering why mould keeps appearing in your home? You're not alone. Here's a clear, honest look at the common causes of household mould – and what you can do about it.

Why Does Mould Appear in Homes in Kent?

If you’ve just spotted mould in your home, you're not the only one, and it’s not your fault. Mould is far more common in homes than people often realise.

At ClearCo, we specialise in mould treatment across Kent, and we’ve seen it all – from the odd patch in a bathroom corner to widespread mould growth behind furniture and walls.

Exterior of a traditional Kent terraced house with light condensation on the window, showing a realistic and relatable UK home in soft natural light

What Is Mould and Why Does It Grow in Homes?

Mould is a type of fungus that thrives in damp, humid environments. It spreads by releasing tiny airborne spores that settle and grow when they land on moist surfaces.

So, mould appears in your home when there’s excess moisture, often combined with poor ventilation or condensation. It’s not about how “clean” your home is, it’s about moisture control.

Top Reasons Mould Appears in Kent Homes

1. Condensation from Daily Life

Older properties and poorly ventilated rooms across Kent, especially in areas like Canterbury and Whitstable, often trap everyday moisture from cooking, showering, or drying clothes indoors. That moisture settles, and mould follows.

2. Rising Damp or Leaks

Leaky roofs, cracked brickwork or poor drainage allow moisture into the structure. Mould often grows out of sight in these cases, behind walls, under carpets, or in lofts.

3. Poor Ventilation

A lot of homes across the South East are now so well-insulated that airflow is restricted. Without proper ventilation (like extractor fans or trickle vents), humidity builds up fast, especially in bathrooms and kitchens.

4. Cold Rooms or Unused Spaces

Rooms that aren’t heated regularly, like guest bedrooms or north-facing walls, stay cold and attract condensation. These are often the first places we find mould when visiting homes in places like Maidstone or Tonbridge.

5. Past Flooding or Water Damage

If your home has ever had a leak or flood, the materials may still be holding moisture beneath the surface. Mould can develop weeks or months later if the area wasn’t treated properly at the time.

Close-up of light mould growth around a window frame in a UK home, showing common signs of damp and condensation issues.

What Does Mould Look Like?

It’s not always the classic black spots. Mould can be:

  • Black or green (common in bathrooms and window frames)

  • Grey or white (often in colder areas)

  • Musty smelling before it’s even visible

Common places we find mould in Kent homes:

  • Around windows and sills

  • In bathrooms and shower rooms

  • Behind wardrobes or cupboards

  • On exterior-facing walls

  • Inside lofts or under floorboards

Is It Normal to Have Mould in My Home?

Yes – and no one should make you feel embarrassed about it. We talk to people every week in areas such as Ashford, Canterbury, Medway, and across Kent who are dealing with the same issue.

What matters is that it’s sorted properly, not just covered up.

How Do I Stop Mould from Coming Back?

To stop mould for good, you need to deal with:

  1. The visible mould

  2. The root of the mould

  3. The moisture or ventilation issue that caused it

That’s where ClearCo comes in. We offer three service levels:

  • Refresh – for fast, effective mould removal

  • Shield – to reduce the chances of it coming back

  • Pure – for those who want an extra clean, health-conscious home

Every visit includes practical tips on improving airflow and preventing future issues.

Mould-free home interior with clean white walls, natural light, and a visible dehumidifier, showing a fresh, healthy living space with good air circulation.

Need Help with Mould in Your Kent Home?

We’re ClearCo – a local, family-run mould remediation company based here in Kent. We started because we were fed up with the big firms overcharging and underdelivering.

We believe in:

  • Friendly, honest advice

  • No scare tactics

  • Proper mould treatment that lasts

Get in touch today for a no-pressure chat and clear advice on how we can help.

Serving: Canterbury | Ashford | Maidstone | Tunbridge Wells | Medway | Thanet | and surrounding areas across all of Kent.

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The Different Types of Mould You Might Find in a Building (And What They Look Like).