Low-cost ways to protect your home from mould this winter

Winter can be cosy, but it also brings something nobody wants - mould. Dark spots, musty smells, and damp corners aren’t just ugly; they can make you cough, sneeze, and feel under the weather. The good news is a few simple, low-cost tweaks can keep your home warm, dry, and healthy.

Why mould loves winter

When it’s cold, we shut windows, dry clothes indoors and crank up the heating. All that trapped moisture settles on cold walls and windows, creating perfect conditions for mould. And it’s not just an eyesore; mould can irritate your eyes, nose, throat, and make breathing harder, especially if you have asthma.

Here are some simple ways to keep it under control.

Let the air flow

Fresh air is your best friend. Opening windows or doors for 10 minutes a day, especially after cooking or showering, helps moisture escape. Open one room at a time and close the door to keep heat in.

Extractor fans are great for clearing steam. If you don’t have one, leave a window slightly open. Keep furniture a few inches from walls so air can circulate and let sunlight in whenever possible, as it dries moisture naturally.

Control moisture

Wipe condensation from windows and walls each morning. A microfibre cloth or squeegee (£2-£5) does the job. And fix leaks quickly. A small tap repair (£30-£50) can help avoid bigger damage later.

Dry clothes outside when you can or use a vented tumble dryer. Avoid drying on radiators too, as a single load can release up to two litres of moisture into the air. Small dehumidifiers (£20-£30) or refillable moisture traps (£1-£3) are perfect for wardrobes, small rooms, and window ledges.

Stay warm

Keeping a steady temperature helps prevent condensation. If heating your whole home isn’t an option, focus on the coldest room or the one you spend the most time in. Oil-filled radiators (£25-£40) are cheap to run, and adding thermal curtains (£20) and draft excluders (£5-£10) can really lock in warmth.

Energy bills can be tough, but there’s support out there. Schemes like the Warm Home Discount, Winter Fuel Payment, and ECO4 can help with heating, insulation or even a new boiler. Some charities and local community groups also offer grants or vouchers to help with energy costs, heaters, or insulation.

Clean mould safely

If mould appears, protect yourself with gloves and a mask. But skip the bleach, as it doesn’t kill roots on porous surfaces. Instead, mix white vinegar and warm water (1:2), spray, leave an hour, then wipe and dry. Vinegar costs less than £1 and works well.

Store-bought sprays (£3-£6) are also fine.

Persistent mould may signal a bigger damp problem. If it doesn’t clear up, you should call in a professional.

If you rent

Your landlord has a legal duty to keep your home safe and free from hazards, including serious mould. Make sure you report any mould in writing, take photos and keep a record of messages. If your landlord doesn’t act, your local council’s environmental health team can step in. You can easily find their contact details on  GOV.UK's "Find your local council" page - just enter your postcode.

If mould affects your health, especially with asthma or allergies, speak to your GP.