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Student Housing
#1 Student Lettings Agency
Damp and mould—two words no student wants to see in their home. But let’s face it: they’re a common issue, especially in older student properties. The good news is that most damp and mould problems can be managed—and often prevented—with a few simple steps and a bit of know-how.
Let’s break down what’s going on, why it happens, and what you can do about it.
Damp is a sign that unwanted moisture has made its way into your home. It usually shows up in ground-floor rooms or corners, but it can appear anywhere if conditions are right. There are a few different types of damp:
Rising damp comes up from the ground and works its way into your walls, often leaving tide-mark stains.
Penetrating damp happens when water sneaks in through cracks or gaps in your building’s walls—usually thanks to rainwater finding its way in.
However, the most common cause of mould is actually condensation. When warm, moist air inside the house (from activities like cooking, showering, or even breathing) hits a cold surface—like a window or an uninsulated wall—it cools down and turns into water droplets. That’s condensation. If left unchecked, it can create the perfect environment for mould to grow.
Believe it or not, living your normal student life adds moisture to the air in your home. Cooking a big dinner, making a cuppa, taking a shower, drying clothes indoors—these all release water vapour that eventually needs to go somewhere. Even chatting with your housemates, sleeping, or snoring can contribute!
When this moist air can’t escape—often because the windows are closed to keep the cold out—it hits the colder surfaces in your home, creating condensation.
The key to preventing mould is managing the moisture in your home. One of the simplest ways to do this is by letting fresh air in. Try to open your windows regularly—even just for 10 minutes a day—especially when cooking or showering. This helps the moist air escape instead of building up on walls and windows.
Another simple trick? Keep your doors open inside the house to allow air to circulate. Stagnant air is a friend to mould, but moving air keeps it away.
If you’ve got large pieces of furniture like wardrobes or bookshelves against outside walls, pull them out a few inches. This allows air to flow behind them and prevents moisture from getting trapped.
When it comes to drying laundry, do your best to avoid drying clothes indoors—especially on radiators. If that’s not possible, try to keep the room ventilated by opening a window and shutting the door so the moisture doesn’t spread throughout the house.
And here’s a tip from the experts: pop a lid on your pots and pans when cooking. It might seem small, but it stops loads of steam from escaping and adding even more moisture to your kitchen.
Even with the best efforts, you might still spot a patch of mould now and again. Don’t panic—it’s usually easy to sort out.
Start with a light, non-abrasive sponge and a good-quality anti-mould spray. Gently wipe the affected area in a circular motion, taking care not to damage the paint. Once it’s clean, give the wall a final spritz with the anti-mould spray to help stop it from coming back.
A quick heads-up: Astonish anti-mould spray (you can grab it at Poundland) is cheap and effective, so there’s no need to break the bank.
Sometimes what looks like damp or mould is actually a sign of something more serious—like a leak in the ceiling or a crack in the chimney. If you notice large or spreading patches, persistent water stains, or black marks that keep coming back, it’s time to get in touch with your landlord or property manager.
At Student Housing, you can report issues easily through our maintenance page at www.Student-Housing.co.uk/Fix.
Damp and mould might seem like a hassle, but with a few simple habits and a bit of ventilation, you can keep them under control. Remember, it’s not a reflection of your cleaning skills—mould is just moisture that’s got nowhere to go. Keep the air moving, watch the condensation, and tackle any small patches quickly.
If you’ve got any questions or need a hand, don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’re here to help keep your student home healthy, safe, and comfortable.
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#1 Student Lettings Agency
Student Housing is a top-rated student lettings agency offering fully furnished, bills-included accommodation across Lincoln, Nottingham, and Hull. Run by former students, we provide hassle-free, transparent housing tailored for university life.
